Firearm enthusiasts have flocked in droves to the internet over the past decade, enticed by the efficiency and privacy of online shopping. Popularized by gun broker.com, eCommerce is an effective method for selling and shipping firearms, ammunition, and accessories.
Regardless, online shipments of firearms require careful attention, as shipping a gun across the country can open up a pandora’s box of questions concerning how to properly abide by the laws, regulations, and shipping requirements that apply to firearms shipment ( for detailed tips on legal shipping requirements, check out this UPS post).
On top of that, it's essential to know the best practices to ensure that firearm shipments arrive unscathed and in tip-top-shape. Continue reading to learn a few tips that will help alleviate a few of the troubles associated with shipping firearms.
The Gun Type Affects Shipping
Depending on whether you're shipping a handgun or a long gun, there are different restrictions on how to properly ship the gun. It also makes a difference whether a gun is antique or modern (any gun made after 1898). All longer guns are prone to stock breakage at the wrist during shipment, making it worthwhile to reinforce the wrist are of the gun.Additionally, sights, muzzles, and bolt handles all can puncture the packaging if not carefully packaged. This highlights the importance of secure shipping methods. Check out the NRA Museum's website for more tips to help ship guns and ammo.
How To Combat Over-Labeling Theft
Put an address label on all sides of the box— a package labeled using this method will be looked over by a prospective thief, since he or she must now try to cover up six labels instead of only one. This is too much of a risk for many chiefs, considering that the areas where these packages are sorted are often under electronic surveillance.
If the package you are shipping is valued over $1,000 USD, inform the driver who picks it up and have him initial the pickup record. There’s a simple reason for this approach: according to the American Shooting Journal, high value packages are audited and are separated from other packages. They are not sorted or run over conveyor belts, and they are subject to a chain-of-custody type of procedure that will ensure they are not stolen.
Padding Is Essential For Safe Shipment
It’s crucial that you use bubble wrap or another form of high-quality padding. Avoid using wadded up newspaper, plastic wrap, or baby diapers, as these just options just won’t suffice. If the firearm is damaged in the shipping process, claims against the carrier may be voided if your packaging is below standard quality.The Secret To Reducing Pilferage
One of the best methods to ensure that your handgun is protected is to place it in a larger box. A. Nony Mouse, an 11 year UPS driver offers a few important suggestions to help ease the shipment process.
First, take a look at the box you are planning to ship the gun in. If the gun is small enough inside your pants or under your shirt, it is vulnerable. You are required by law to have ASR labels on shipments, however, you may not know that you can opt for a more discreet ASR label that is incorporated into the UPS tracking label. This is a good route to take, as the words “adult signature required’ are small and unnoticeable.
Perhaps more importantly, this barcode will indicate to the driver that they need to get a signature, rather than leaving the package on a door step. You can order these special tracking labels through your Customer Service rep, or you can print them yourself with the UPS shipping software.
Water-Activated Tape and Theft Deterrence
Your carton passes through several hands before it ultimately makes it to the end customer. If you are not using a quality tape like water-activated tape during transit to properly seal the carton, it might get damaged and more importantly, the products inside could be damaged. Water-activated tape literally “bonds” to the carton, providing a tamper-evident seal help keep products safe.Better Packages | Packaging Companies
Better Packages offers a full line of gummed tape dispensers, along with the Central® brand water-activated tape through its parent company, Intertape Polymer Group (IPG). Water-activated tape (also known as gummed tape, gum tape, Kraft paper tape, reinforced paper tape) is designed to create a superior seal on your corrugated cartons while providing advantages other carton sealing methods do not.
Central brand water-activated carton sealing tape is offered in a wide range of paper and reinforced gummed paper tape styles, roll lengths and widths to best fit your carton sealing needs. It is the preferred choice of packaging specialists when quality, strength, security and professional appearance are critical.
Still wondering if water activated tape is right for your packaging company? Request a sample and explore the enhanced carton sealing solutions for yourself.