How to Ship Ammunition via UPS

Ammunition is regulated as a hazardous material. UPS accepts small arms ammunition under a Limited Quantity exception — ground only, from a UPS Customer Center, with proper packaging and labeling.

The Rules

Sealed ammunition boxes stacked in a corrugated shipping box with hazmat labels

UPS accepts "cartridges, small arms" ammunition (as defined in 49 C.F.R. § 173.59) under a Limited Quantity exception. This means:

UPS Ground only — within the 48 contiguous states, Intra-Oahu, and Intra-Alaska
No international shipments
Not accepted at UPS Stores, UPS Access Points, or Drop Boxes — must go through a UPS Customer Center or scheduled pickup
Cannot be packaged with firearms
Cannot be shipped to anyone under 18
Maximum package weight: 66 lbs (30 kg)
Maximum caliber: 12.7 mm (50 caliber / 0.5 inch) for rifle/pistol, 8 gauge for shotgun shells

Packaging Requirements

Must use new corrugated packaging meeting UPS Single Wall Box Strength Guidelines
Ammunition must be packed with internal boxes, partitions, or metal clips that fit snugly
Outer packaging must be securely closed and cannot open during transport
Must be marked with the Limited Quantity hazmat label — a black-and-white diamond, approximately 4 inches square

What About Other Carriers?

FedEx: Ammunition is a dangerous good and may never be shipped from a FedEx Office or FedEx retail location. It requires a FedEx dangerous goods account.

USPS: Ammunition is prohibited in USPS mail under any circumstances.

DHL: Ammunition is generally not accepted for shipment.

What This Means for You

If you are an individual with a box of ammunition to ship, your options are limited:

UPS Ground from a UPS Customer Center — you pack it per hazmat rules, label it, and drop it at a UPS hub (not a retail store)
No retail store (including us) can accept ammunition for drop-off or shipping
If you need help with non-hazmat items — boxes, fragile goods, documents — we are here for that. Stop by Mailbox Plus at 7554 Fredle Drive, Concord Township.

Reference: View UPS official ammunition shipping policy →

We are not attorneys and cannot provide legal advice. This information is for educational purposes and reflects carrier policies as we understand them. Laws vary by state and change frequently. Always consult the carrier directly and review applicable federal and state regulations before shipping regulated items.

Reference: UPS official ammunition shipping policy →

Frequently Asked Questions

Get quick answers to the most common questions about packaging, carriers, pricing, and what to expect.

Can I ship ammunition through USPS?

No. USPS prohibits ammunition in any class of mail.

Can I drop ammunition off at The UPS Store?

No. Ammunition may only be tendered at a UPS Customer Center (operational facility) or through a scheduled pickup. UPS Stores, Access Points, and drop boxes cannot accept it.

Do I need a hazmat certification?

For Limited Quantity small arms ammunition (under 66 lbs, under 50 caliber), no special certification is needed — but you must follow the packaging and labeling rules exactly. Larger quantities require a hazmat agreement.

We cannot accept ammunition at our counter, but we can help with everything else — gifts, fragile items, documents, electronics, and more.

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