How To Ship Ammo: Rules and Steps for USPS, UPS, and FedEx
by EasyPost
To safely ship ammunition, you’ll need to follow federal and state laws and carrier rules. Keep reading for carrier-specific regulations, packaging tips, and ammo shipping best practices.
Can you ship ammo legally?
Yes, you can legally ship ammunition within the U.S. if you follow applicable laws and carrier regulations. This guide will include everything you need to know to get started. We’ll start by answering some common questions—for specific carrier restrictions, see the next section.
- Is ammunition considered a hazardous material? Yes, ammunition is considered a hazardous material because it’s an explosive. If it’s not packaged or handled correctly, it can cause serious damage (and potentially injuries). To avoid facing civil and criminal penalties, it’s essential to follow hazmat shipping guidelines.
- Which carriers ship ammo? It’s illegal to ship ammunition through USPS, so you’ll need to use a private carrier like FedEx or UPS.
- What shipping method can I use to send ammo? Because ammo is hazmat, it can only be transported via ground shipping—not air.
- Can I ship all types of ammunition? No. Certain types of ammo are prohibited. You’ll need to check with your carrier to learn what they will and will not transport.
Breaking down regulations by carrier
While carrier regulations around ammo shipments are similar, they each have their own policies. To make sure your shipments are compliant, we recommend contacting your carrier directly and asking about their guidelines.
For now, we’ve compiled some key information to get you started on your ammunition shipping journey.
A quick note: Understanding limited quantities
The term limited quantity refers to shipments that contain small enough amounts of hazardous materials that they qualify for reduced regulatory requirements.
In other words, if the amount of hazmat in each package stays below a certain threshold, it’s considered a limited quantity and doesn’t require the same level of labeling, packaging, or documentation as fully regulated hazmat shipments. However, carriers still have labeling and transportation rules for limited quantity shipments.
The information below applies to limited quantity ammunition shipments.
Does USPS ship ammo?
No, USPS will not ship ammo of any type (though they do allow firearm shipments). Learn more about their shipping restrictions here.
Does UPS ship ammo?
Yes, UPS allows ammunition shipments. For ammunition that’s classified as “cartridges, small arms,” you don’t need a special agreement with UPS. To ship other types of ammunition, you’ll need a contract.
Types of ammunition
To be considered “cartridges, small arms” by UPS, ammunition must meet the following requirements:
- Cannot exceed 12.7 mm (50 caliber or 0.5 inch) for rifle or pistol cartridges
- Cannot exceed 8 gauge for shotgun shells
- Ammunition with inert projectiles or blank ammunition is acceptable
Locations and shipping method
Ammunition can only be shipped via UPS Ground within the 48 contiguous United States and via ground shipping within certain parts of Alaska and Hawaii.
You cannot ship ammunition internationally with UPS.
Packaging and shipping requirements
UPS lists several packaging and shipping requirements:
- Ammunition can’t be packaged with firearms.
- It can’t be shipped to people under the age of 18.
- It has to be shipped in new corrugated packaging with internal boxes, partitioning, or metal clips.
Package pickups and dropoffs
Once your packages are prepared, it’s important to hand them over to UPS the right way.
- Do: Schedule a UPS pickup or drop packages off at a UPS Customer Center.
- Don’t: Drop your packages off at a UPS Drop Box, The UPS Store, a third-party retailer, or a UPS Access Point location.
Does FedEx ship ammo?
Yes, FedEx allows ammunition shipments, but you must be approved before you can start shipping hazardous materials. To kick off the approval process, contact your FedEx account executive or call customer service.
Locations and shipping method
Limited quantity ammunition shipments can only be sent via FedEx Ground within the 48 contiguous United States. FedEx Ground does not allow ammunition shipments to, from, or within Alaska or Hawaii.
You cannot ship ammunition internationally with FedEx.
Packaging and shipping requirements
FedEx has specific rules for packaging and shipping ammunition:
- You must be approved to ship hazardous materials before sending ammunition.
- Ammunition must be properly classified and packaged according to FedEx’s hazardous materials guidelines.
- Packages can’t weigh more than 70 pounds.
Package pickups and drop-offs
When it’s time to hand over your packages, make sure to go through the proper channels.
- Do: Schedule a pickup with FedEx.
- Don’t: Drop off ammunition shipments at FedEx Office locations, FedEx Ship Centers, FedEx Authorized ShipCenters, FedEx Drop Boxes, or any unstaffed FedEx locations.
4 steps to ship ammo
Because ammunition can be dangerous when not handled or transported properly, it’s important to package it the right way. Follow these four steps to keep your ammo shipments stable and secure.
1. Package ammunition properly
Proper packaging is the key to shipping ammunition safely and legally.
The first thing you need to know? You should never pack ammo in the same box as a firearm—it must be shipped separately.
When it comes to packaging, choose a strong, undamaged cardboard box that can handle the ammunition’s weight, preferably double-walled or even triple-walled for added durability.
Inside the box, use partitions, internal boxes, or metal clips to keep cartridges from shifting during transit. If there’s any extra space, fill it with padding to keep everything snug. A simple test: shake the box. If you hear movement, add more cushioning.
Finally, seal the box with strong packing tape, using the H-tape method to reinforce all seams and prevent it from opening in transit.
2. Add a limited quantity label
Since ammunition is classified as hazardous material, all shipments must have a limited quantity label (see an example below). This label tells carriers that the package should be handled according to safety regulations.
Print two copies of the label and place them on opposite sides of the box.
Avoid labeling the package with anything that identifies it as ammunition. Not only is it illegal, it’s also unnecessary and could attract unwanted attention. Keeping the box discreet helps ensure a smoother, more secure delivery.
3. Choose your shipping method and extra services
Once your package is ready, it’s time to choose a shipping carrier and service.
Ammunition must be sent via ground shipping, so UPS Ground or FedEx Ground are both good options.
Before finalizing the shipment, verify that the buyer’s address is correct and valid—this simple step can prevent major headaches like failed deliveries and incorrect address fees.
To protect your shipment and make sure it’s received by an adult, you should require signature confirmation of delivery. Adding shipping insurance is also a smart (though optional) move, as it protects your business from financial loss in case of loss, damage, or theft.
4. Hand off the package to the carrier
Almost there! Your last step is making sure your package gets into the right hands.
As mentioned above, both UPS and FedEx have restrictions about package handoffs when it comes to hazardous materials. If you’re shipping with UPS, schedule a pickup or drop your package off at a UPS Customer Center. If you’re shipping with FedEx, schedule a pickup. Either way, make sure to notify the carrier that you’re shipping ammunition.
Finally, remember to share the tracking number with your customer so they can monitor the shipment.
How much does it cost to ship ammo?
The cost of shipping ammo depends on many factors, including carrier rates, additional handling fees, package weight, shipping distance, and the cost of services like signature confirmation of delivery or shipping insurance.
Ship ammunition confidently with EasyPost
No matter how well you prepare, things will sometimes go wrong during shipping. Products might be lost in transit, damaged, or even stolen from doorsteps after delivery has been completed.
To make sure your ammunition shipments arrive safely and securely, consider protecting them with EasyPost Shipping Insurance. Unlike carrier liability coverage, which doesn’t protect against porch piracy, EasyPost’s insurance covers theft (as well as loss and damage).
With a flat rate of just 1% of a product’s declared value, it’s also one of the most affordable solutions available.