Problem with UPS and antique firearms Customs Update

[Fig33]

I just recieved a phone call this morning from UPS saying that a antique revolver that was coming from California, had made it to Windsor, but was now being sent back to the sender. The clerk told me that UPS Canada had refused to accept the package because they do not ship firearms, antique or otherwise, cross border. Is this true or is it just a clerk interrupting company policy? The store that I bought the revolver from ships to Canada so I figured they would know how to get it to me. I have recieved a couple of antique revolvers from the US with absolutely no problems but they were all shipped by USPS. Confused.

Update:
The revolver I purchased is a Colt Thunderer 1877 serial number 613XX in 41 Colt. Now the retailer says that the revolver was manufactured in 1887 and my checks also says that 1887 is the date. I just recieved a phone call from a agent from Customs Canada who asked me if I had a import permit for 'these types of prohibited firearms'. I said that the revolver was a antique firearm manufactured before Jan. 1 1898 and the caliber 41 Colt was permitted by the antique firearm regulations, and that the serial number was proof that the revolver was produced in 1887. The agent just said that package had been opened the revolver examined and it was determined that it was a 'prohibited' firearm and that if I didn't have a importation permit the firearm would have to be returned to the seller.

 

[farmerbob]

yet another reason not to use UPS

 

[dingus]

Dont use UPS for anything between Canada and the USA this happens more than you think.
That store should have known this. Get them to just mail it thru the USPS Post office. then you will be OK provideing it is a perscribed antique.

 

[mooncoon]

Always have anything from the US shipped by post and never by a courier. You can expect to pay an arm and a leg to couriers for brokerage fees. Canada Post charges $5 for the same service. Additionally most or all couriers usually refuse to transport firearms or any parts thereof across the border. Had a friend who had screws for the butt of his pistol turned back by a courier, because they were for a gun.

cheers mooncoon

 

[Win 38-55]

As the others have said. USPS is the way to go; never UPS or any other courier service. Every buyer needs to be emphatic about this to the seller.

 

[pres717]

yet another reason not to use UPS

Marstar sent me my SKS via UPS.

 

[DEZ]

Marstar sent me my SKS via UPS.

It did not have to cross the boarder UPS and most other courriers will not ship firearms antique or other wise across the border

 

[H Wally]

Yep - +1 for USPS. They're cheaper and more reliable than the others, and for some reason their packages always move faster than the rest. Must be something about how couriers move their stuff and the different group of bureaucrats that they interact with at the border.

As long as you're 100% sure that it's antique, get it shipped to the far side of canada. With any luck it'll hit a different, more educated border station. Or use USPS.

 

[cdnprospector]

UPS sucks...I had bought something yrs ago and had it shipped UPS and the brokerage fee was three times the value of the item! never used them again

 

[scianna54]

Date of MFG by SN:

http://proofhouse.com/colt/index.html


Canadian law:

http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/cfp-pcaf/fs-fd/antique-historique-eng.htm

I am sure somebody can get you the FRT saying that it is antique if manufactured before 1898.

Problem is that a customs agent (CBSA) denied your revolver, he obviously made a mistake, therefore I always include documents which are stated above (including FRT).

 

[DANCESWITHEMPTIES]

UPS sucks...I had bought something yrs ago and had it shipped UPS and the brokerage fee was three times the value of the item! never used them again

Enough said in the 1st two words of your sentence!

 

[jethunter]

UPS is the acronym for "UP yourS"

Chances are that the dealer you used hasn't shipped to Canada before if they shipped UPS. UPS policy for as long as i am aware has been they will not carry firearms across int'l borders. They do carry firearms within the USA.

I expect you'll be getting a big bill from UPS in the very near future for brokerage and return shipping. That's how they roll.

 

[drslav]

yet another reason not to use UPS

Yes x2 they suck and are a rip off. Charge you brokerage fee for crossing customs. I use USPS. Never a problem.

 

[oldiron]

I had one antique revolver sent UPS by mistake, took an extra month, and an extra $120.oo, but it did arrive. After a lot of arguing the antique point. And the barrel was poking out of the package about 4 inches. Not cool.
Now I have one I just got at a US auction, already paid for, and they insist they can only ship by FedEx. It just left today. Fedex Canada tells me it will cross.
Any bets how this one will play out?

 

[QM 8687]

IMA and Atlanta Cutlery shipped long arm antiques through UPS to me. I got them both within 3 days.
On the flip side I have had 1892 saddle ring carbine major part go missing in Alberta and Enfield part go missing US side, both sent by Canada Post.
And....I had a Lee Enfield,sent to within Canada with tan number etc pulled by Purolator using a warrant, luckily all was legally okay though a charge of sending a 10 rd lee enfield mag with the arm was being continplated. Buyer's lawyer,my lawyer and NFA went to bat and all ended okay.....And crossing the border back in 1989 Canada customs gave me the green tag, but US side worker thought my declared M44 Mosin Nagant was an assault arm due to it's folding bayonet, that under George Bush senior's new rules!
I won in each situation, but. From what I have witnessed, there is no guarentee of a smooth ride, no matter which way you go. Good luck!

 

[swampdog]

Now I have one I just got at a US auction, already paid for, and they insist they can only ship by FedEx. It just left today. Fedex Canada tells me it will cross.
Any bets how this one will play out?

UPS is the worst; I avoid them whenever possible. FedEx usually works a lot better than UPS, at least for non-firearm shipments.

FedEx did not charge any brokerage fees on three ground shipments received recently, including one of fairly high value. They charged only GST (probably will charge HST if you are unfortunate enough to live in a province with HST). And, because I did not have an account with them, they charged a $10 handling fee. But that was it. Quick, cheap, and good tracking.

 

[powderman]

oldiron,

Your parcel from FedEx will arrive. Be sure you are sitting down when you open the invoice from FedEX. Your total bill from FedEx for shipping a firearm from the US will be in the neighborhood of $250. Tack on GST/HST for the declared value of your purchase. Not cheap.

Regards,
Powderman

 

[oldiron]

oldiron,

Your parcel from FedEx will arrive. Be sure you are sitting down when you open the invoice from FedEX. Your total bill from FedEx for shipping a firearm from the US will be in the neighborhood of $250. Tack on GST/HST for the declared value of your purchase. Not cheap.

Regards,
Powderman

With antique stuff, there isn't supposed to be any brokerage. But with FedEx, I had to open an account. I get a member #, they get a Visa #. Just hope for the best, and expect the worst.

 

[powderman]

My invoice from FedEx for shipping an antique pistol from the US a few months ago

$121.10 Transportation Charge
$77.00 Declared Value Charge
$23.40 Fuel Surcharge
$30.00 Extended Delivery Charge (because I live in an area not serviced by FedEx.

 

[vagrantviking]

Holy Fricken Crapsticks powderman!!!!

I've been buggered by the couriers before but not on that scale. Hope they threw in a tube of lube while they had you bent over.....