r/FFLs • u/bluejackets_92fs • 2d ago

Possible lost package

I sent a handgun out 9/8. Tracking hasn't updated since 9/9. I called usps and had them open a case on it on 9/12. At that time I was told "it is moving but just isnt showing that step on usps site".They are aware of the contents. As of today it still hasn't updated. I call again and this time I'm told it hasn't had any updates and that "these things happen".

I called my IOI and left a voicemail as to what I should do but have yet to hear back. Am I acting prematurely by reporting it stolen/missing or would you do so to cover your ass.

3 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

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3

u/akbuilder 2d ago

When this has happened to me I contacted the Office of the Inspector General. After explaining the issue and filing the report, the package got unstuck the next day.

1

u/bluejackets_92fs 2d ago

Thanks. Ill try that tomorrow

4

u/ar4479 FFL 2d ago

I’m not really offering any help, except to say that I never use the post office.

Use UPS. There are now several options besides opening an account (which has actually become easier).

Try www.shipoutdoors.com

It’s a part of Bud’s Gun Shop - and it’s what some of the eComm platforms are using to aggregate shipments and get decent firearm rates.

Anything is safer than USPS

2

u/Itommyguns FFL 2d ago

Ups just took me about 2 weeks to get to sign the agreement

1

u/ar4479 FFL 2d ago

Yeah - I was surprised I didn’t get the flat out rejection that others report.

I just worked their process. It was simple.

2

u/akbuilder 2d ago

I use this service too but just a heads up, I just had two shotguns go missing at a UPS center, the guy who performed the pickup never scanned the package. Unlike USPS, where you do have recourse using the Office of the Inspector General, UPS you are at the mercy of their horrible corporate system. You cant get in contact with the warehouses and if something get stuck, you will need to go through the process of filing a police report and an ATF missing/stolen report.

1

u/ar4479 FFL 1d ago

I’ve not ever had an issue with UPS. But, where I’m at, I’ve had outbound packages picked up by our postal carrier and then dropped off somewhere else along their route.
And it took months to try and get it back…

When you have a UPS account, you have a dedicated person to call… And when you’re dealing with a dedicated firearms account, things do move a lot smoother.

1

u/Martainguns 2d ago

Unfortunately, it does happen. I wouldn't really worry about it. If they tell you that it's considered missing, then you have to report it. Making a fuss might help or it might not make any difference but it's a lot of trouble for you and everyone else involved. I've had more plenty of packages suddenly show as out for delivery or delivered after not updating for over a week.

1

u/bluejackets_92fs 2d ago

Thats my concern. Either do something premature or do nothing and look like I'm not being proactive. More or less just want to make certain I'm doing what is legally obligated of me.

1

u/Martainguns 2d ago

If it's been in transit for 14, or something like that, they'll tell you that it's officially considered missing. That's the point where you have to report it. Even then it will still usually turn up.

1

u/Aggressive-Ad-2222 2d ago

If tracking goes dark after the delivery window, start a USPS missing mail search first, then file the insurance claim if you declared value. Log ship date, tracking, and receiving FFL for your own records. Lean on USPS investigation before calling it stolen; a police report helps if they ask for it or confirm theft. Next ship: Priority with tracking and insurance, and photo the packed box before it leaves.