Transportation and Shipping of Loaded Ammunition

by Lew Curtis, revised May 12, 2008
Source: http://cartridgecollectors.org/shipping.htm

Introduction: The shipment of loaded small arms ammunition and the transportation of ammunition in checked airline luggage is regulated by the federal government and sometimes by state governments. In addition it is regulated by the companies that ship the ammunition and by the commercial airlines that transport the baggage. All of these rules are subject to change, and do change regularly. Always call and check on the current rules before shipping ammunition or carrying ammunition in your checked baggage.

THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS PROVIDED AS GENERAL GUIDANCE ONLY, AND IS NOT NECESSARILY ACCURATE OR DEFINITIVE. IT IS ONLY THE AUTHOR'S BEST UNDERSTANDING OF THE RULES AND REGULATIONS AT THE TIME OF PREPARATION IN EARLY 2008.

Shipping loaded ammunition in the United States :The first rule is that LOADED AMMUNITION MAY NEVER BE SHIPPED THROUGH THE US MAIL. The United States Postal Service will not allow shipment of loaded ammunition. Inert ammunition and components may be sent through the mail, but should be clearly marked as inert on a small note included inside the package to prevent a misunderstanding.

Both the United Parcel Service (UPS) and Federal Express (FedEx) will provide ground shipment of loaded small arms ammunition up through .50 caliber. For packages up to 20 pounds, the ammunition must be packed in boxes with at least a 200 pound bursting strength and be marked on the outside:

ORM-D
Small Arms Ammunition

Again, this information may be dated and you should check with the companies' hazardous materials information hotlines:

UPS (800) 554-9964
FedEx (800) 762-3725 and follow dialing instructions or (901) 344-3000

The transportation of small arms ammunition is regulated by the Federal government in 49CFR173.63 (link to document at Note 1 below). This regulation also defines packaging requirements. To determine the specific hazardous material code for ammunition (UN code) other than that which 49CFR173.63 authorized to be shipped as ORM-D, contact the Department of Transportation Hazardous Materials Hotline (800) 467-4922.

The ATF also regulates the interstate transportation of small arms ammunition. A Federal Firearms License (FFL) is not required to either ship or receive small arms ammunition shipped interstate in the US . Basically the ATF, in 27 CFR 178 (specifically 27 CFR 178.32 & 99), (http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_02/27cfr178_02.html) prohibits the shipment of armor piercing ammunition and prohibits the shipment of any ammunition to a person known to:

Be under 21 years of age
Live in a state where the shipment is prohibited
Be under indictment for, or, has been convicted in any court of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding 1 year
Be a fugitive from justice
Be an unlawful user of or addicted to any controlled substance
Be an alien illegally or unlawfully in the United States

If you do not know the person you are shipping the ammunition to, you may want to have the person sign a statement certifying that they meet the requirements listed above.

Again, this information is the author's best understanding from reading 27 CFR 178 and may not be accurate. If you have any questions you should contact the ATF at (202) 927-7772.