I’ve sold a rifle and need to ship it to an FFL, insured for $1600 at buyer’s cost.
I usually go to the UPS distribution center to ship rifles. But the buyer wants the cheapest option available.

Any recommendations would be appreciated.

Just ship it USPS

Other than USPS, what are the other options? I don't know that there will be much difference in price. What is the UPS total $?

In my experience FedEx is the cheapest, USPS most expensive. Insurance is pretty worthless with all of them.

Guys, the only reason I’m asking for the cheapest way to ship insured, is because the buyer has requested it this way. I’m doing a due diligence instead of just going UPS and ship it as I usually do.

Last time I shipped with UPS, it was insured for $1000 and I think it cost me around 40-50. But I’m not sure.
I also though USPS would be the cheapest.

So with USPS, for $1600, the insurance would be $20= 4.60+16X0.9
Right?


https://about.usps.com/postal-bulletin/2007/html/pb22218/kit1_011.html
“The price per additional $100 of insurance, valued over $300 up to $5,000, is $4.60 plus $0.90 per each $100 or fraction thereof”

TDK, I'll need to check Fedex. But what's their policy for shipping rifles? With UPS I have to go to a distribution center.

Tell the buyer to select his own shipment method and insurance. Have him send you the label, you print and drop off to what company he chooses.

with Fedex or UPS youll need to go to a distribution center. Also, have a copy of the FFL on hand if they should ask. Im guessing this is an out of state buyer?

YEP

I'd do what TXGUNNER suggested.

Good idea.

I work in shipping.
And I also recommend what TXGunner suggested
On occasion, we'll have a customer wanting equipment shipped to them cheapest way possible.
If the rates I provide are still not cheap enough, they're welcome to make shipping arrangements themselves.

However, your buyer should acknowledge that cheap cost can get a cheap service.
Normally, USPS has a bad tracking service.

Hope it works out well for both of yall

I've shipped a few through UPS for under $40, although not insured for that much. FWIW, I have heard insurance is virtually worthless with all the carriers. I usually carry some but rarely the whole amount. From my experience rifles can be on the verge of the oversized package fee. The size of the box and the delivery location will probably matter more than the carrier. If using UPS, packaging should be discreet and an adult signature required at delivery. I just schedule a pickup from my house.

Getting Your Firearm Shipment to UPS
Firearms (including handguns) may be shipped only through a UPS Scheduled Pickup Account (specifically, Daily Pickup, Daily On-Route Pickup, UPS Smart Pickup®, and Day-Specific Pickup), or through a UPS Customer Center (counters at UPS operational facilities). Note: Firearms (including handguns) are not accepted for shipment via UPS Drop Boxes or UPS On-Call Pickup®, and may not be tendered to or dropped off at locations of The UPS Store®, any third party retailer, or any UPS Access Point™ location.

When you are shipping a package that contains a handgun, you must verbally notify the UPS driver or UPS Customer Center clerk.

See the UPS Tariff/Terms and Conditions of Service - United States and the UPS Rate and Service Guide in effect at the time of shipping ("UPS Terms") for information regarding firearm and ammunition shipments.

$1600 may be cheap to some but to me it's A LOT...shipping cheapest method sounds pretty dumb by your buyer. I would use FedEx or DHL if cheapest was the only goal.

I’ve seen two rifles shipped, that were broken in two pieces at the wrist when delivered, and insurance didn’t pay for either. Buyer and seller couldn’t prove it wasn’t broken when shipped. Denied. I wouldn’t ship without it, but if something happens, don’t expect a settlement. usps tracking is awful, but that’s how I would ship it.

With UPS and FedEx, I find there are more "surprises" when shipping. The on-line price quotes often have other extras added when you actually enter them into the system...remote delivery charges, residential, etc. I've never had that problem with USPS, they just don't have all those variables. For that reason I personally prefer USPS.

I have collected the full insurance from all of them, FedxEx, UPS and USPS. UPS and USPS usually deny it initially, then when pursued further will pay.

Cass

I use Fed Ex, not sure its the cheapest, but definitely cheaper than USPS

Our UPS distribution center WILL NOT let me ship to an FFL. I have tried twice. Knock on wood, but I have had no problems with USPS. I can ship and insure most rifles for around $30-35.

I just used UPS as always.
Ground residential $29.24+ $21.80 insurance ($1600) and signature.

For a total of $51.04