How to ship firearms
Responsible packaging can save you time and improve the safety and handling of your firearm. Follow these guidelines for your shipment.
Steps for how to ship firearms
Shippers with a Federal Firearm License
A Federal Firearm License (FFL) is required for all dealers and/or individuals who sell, manufacture, import, repair, or handle firearms in any form as a business. Shippers with a valid FFL may ship to other dealers or individuals in compliance with the rules and regulations of The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Nonlicensee shippers
Nonlicensees can ship firearms to a FFL business or a FFL holder. When shipping to a FFL holder, the holder will only release the firearm to the nonlicensed recipient identified. The recipient will be required to complete the necessary forms and pass a NICS background check.
A nonlicensee cannot ship directly to another nonlicensee from a retail location.
1. Remove all ammunition
Firearms cannot be shipped with ammunition, remove all ammo before packing the firearm. Ensure the gun safety is turned on. All rifles and shotguns should be broken down. Ammunition is a dangerous good and may never be shipped from a FedEx retail location.
2. Secure firearm in a case
Pack the firearm in a sturdy outer box or hard case with adequate cushioning, there should not be any movement heard inside when the box is shifted. We will not ship firearms that are not properly secured in a case. Re-package the firearm case in an outerbox with no identifying markers.
3. Pack and ship at a FedEx location
Our team members cannot pack firearm shipments. Packing materials and supplies are available at FedEx locations. After your firearm is packed, create a shipment at your local FedEx location with your shipping information and a payment method. We’ll take it from there.
4. Or pack and ship without visiting a FedEx location
*Image is not a representation of the box size that should be used to package this item.
Obtain a box for your shipment. Fill the bottom of the box with packing material such as loosefill peanuts or air-cellular cushion. Center the shipment inside the box and fill any empty spaces on all sides.
Using the H taping method, apply pressure-sensitive adhesive plastic tape to both the top and bottom of the carton to protect the package and its contents. Tape all seams or flaps.
NOTICE: This packaging information is provided to FedEx customers to help reduce loss or damage due to improper packaging. It is NOT intended to be a comprehensive guide for packaging items we accept for transit. We make no warranties, expressed or implied, regarding this information. Proper packaging is the sole responsibility of the shipper. For more information and comprehensive guidelines, contact the FedEx Dangerous Goods/Hazardous Materials Hotline at 1.800.GoFedEx 1.800.463.3339; press “81” or say “dangerous goods,” then press “4” for the next available dangerous goods agent. (Outside the U.S., request to speak to a dangerous goods representative.) Refer to the current FedEx Service Guide for terms, conditions, and limitations applicable to FedEx® delivery services.