Canada Post Rules Question

D

DCahill

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GunNutz
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I have been selling off most of my firearms (restricted and non-restricted) as it doesn't appear the kids have any interest in them. I'll keep a few favourites.
So, I've made quite a few trips to the PO over the last couple months and because I was totally unaware of any new "rules", I just brought my non-restricted firearms in in a cardboard box and they were measured, weighed and paid for without any problem. On my last trip in, the clerk said that I couldn't bring them in for mailing that I need to read the rules, obtain a small business account then print my own labels before returning. I did that and it was actually not that difficult and it was mailed. However, I just left it fully wrapped and packed in cardboard box with bolt out and a trigger lock. ....kinda like always. When I look closer at the rules it appears that the firearm must also be in a locked container. If that's the case and I'm reading it correctly, has anyone found an inexpensive source for the locked container? I do have one of those plastic 2-gun boxes but that seems a bit much for a small rimfire and if I have to get a few, will certainly add to my cost of reducing this 'collection'. (I suppose I can pass the cost along but.........)

I'm open to you suggestions on what works best for you.....and thanks.
 
Re read it again and see what's actually a "rule" and what's suggested. There's going to be a lot of comments following mine that are giving opinion and experience but not the actual CP guidelines.

Just last week i got an unmarked gun as regular postage.
 
Here is what is posted on Canada Post website - can you see where it says that you MUST use a locked gun case? Neither can I. Can you find what they mean when they say to "lock the firearm in a sturdy, non-transparent container"? Neither can I. Apparently you or I must decide what those words mean to us ...

I found the below words here - on their website: https://www.canadapost-postescanada.ca/cpc/en/personal/sending/parcels/restrictions/firearms.page

Packaging requirements

Be sure the firearm is not loaded.
Remove the bolt or bolt carrier from any firearm, if removable.
There can’t be any ammunition in the firearm or in the package. Bullets, cartridges and other ammunition are dangerous goods and cannot be shipped through the mail.
Attach a secure locking device to the firearm, such as a trigger lock or cable lock, so the firearm cannot be fired.
Lock the firearm in a sturdy, non-transparent container. For example, a firearms case secured with padlocks.
Use anonymous outer packaging without any markings or advertising that indicates what’s inside.
 
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On another Canada Post website page, they say this - note the different words used - not the "same". Go here: https://www.canadapost-postescanada.ca/cpc/en/support/articles/non-mailable-matter/firearms.page

When you ship firearms, you must:

Unload the firearms. There can’t be any ammunition in the firearm or in the package (bullets, cartridges, and other ammunition are dangerous goods).
Attach a secure locking device to the firearms.
Lock the firearms in a sturdy, non-transparent container.
Remove the bolt or bolt carrier from any automatic firearms (if removable).


My comments - in other places on their website, Canada Post says to use definitions from Hazardous Goods Act - "bullets" are not "hazardous goods", under the Hazardous Goods Act - but Canada Post just used words above, as if they are. Makes no sense? I am sure they can "make up" whatever rules they want to - but should not be allowed to contradict themselves, and expect us to figure it out - use Hazardous Goods definitions, or not use them? What else is questionable words?
 
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As long as there is no ammunition in the parcel, pack it securely as small as you can. No one in the post office has a need to know exactly what you are mailing... as long as the parcel does not contain dangerous goods or materials or restricted firearms. It can be a sculpture made of wood and steel...
 
You can do yourself a lot of favours by using a strong cardboard box and ensuring that the various bits don't poke of out the box during shipping. Simply layering cardboard on either end of the box is usually enough to stop the barrel from poking out during transit.

Lots of packing is also helpful.

I received a rifle recently in a soft cloth gun case and wrapped in paper, it was pretty evident what it was. Don't be that guy. A box is anonymous. If you use Canada Post Small Business account labels then all you have to do is drop it off and make sure it's scanned into the system.

I always ask for a receipt showing it's scanned into the system and have never been asked what the contents are. Sometimes the PO people will say just leave it, they'll scan it later. Don't do this! Always make sure it's scanned in.
 
You don't need to "... tell them ... " anything ! You make the label and seal the package - that's it.
 
Build your own box out of 1 x ?'s dimensional lumber and plywood.
Nail the plywood to the "bottom", pack the firearm securely, screw the top on and cover the edges and ends with duct tape.
Never had a firearm damaged nor lost.
The usual rules of no ammunition or dangerous goods applies and produce your own labels.
 
Thanks for helpful replies.
My main concern was having to purchase special "lockable shipping boxes"..........otherwise, I pack my rifles just like everyone here suggests and now have my solutions for small business card and Snap Ship.
 
horseman2 said:
Build your own box out of 1 x ?'s dimensional lumber and plywood.
Nail the plywood to the "bottom", pack the firearm securely, screw the top on and cover the edges and ends with duct tape.
Never had a firearm damaged nor lost.
The usual rules of no ammunition or dangerous goods applies and produce your own labels.
Click to expand...

.....and spend $150 to mail it because it weighs 30 pounds
 
As with most here, I try to minimize the size of the parcel. Mostly to reduce chance of bending and breakage, but also to avoid the dreaded CP "oversize" fee that adds on another surcharge. Reading CP's rules, all is well if there is no insurance attached and there is no cause for claim. If you or the buyer asks for insurance, CP will not pay out if you don't play by their rules. Caveat emptor
 
I ship way more handguns, But I have always shipped secure, in a heavy duty box ( cardboard) packed as small as possible with box stuffed with paper, foam or? what ever.
If you shake it and anything moves, redo it. Use good packing tape , on all the box, don't tape over the bar code.
Last I did was a 870 , broke it down , so it was 28 " long box.
Over the years , I think insurance is a waste , but that is up to buyer and if a hi value gun ,I may just pay it. You should have enough margin to cover it.
Never needed it in 50 + yrs.

I have built boxes for a couple expensive target rifles, 3/4 board, and thin 1/8 or 3/16 " plywood , but years ago, shipping was not stupid pricing.
 
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marshall said:
I ship way more handguns, But I have always shipped secure, in a heavy duty box ( cardboard) packed as small as possible with box stuffed with paper, foam or? what ever.
If you shake it and anything moves, redo it. Use good packing tape , on all the box, don't tape over the bar code.
Last I did was a 870 , broke it down , so it was 28 " long box.
Over the years , I think insurance is a waste , but that is up to buyer and if a hi value gun ,I may just pay it. You should have enough margin to cover it.
Never needed it in 50 + yrs.

I have built boxes for a couple expensive target rifles, 3/4 board, and thin 1/8 or 3/16 " plywood , but years ago, shipping was not stupid pricing.
Click to expand...

I agree with everything you said except the tape over the bar code especially after seeing our local CP agent taping the barcode on parcels. I use Snap Ship like everyone else and make sure the bar code gets covered with a strip of clear tape (no wrinkles) and the rest of the box taped well. It the barcode wasn’t taped and one drop of water touched it, it would be toast.
 
I have received a rifle and a handgun this week from a local firearms dealer and they were just mailed to me in a cardboard box with no locking device on the trigger. It was sent with age verification and signature required, however Canada Post doesn't follow its own rules and it was delivered to a house four doors down from me and left at the front door without ringing the doorbell or knocking. Plus under signature the driver drew a straight line and the receiver's initials were xvx. Yeah ... luckily I was outside and saw the idiot dropping it off.

When I mail things I don't tell the people at the counter anything.
 
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