How to Ship Ammunition By UPS

UPS accepts for transportation such ammunition as constitutes "cartridges, small arms," as defined in 49 C.F.R. § 173.59. All other allowable ammunition shipments are accepted only on a contractual basis, and must be prepared under the rules for a fully regulated hazardous material.

Ammunition will be transported only when packaged and labeled in compliance with 49 C.F.R. § 172 (Hazardous Materials), and must be shipped in accordance with the UPS Guide for Shipping Ground and Air Hazardous Materials. To meet the exception for Limited Quantity, ammunition can be shipped via UPS Ground only within the 48 contiguous United States, UPS Ground Intra-Oahu and Intra-Alaska.

To qualify as Cartridges, small arms "Limited Quantity", ammunition must be:

• Ammunition that does not exceed 12.7 mm (50 caliber or 0.5 inch) for rifle or pistol cartridges or 8 gauge for shotgun shells; or
• Ammunition with inert projectiles or blank ammunition

How to Package Cartridges, Small Arms

Ammunition must be packed in inside boxes, partitioned within a snugly fitting outside box or in metal clips. Cartridges must be properly cushioned and protected from accidental initiation. The inside boxes, partitions or metal clips must be packaged in securely closed outside packaging that will not open during transit. The package may not exceed 66 lb. (30 kg).

Is a Hazardous Materials Label or Marking Required?

Yes, qualified packages that meet the definition of Cartridges, small arms must be marked with the Limited Quantity black and white marking when shipped by Ground within the 48 contiguous states, shipping papers are not required.

The Limited Quantity marking (approximately 4 X 4 inches) must be securely affixed to your package and placed on package as a "square on point" or "diamond".