How to Ship a Firearm Legally and Safely: Rules for UPS, FedEx, and USPS

Shipping a firearm is not like shipping a book or a pair of shoes. There are federal laws, carrier policies, and destination state laws that all govern the process simultaneously. Get it right, and your gun arrives safely at the FFL in two days. Get it wrong, and you’re facing federal criminal exposure and a very unhappy carrier. The rules are manageable once you understand them — here’s the complete picture.

The Critical First Rule: Always Ship to an FFL

Federal law prohibits shipping firearms directly to a private individual. Every shipment must go to a licensed FFL dealer. This applies whether you’re shipping across state lines or, in most cases, even within the same state for online sales. The FFL receives the gun, processes the transfer paperwork, and releases it to the buyer after a background check. There is no legal workaround for this requirement.

USPS Rules for Shipping Firearms

Handguns via USPS

Private individuals cannot ship handguns via USPS under any circumstances. This prohibition is absolute — USPS handgun shipments are restricted to licensed manufacturers, dealers, importers, and law enforcement agencies. Attempting to ship a handgun through USPS as a private sender is a federal crime, even if the destination is an FFL.

Long Guns via USPS

Private individuals can legally ship rifles and shotguns via USPS to a licensed FFL. Requirements: ship from a post office counter (no drop boxes or pickup), use a plain outer box without firearm markings, and ship to an FFL only (not to a private address). USPS does not require the shipper to declare the contents as a firearm — but you must not lie if asked. Priority Mail and Priority Mail Express are the most common shipping options.

UPS Rules for Shipping Firearms

UPS accepts handgun shipments from private individuals under specific conditions:

• Ship via UPS Next Day Air only for handguns (2-day is not permitted for handguns from non-FFLs)
• Declare the firearm at the UPS counter — do not use a drop box or UPS store kiosk
• Use a hard-sided locked container inside a plain outer shipping box
• Label the package with the recipient FFL’s information only — not the word “firearm”
• Rifles and shotguns can be shipped via UPS Ground from private individuals to FFLs

UPS’s firearms shipping policy is detailed and occasionally updated — review the UPS firearms shipping policy directly before each shipment to confirm current requirements.

FedEx Rules for Shipping Firearms

FedEx policies largely mirror UPS for private sender firearm shipments:

• Handguns must be shipped via FedEx Priority Overnight
• Must be declared at the FedEx counter — no drop boxes or automated kiosks
• Hard-sided locked container required inside a plain outer box
• Rifles and shotguns can ship via FedEx Ground to FFLs
• FedEx requires the shipper to be the owner of the firearm — shipping on behalf of a third party is not permitted

Packaging Requirements

Regardless of carrier, proper packaging reduces the risk of damage and ensures the gun arrives in the condition you described. Use a hard-sided case (plastic or metal) that the firearm fits without rattling. Lock the case if required by your carrier. Place the locked case inside a plain cardboard shipping box with adequate padding — bubble wrap, foam, or packing peanuts. Do not use a box with firearm brand markings on the outside. Include a copy of the bill of sale inside the box (not visible on the exterior) and note the receiving FFL’s license number on the shipping label if they’ve requested it.

What Happens if You Ship a Firearm Incorrectly

Shipping a firearm to a private individual rather than an FFL, using a prohibited carrier or method, or failing to declare a handgun are all federal violations. Penalties can include felony charges, carrier account termination, and civil liability. The firearms community is not a forgiving place for these mistakes — take the extra step to do it right. Learn how to complete the full interstate gun sale process for the complete picture from listing to delivery.

Key Takeaways

• Always ship to an FFL — never to a private individual
• Handguns cannot be shipped via USPS by private individuals; use UPS or FedEx overnight
• Long guns can be shipped via USPS, UPS, or FedEx Ground to FFLs
• Always declare firearms at the carrier counter — never use drop boxes for firearm shipments
• Use a hard-sided locked container inside a plain outer box with no firearm markings

Frequently Asked Questions About Shipping Firearms

Do I need to insure a firearm shipment?

Insurance is not federally required but is strongly recommended. A lost or damaged $800 pistol with no insurance coverage is an expensive lesson. UPS and FedEx both offer declared value coverage for firearms — ask at the counter when shipping.

Can I ship gun parts and accessories?

Most gun parts and accessories (holsters, grips, scopes, cleaning kits) can be shipped through normal channels with no special requirements. Certain regulated parts — like unfinished receivers classified as firearms — are subject to the same transfer rules as complete guns. Suppressors and other NFA items require special transfer procedures regardless of whether they’re complete.

How do I find out if a specific carrier is available for my shipment?

Call or visit the carrier’s website before going to a counter. Carrier policies for firearms are detailed online and worth reviewing in full for your specific gun type and shipment method. When in doubt, call the carrier’s commercial customer service line — they can advise on your specific situation.

What if the receiving FFL’s address is wrong on my shipment?

Contact the carrier immediately with the tracking number to request an address correction before delivery. If the package is already in transit and you can’t redirect it, contact the FFL you intended to send it to and the FFL at the incorrect address — most dealers understand these situations and will coordinate. Do not abandon a shipment.