Shipping a gun safe can be complex and challenging. If you're looking for ideas and tips on sending a gun safely, you are in the right place. You can ensure a safe and secure transportation experience with proper preparation and precautions.
Key Takeaways:
- Planning, preparing, notifying, packaging, and following up are essential for shipping.
- The weight, size, and distance determine your safe's shipping fee.
- USPS prohibits firearm shipments.
- Shipping gun parts requires compliance with relevant federal, state, and local laws.
Service members can ship firearms' safes to their next duty stations, which doesn't count against household goods' weight allowances. Here's how to ship a gun safe.
How to Ship a Gun Safe in Five Steps
To ship gun safes, follow the following easy steps.
- Plan and research your options.
- Notify the courier and the recipient.
- Prepare your gun safe for shipping.
- Package and load your safe securely.
- Follow up and ensure delivery.
1. Plan and Research Your Options
Determine the dimensions and how heavy your gun safe is to ensure you can transport it safely. Research what you need to load your safe to the carrier, as this is a key part of your shipment. Hiring a professional safe mover is the safest option for a larger safe.
Smaller safes like smaller fireproof gun safes have grips which makes it easy to carry them around yourself, but for heavier unportable safes it would be best to look into different shipping options, such as freight carriers, moving companies, and specialized gun-safe transport services. Get quotes from several providers and compare their rates and services.
2. Prepare Your Firearm Safe for Shipping
Empty the contents of your gun safe and secure any loose items or accessories. Empty gun safes ensure gun safety while shipping firearms.
Securely lock the door of your gun safe and tape it shut with heavy-duty tape. Also, cover your gun safe with a moving blanket or plastic wrap to protect it from scratches and dents during transport.
3. Notify the Carrier and the Recipient
Inform the carrier that you are shipping a safe. Provide them with the weight and dimensions of your safe and other details, like whether you are moving a gun safe in your apartment, basement or somewhere else, because the moving tehniques may vary.
Contact the recipient and inform them that a gun safe and the carrier's tracking number are on the way. Confirm that the recipient has adequate space and equipment to receive and unload the gun safe.
4. Package and Load Your Gun Safe Safely and Securely
If you are transporting the safe yourself, use moving equipment such as a forklift or a hydraulic lift to load your gun safely onto the shipping truck. You will need hand trucks to move your gun safe to where a forklift can reach it. However, bear in mind that hand trucks are meant for lighter safes, but depending on their built will move a gun safe weighing up to 1000 pounds and more.
Then position the safe securely for proper packaging. Use high-quality supporting straps or chains to secure your safe to the pallet or skid to prevent it from shifting or toppling off during transport. Also, use a heavy-duty pallet or skid to support your safe during transportation. Double-check everything before starting the journey.
5. Follow Up and Ensure Delivery
Track your shipment online or keep in touch with the driver and the principal office of the moving company. Also, confirm with the recipient that they have received the gun safe and inspect it for any damage or defects.
Lastly, keep all documentation related to the shipment, including receipts, bills of lading, and any other relevant paperwork.
How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Safe?
The cost of shipping a gun safe can vary depending on the shipment's weight, size, and distance. However, it costs between $200 to $1,000 or more on average, so you should do your research before buying a gun safe. Here are some estimated prices from courier services.
- FedEx offers freight shipping services for gun safes that are over 150 lbs. The shipping cost can range from $200 to $500 or more, depending on the distance and size of the safe.
- UPS also offers freight shipping services for gun safes. The shipping cost can range from $300 to $1,000 or more, depending on the shipment's size, weight, and distance.
- The United States Postal Service does not allow the shipping of gun safes due to size and weight restrictions.
- ABF Freight offers LTL (less-than-truckload) shipping services for gun safes. The shipping cost ranges from $200 to $600 or more, depending on the size and weight of the shipment.
- YRC Freight also offers LTL shipping services for gun safes. The shipping cost ranges from $300 to $700 or more, depending on the size and weight of the shipment.
Note: The above prices are only estimates and can vary based on the specific shipment requirements.
Does USPS Know if You Ship Firearms?
Yes, the United States Postal Service (USPS) has strict regulations on the how to transport firearms and is aware of packages containing guns. USPS prohibits mailing hand-guns, rifles, and shotguns.
When shipping a firearm, the USPS requires the shipper to declare that the package contains a gun. They should then fill out specific forms to verify compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. That includes verifying that the recipient has a federal firearms license or is otherwise legally eligible to receive the firearm.
FAQs
Can You Move a Safe With a Hand Truck?
Yes, you can move a safe with a hand truck, but it depends on the size and weight of the safe. A hand truck is a valuable tool for moving smaller gun safes that weigh up to 600 pounds. However, you'll require professional movers and the right equipment for larger safes.
How Much Does a Gun Safe Weigh?
Smaller gun safes can weigh around 100-200 pounds. Larger ones can weigh up to 1,000 pounds or More.
How Much Weight Can a Hand Truck Move?
A hand truck can typically move loads up to 600 pounds, depending on its quality. However, a hand truck's capacity can vary based on the specific hand truck's design and construction.
Is It Legal to Ship Firearms Parts via USPS?
Shipping gun parts via USPS is legal if the parts aren't classified as firearms under federal law, such as barrels, frames, or magazines. However, the shipment of gun parts is subject to specific requirements, such as complying with all applicable federal, state, and local laws.