Will moving companies ship firearms?
Asked by: Laney Cremin | Last update: May 30, 2026Score: 4.5/5 (9 votes)
Yes, many moving companies can ship firearms, but it's on a case-by-case basis with strict rules: guns must be unloaded, in hard lockable cases, declared in advance, and documented (serial numbers recorded); ammunition is almost universally prohibited, and you must check state laws for both origin and destination, as some movers (like U-Pack) and specific laws restrict transport, often preferring you transport them yourself or via licensed carriers like UPS/FedEx with special agreements.
Will moving companies move firearms?
Most professional moving companies will accept firearms, provided they're unloaded and locked in hard-sided containers. Some movers even specialize in firearm transfers. However, no reputable mover will transport ammunition, due to its explosive nature.
What items cannot be moved by movers?
Movers won't transport hazardous, flammable, or perishable items, live plants/pets, high-value goods (cash, jewelry, art), personal documents, and some electronics due to safety, legal, and liability reasons, requiring you to move these essential or risky items yourself. Key exclusions include chemicals, fuels, weapons, plants, perishables, and irreplaceable personal effects.
Are firearms allowed to be shipped?
The U.S. Postal Service recommends that long guns be sent by registered mail and that no marking of any kind which would indicate the nature of the contents be placed on the outside of any parcel containing firearms. Handguns are not mailable. A common or contract carrier must be used to ship a handgun.
How much would it cost to move a gun safe?
The standard pricing for moving a safe range from $175 to $525. Prices are based on the: Weight and dimensions of your safe. Distance to where it will be delivered.
How to Move Firearms and Ammunition with Full-Service Movers
Will Tractor Supply deliver a gun safe?
Yes, Tractor Supply Co. offers delivery for gun safes, often with options like "Standard Oversize Delivery," though availability and pricing (like potential $90 off promotions) vary by location and safe size, so checking the product page or contacting your local store is best to confirm delivery for a specific safe to your address.
What is the most expensive part of moving?
Moving Truck/Van Rental: Renting a moving truck or van is often the largest transportation expense. Costs depend on the truck size, mileage, fuel, and rental duration. If you're crossing state lines, expect higher charges, plus possible registration fees or liability insurance requirements.
What carrier will ship firearms?
Major carriers like UPS, FedEx, and the USPS all ship firearms, but with strict federal regulations, requiring FFL (Federal Firearms License) involvement for most transactions, especially handguns and interstate shipments; private individuals generally can't ship handguns via common carriers, while FFLs have specific agreements, and the USPS allows licensed individuals to send rifles/shotguns but not handguns (unless via specific FFL channels).
Do I have to tell UPS I'm shipping a firearm?
Yes, you must declare that you are shipping a firearm to UPS, but as a private individual, you generally cannot ship firearms directly through UPS anymore, as they now require shipments to be from and to licensed dealers (FFLs) with a specific contract, making private shipments via FFL-to-FFL services like ShipMyGun the primary option, not dropping off a boxed gun yourself. Federal law requires declaration, but UPS's strict policy means private shippers must use an FFL, who handles the UPS contract, or use USPS for long guns (not handguns) if you're a licensee or follow specific rules.
Will FedEx ship my firearm?
The FedEx Service Guide prohibits firearm shipments. However, customers holding a Federal Firearms License (FFL) may work with their FedEx account executive to obtain approval to ship firearms with FedEx. This will require customers holding an FFL to execute a FedEx Firearms Shipping Compliance Agreement.
What are red flags to watch for in movers?
Red flags for movers include demanding large cash deposits, giving only vague or verbal estimates without an in-person/virtual walkthrough, lacking proper licensing (USDOT number) or physical address, having poor online reviews, and pressuring you to sign blank or incomplete contracts. Also, watch for unprofessionalism, like unmarked trucks, no uniforms, or refusal to provide insurance/valuation information, as these often signal rogue movers.
What is the most forgotten thing when moving?
The most forgotten things when moving often fall into two categories: items in hidden spots (like lamps, wall-mounted decor, attic/garage items, and things behind doors) and essential administrative/first-day items (like changing your address, documents, phone chargers, and a first-night box with toiletries, meds, and basic tools like a plunger). Lamps, chargers, documents, and basic toiletries are top physical items, while updating your address and utilities are major forgotten tasks.
What won't a moving company move?
Movers won't transport hazardous, flammable, or perishable items, live plants/pets, high-value goods (cash, jewelry, art), personal documents, and some electronics due to safety, legal, and liability reasons, requiring you to move these essential or risky items yourself. Key exclusions include chemicals, fuels, weapons, plants, perishables, and irreplaceable personal effects.
What items will moving companies not move?
Movers won't transport hazardous, flammable, or perishable items, live plants/pets, high-value goods (cash, jewelry, art), personal documents, and some electronics due to safety, legal, and liability reasons, requiring you to move these essential or risky items yourself. Key exclusions include chemicals, fuels, weapons, plants, perishables, and irreplaceable personal effects.
How much is a typical gun transfer fee?
A typical gun transfer fee (FFL transfer) usually ranges from $20 to $75, but can be higher, varying by dealer, location, firearm type, and additional services like background checks (NICS) or NFA items. Expect to pay around $35-$100, with some places offering lower rates for members or more for complex situations.
Does UPS transport firearms?
Shipments containing Firearm Products are accepted for transportation only from shippers who are federally licensed and have an approved UPS agreement for the transportation of Firearm Products.
Does the USPS check packages for guns?
The Postal Service may require the mailer to open packages containing firearms or air guns or give written certification that the weapon is unloaded and not concealable. Short-barreled rifles or shotguns that can be concealed on the person are nonmailable.
How do firearms get shipped?
UPS will allow you to ship both rifles and handguns, but not machine guns. The US Postal Service will only allow rifles and shotguns to be shipped. FedEx will allow any types of guns to be shipped so long as they are shipped to the appropriate person.
Are guns allowed to be shipped?
Simply, long guns: yes; handguns: no. However, under federal law, a non-licensed individual may not transfer (and this would include shipping to someone) a firearm to a non-licensed resident (non-FFL) of another state.
Can firearms be shipped through the US mail?
Yes, you can mail a gun in the U.S., but rules vary significantly by carrier (USPS, UPS, FedEx), firearm type (rifle/shotgun vs. handgun), and sender/recipient (individual vs. FFL licensee), with private individuals generally restricted to sending long guns (rifles/shotguns) via USPS within their own state or to an FFL, while handguns almost always require common carriers like UPS/FedEx and must go through a Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder, with strict declarations of contents and signature requirements.
Do I need to declare a gun when shipping?
To prevent theft, your parcel should NOT have any visible markings that it contains a firearm. Declaring. To comply with federal law, you MUST declare when a package contains a firearm. That means you should complete the carrier's firearm declaration form.
Will the USPS ship firearm parts?
Parts of handguns are mailable, except for handgun frames, receivers or other parts or components regulated under Chapter 44, Title 18, U.S.C. Mailers are also subject to applicable restrictions by governments of a state, territory, or district.
What are red flags with movers?
Here are the “red flags” to look out for:
The mover or broker does not provide a written estimate or says they will determine the cost after loading. The moving company demands cash or a large deposit before the move. The mover asks you to sign blank documents.
Is $10,000 enough to move to a different state?
Yes, $10,000 can be enough to move to another state, especially with a job lined up and if moving frugally, but it depends heavily on the cost of living in your new city and your moving specifics; it covers moving expenses (often $1k-$4k+) and initial housing (deposits, first month's rent), but you should also budget for an emergency fund (3-6 months of living costs) for unexpected gaps in income or bills.
What is the 70/20/10 rule money?
The 70/20/10 rule for money is a simple budgeting guideline that splits your after-tax income into three categories: 70% for Needs (essentials like rent, groceries, bills), 20% for Savings & Investments (emergency funds, retirement), and 10% for Debt Repayment & Donations (extra debt payments or giving). It balances immediate living costs with long-term financial security, helping you cover necessities while building wealth and paying off liabilities.