USPS not ready for prime time!

[claws]

My CW9 that I bought off of a GunBroker seller was supposed to be delivered to my FFL holder today. I checked the status of the delivery and was informed that it was "missent" this morning. Missent (not a real word) means it was misrouted. This is especially aggravating since I paid for Priority Mail and, had it been delivered today, I would have been able to start the paper work and had my pistol in 10 days, just in time to take the gun with me on a week long camping trip in one of our National Forests.

I guess the lesson to be learned from this is that if you want something done right, don't pay the government to do it!

End Rant

Kim

[ltxi]

Well, if they do deliver it late without discovering it's a handgun count yourself lucky.

[nuke]

I just had some ammo "missent" by the USPS. Only 1 day late but still, just another thorn in my side...

[ltxi]

This all just really hurts my head.

[chrish]

I agree, incompetence abounds in the USPS. And the thought of firearms ending up who knows where is a bit unnerving too.

but the ability to ship a handgun for $6 vs $60 due to stupid UPS and FedEx policies is much more appealing when I've had to ship them.

I just insure them and let the chips fall where they may.

[claws]

I agree, incompetence abounds in the USPS. And the thought of firearms ending up who knows where is a bit unnerving too.

but the ability to ship a handgun for $6 vs $60 due to stupid UPS and FedEx policies is much more appealing when I've had to ship them.

I just insure them and let the chips fall where they may.

Good point. I just hope the seller insured the gun for what I paid for it. Guess I'll find out if it turns up missing instead of being "missent".

[Lentevan]

I will both defend and bash with you. first off mistakes happen with any shipper, but I agree it does seem to happen far more often with my lovely employer. I personally always choose the competition when shipping anything even if it's at in increase in cost. I'm sure they'll find it and have it going to the proper destination in no time, we've learned how to deal with these well from experience. If you call just remember honey will get more flies then vinegar, I hate dealing with ignorant customers that berate me fit someone else's mistake when I'm doing my best to help them on the days I get to wear the white hat.

my rant being over, as you were.

[kahrseye]

I know how you feel. Recently I purchased a Magpul rear flip up sight for my AR 15. I purchased it on May 1, with a delivery date of May 7. I live north of Pittsburgh. Below is the shipment record.

Date Time Location Event Details
May 11, 2013 10:03:00 AM Forest Park IL US Departure Scan
May 11, 2013 --- Forest Park IL US Departure Scan
May 10, 2013 08:53:00 AM Hazelwood MO US Departure Scan
May 10, 2013 --- Hazelwood MO US Departure Scan
May 8, 2013 05:54:00 AM Jersey City NJ US Departure Scan
May 8, 2013 --- Jersey City NJ US Departure Scan
May 4, 2013 04:00:00 PM Pittsburgh PA US Shipment received by carrier
May 4, 2013 --- US Shipment has left seller facility and is in transit to carrier

When it showed up in Pittsburgh I thought I'd see it on time.......until they shipped it to NEW JERSEY! They're still showing a delivery date of May 7! IDIOTS.

[muggsy]

It's Bush's fault. Obama tried to straighten out the USPS, but he had no idea how badly Bush had screwed it up. Congress is working on a postal reform bill, so it shouldn't be long before the USPS, which is a total SNAFU, becomes a major FUBAR.

[JFootin]

I have had a couple of shipments misrouted by the USPS lately.


Well, if they do deliver it late without discovering it's a handgun count yourself lucky.

What do you mean? If the GB seller is an FFL dealer, he can send using USPS.

[Longitude Zero]

It is called Snail Mail for a reason.

[blitz]

....

[chrish]

My biggest beef w/ the USPS has always been their 'tracking', not that I'd call it that. But if UPS and FedEx can tell me when the driver farts, I expect at least minimal up to date information from the USPS. But frequently the tracking is never updated throughout the course of the delivery process. Otherwise, I've had mostly good luck w/ them.

Well, wait, that's not my biggest beef. That would be the fact that its subsidized w/ my tax dollar and is allowed to continually loose money. Raise the price of postage to the break-even level and stop using my tax dollars to pay for it. I should not have to pay for the entire country to mail their stupid hallmark cards, everybody should pay their own way!

(my soapbox for the day)

[Salty]

Using USPS for shipping a handgun is a problem. A common or contract carrier must be used to ship a handgun. As I understand it, handguns are not mailable thru USPS. FED-EX overnight has been the preferred carrier for my transactions. Which is why it cost about $30 to ship a handgun and only $20 for a longgun.

[Bawanna]

FFL dealers I believe can use USPS or some of the others that private parties can not.

Even UPS and Fed Ex sometimes have to be shipped from Hubs and many mailbox type shops won't ship guns no matter what carrier you choose.

[chrish]

Yes, an FFL can use USPS to ship a handgun. The rest of us mere mortals cannot.

I have an FFL contact that does it for me at no charge for private sales. When he FFLs something in for me, I pay him his standard rate. So when I sell something, he ships it for me. USPS standard rate boxes. Very cheap and for under $15 you can ship, insure, track for most guns (under $600-$700). Definitely worth it.

[JFootin]

This seems to be getting worse lately. A few weeks ago, an order from up North was sorted in Charlotte and sent to 28741 instead of 28714. The tracking admitted the mistake. Took a day or 2 longer to get to me. Just the other day, an order from Texas arrived at Asheville, just 35 miles away from me. Then, it was sent all the way to Greensboro! I wonder if morale is down among USPS employees, or if this is some sort of covert protest going on.

Something else I am seeing lately is that UPS, Fedex and other commercial carriers are getting USPS to take and deliver their packages. Apparently, for delivery to my rural mountain location, they are finding that it costs THEM less than completing the delivery themselves!

[claws]

How long should I wait before I start the lost firearm/insurance process? I imagine that the seller will have to file the insurance claim but, since I have already paid for the weapon (by credit card), I want to make sure that I get my money back. Hopefully, I'm worrying prematurely and my Kahr will show up at my local dealer in the next day or so.

Kim

[ltxi]

Yes, an FFL can use USPS to ship a handgun. The rest of us mere mortals cannot.

I have an FFL contact that does it for me at no charge for private sales. When he FFLs something in for me, I pay him his standard rate. So when I sell something, he ships it for me. USPS standard rate boxes. Very cheap and for under $15 you can ship, insure, track for most guns (under $600-$700). Definitely worth it.


Didn't know that, thanks. Thought USPS had opted out of handgun shipping completely.

Don't think I'd use them though, unless the shipper accepted full responsibility for delivery. USPS claims processing is, or at least usta be, insanely bad.

[ltxi]

How long should I wait before I start the lost firearm/insurance process? I imagine that the seller will have to file the insurance claim but, since I have already paid for the weapon (by credit card), I want to make sure that I get my money back. Hopefully, I'm worrying prematurely and my Kahr will show up at my local dealer in the next day or so.

Kim

Assuming it becomes a problem....If you bought it FOB, it's your problem. Otherwise I'd hold the shipper liable for non-delivery. Credit cards are your friend.

[chrish]

Didn't know that, thanks. Thought USPS had opted out of handgun shipping completely.

Don't think I'd use them though, unless the shipper accepted full responsibility for delivery. USPS claims processing is, or at least usta be, insanely bad.

Yea, it can be pretty handy to buddy up to your friendly neighborhood FFL. But I agree, good point, you are kinda taking a big chance w/ both tracking and claim against a lost package when you use the USPS. Way more difficult than w/ UPS or FedEx.

I just recently sold my Sig P250. parted out, and all the mags/accessories I had for it. In total, the entire package went 4 different directions. It really saved me to be able to send the serialized part via USPS thru the FFL. Everything went USPS in a 5.99 box, so I shipped the whole mess for $24 to 4 people. Well, like $35 w/ insurance on the more expensive parts.

When I shipped my P9 (or was it my PM9, can't remember) to Kahr, I used FedEx and ate the cost. Getting ready to ship my P-01 to either CZ Custom or Cajun Gun Works in the next few months and I'll also go the FedEx route. When it's something I want back, not willing to risk USPS, I always go w/ a commercial carrier.

[Salty]

I pulled up the BATF Q&A's on regulations:


Nonlicensee

[18 U.S.C. 921(a)(32), 922(g)(8) and 925(a)(1)]

(B7) May a nonlicensee ship a firearm through the U.S. Postal Service?

A nonlicensee may not transfer a firearm to a non-licensed resident of another State. A nonlicensee may mail a shotgun or rifle to a resident of his or her own State or to a licensee in any State. The 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.
[18 U.S.C. 1715, 922(a)(3), 922(a)(5) and 922 (a)(2)(A)]

(B8) May a nonlicensee ship a firearm by common or contract carrier?

A nonlicensee may ship a firearm by a common or contract carrier to a resident of his or her own State or to a licensee in any State. A common or contract carrier must be used to ship a handgun. In addition, Federal law requires that the carrier be notified that the shipment contains a firearm and prohibits common or contract carriers from requiring or causing any label to be placed on any package indicating that it contains a firearm.
[18 U.S.C. 922(a)(2)(A), 922(a) (3), 922(a)(5) and 922(e), 27 CFR 478.31 and 478.30]

(B9) May a nonlicensee ship firearms interstate for his or her use in hunting or other lawful activity?

Yes. A person may ship a firearm to himself or herself in care of another person in the State where he or she intends to hunt or engage in any other lawful activity. The package should be addressed to the owner. Persons other than the owner should not open the package and take possession of the firearm.

FFL Dealers:

(F14) Who may ship handguns through the U.S. Postal Service?

Federal firearm licensees may send an unloaded handgun in the mail to another FFL in customary trade shipments. Handguns also may be mailed to any officer, employee, agent, or watchman who is eligible under 18 U.S.C. 1715 to receive pistols, revolvers, and other firearms capable of being concealed on the person for use in connection with his or her official duties.

However, postal service regulations must be followed. Any person proposing to mail a handgun must file with the postmaster, at the time of mailing, an affidavit signed by the addressee stating that the addressee is qualified to receive the firearm, and the affidavit must bear a certificate stating that the firearm is for the official use of the addressee. See the current Postal Manual for details.

The Postal Service recommends that all firearms 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. (See also Questions B7 and B8.)

USPS Regulations:

11.1.3 Authorized Persons

Subject to 11.1.4, handguns may be mailed by a licensed manufacturer of firearms, a licensed dealer of firearms, or an authorized agent of the federal government or the government of a state, territory, or district, only when addressed to a person in one of the following categories for use in the person's official duties:

a. Officers of the Army, Coast Guard, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, or Organized Reserve Corps.

b. Officers of the National Guard or militia of a state, territory, or district.

c. Officers of the United States or of a state, territory, or district, whose official duty is to serve warrants of arrest or commitment.

d. USPS employees authorized by the Chief Postal Inspector.

e. Officers and employees of enforcement agencies of the United States.

f. Watchmen engaged in guarding the property of the United States, a state, territory, or district.

g. Purchasing agent or other designated member of agencies employing officers and employees included in 11.1.3c. through 11.1.3e.

11.1.4 Affidavit of Addressee

Any person proposing to mail a handgun under 11.1.3 must file with the postmaster, at the time of mailing, an affidavit signed by the addressee setting forth that the addressee is qualified to receive the firearm under a particular category of 11.1.3a. through 11.1.3g, and that the firearm is intended for the addressee's official use. The affidavit must also bear a certificate stating that the firearm is for the official duty use of the addressee, signed by one of the following, as appropriate:

a. For officers of Armed Forces, by the commanding officer.

b. For officers and employees of enforcement agencies, by the head of the agency employing the addressee to perform the official duty with which the firearm is to be used.

c. For watchmen, by the chief clerk of the department, bureau, or independent branch of the government of the United States, the state, the territory, or the district by which the watchman is employed.

d. For the purchasing agent or other designated member of enforcement agencies, by the head of such agency, that the firearm is to be used by an officer or employee included in 11.1.3c. through 11.1.3e, Authorized Persons.

Concealable Handguns

No concealable handguns, such as pistols, revolvers, short-barreled shotguns or starter guns, may be mailed unless both parties (sending and receiving) meet the handgun exception regulation. Disassembled handguns may not be shipped through the USPS.

Handgun Exception
Licensed (FFL) manufacturers, dealers or government agents may ship a handgun to an officer in the United States military or National Guard for use within their official job duties. An Affidavit of Addressee must accompany the package.

[claws]

Well, it's 6:30pm on 5/13 and the USPS tracking page still shows the info it did on 5/11; item missent and due for delivery on 5/11 (the day it was "missent"). I'll probably contact the seller tomorrow and see how they want to proceed. If I don't get my gun, I want all of my money back. I sure hope that will not be a problem. If the seller and USPS drop the ball I'm hoping I will have an avenue of redress with my credit card company and/or Gunbroker. This whole deal is turning into a real nightmare!

Kim

[b4uqzme]

Got lucky. Shaun sent me a holster on Saturday and it arrived in today's (monday) mail already from about six states away. They must have routed it around New Jersey this time.

[claws]

Well, my CW9 finally showed up at my FFL dealer yesterday. I'm going up to start the paper work today. Guess my worries were premature. Thanks for allowing me to rant though.


Kim

[Chief Joseph]

I agree, incompetence abounds in the USPS. And the thought of firearms ending up who knows where is a bit unnerving too.

but the ability to ship a handgun for $6 vs $60 due to stupid UPS and FedEx policies is much more appealing when I've had to ship them.

I just insure them and let the chips fall where they may.

I'm sure that since UPS and FedEx are private companies and can be sued by the libtard left for promoting gun ownership by shipping guns, or any other reason, their insurance for liability is probably high. Unlike the socialist government that can do what ever it wants without fear of being sued since they are unfairly protected from it. On a truly equal playing ground, usps would already have folded decades ago, just like all government run entities.

[Bawanna]

Just like the Pony Express which is considered the worst government program ever implemented.

I was surprised to find (Buffalo Bill Museum in Cody) that with all the history surrounding it and all the famous people that rode for them, the venture only lasted about a year or less.

Kind of wish there was a way to privatized the house and senate.

[ltxi]

omg....what a great idea!

[Armybrat]

Kind of wish there was a way to privatized the house and senate.

They are already owned by Wall Street. :p