mailing ammo?

[cadence2arms]

I have some ammo stored that I might be willing to put up for sale (9mm, .45, and some others). Just wondering what is the best way to go about shipping. Do I have to notify someone what it is before I ship it? Or can I just wrap it up and put postage on it?

[Curmudgeon]

I call dibs on the .45!

[Curmudgeon]

I have some ammo stored that I might be willing to put up for sale (9mm, .45, and some others). Just wondering what is the best way to go about shipping. Do I have to notify someone what it is before I ship it? Or can I just wrap it up and put postage on it?

Google is a wonderful thing.

Here are the Department of Transportation regulations for shipping small arms ammunition:

Code of Federal Regulations, Title 49, Part 173

173.63 Packaging exceptions

(b) Cartridges, small arms, and cartridges power devices. (1) Cartridges, small arms and cartridges power devices (which are used to project fastening devices) which have been classed as a Division 1.4S explosive may be reclassed, offered for transportation, and transported as ORM-D material when packaged in accordance with paragraph (b)(2) of this section; such transportation is excepted from the requirements of subparts E (Labeling) and F (Placarding) of part 172 of this subchapter. Cartridges, small arms, and cartridges power devices that may be shipped as ORM-D material is limited to:

(i) Ammunition for rifle, pistol, or shotgun;
(ii) Ammunition with inert projectiles or blank ammunition;
(iii) Ammunition having no tear gas, incendiary, or detonating explosive projectiles;
(iv) Ammunition not exceeding 12.7 mm (50 caliber or 0.5 inch) for rifle or pistol, cartridges or 8 gauge for shotshells; and
(v) Cartridges power devices which are use to project fastening devices.

(2) Packaging for cartridges, small arms, and cartridges power devices as ORM-D material must be as follows:
(i) Ammunition must be packed in inside boxes, or in partitions which fit snugly in the outside packaging, or in metal clips;
(ii) Primers must be protected from accidental initiation;
(iii) Inside boxes, partitions or metal clips must be packed in securely-closed strong outside packagings;
(iv) Maximum gross weight is limited to 30 Kg (66 pounds) per package; and
(v) Cartridges, power devices which are used to project fastening devices and 22 caliber rim-fire cartridges may be packaged loose in strong outside packagings.

Part 172 (Marking)

172.316 Packagings containing material classed as ORM-D

(a) Each non-bulk packaging containing a material classed as ORM-D must be marked on at least one side or end with the ORM-D designation immediately following or below the proper shipping name of the material (Cartridges, Small Arms). The ORM designation must be placed within a rectangle that is approximately 6.3 mm (0.25 inches) larger on each side that the designation.

(b) The marking ORM-D is the certification by the person offering the packaging for transportation that the material is properly described, classed, packaged, marked and labeled (when appropriate) and in proper condition for transportation according to the applicable regulations of this subchapter.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/7/76/ORM-D.png

^Image of ORM-D labeling^

[cadence2arms]

Google is a wonderful thing.




http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/7/76/ORM-D.png

^Image of ORM-D labeling^

Thanks but what does Dept of transportation have to do with UPS? I want to know whats would be easier and cheaper. US post office or fed ex, ups?

[Curmudgeon]

Thanks but what does Dept of transportation have to do with UPS? I want to know whats would be easier and cheaper. US post office or fed ex, ups?

OK, but you didn't ask about cheapest in your OP. It sounded like you were concerned about regulations, etc.

In my experience, USPS is cheaper than the "Stores" that ship for FedEx or UPS, but that varies greatly by store. They all charge a mark-up over going straight to the shipper.

How much of a mark-up? You can only inquire locally. I happen to have a store near me that ships FedEx and it is very inexpensive, but this store is a one-of-a-kind, not a chain.

The last heavy item I shipped was an entire driveshaft for a 4x4 truck. Shipping from York to Pittsburgh was less than $25, and it weighed 65lbs.
Again, that was FedEx.

[cadence2arms]

Sorry I should have been more specific. I just don't want to go to the store and have them laugh at me for the way I packaged the ammo, or I wanted to know if there was an extra charge for sending explosives or whatever they are classified as.

[Curmudgeon]

Sorry I should have been more specific. I just don't want to go to the store and have them laugh at me for the way I packaged the ammo, or I wanted to know if there was an extra charge for sending explosives or whatever they are classified as.

Yeah, ammo and/or firearms, something I"ve never shipped. That DOT site does specify govt regs for shipping ammo, including the ORM-D label.

I would think you would have to at least have that much covered. Otherwise, maybe just call ahead. I see a lot of ammo being sold here, so I'm guessing someone will be along shortly with all the answers.

I have shipped and received a lot of stuff, but not ammo.

[SauerGrapes]

I don't think the USPS ships hazardous materials, which is what ammo is classified as by the fed government. It is regulated by federal law. You can't just take it to te post office and mail it. {Your not supposed to anyway, cough cough}

[SauerGrapes]

[QUOTE=Curmudgeon;700461]I call dibs on the .45!



LOL, I forgot you have a growing family to feed.

[Xringshooter]

I think that you will find that you cannot ship ammo through USPS. UPS/FedEx is ok but the package has to be properly marked.