Just did a little digging into this out of curiosity, and it appears to me that none of this new UPS policy will apply to muzzleloaders.
(don't quote me on this, I am not here to give legal advice)
This is due to UPS using 18 USC Ch. 44: FIREARMS to define a "Firearm". 18 USC Ch. 44: FIREARMS states:
"(3) The term "firearm" means (A) any weapon (including a starter gun) which will or is designed to or may readily be converted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive; (B) the frame or receiver of any such weapon; (C) any firearm muffler or firearm silencer; or (D) any destructive device.
Such term does not include an antique firearm."
It looks to me like their new policy is merely to align with the new laws regarding partially finished receivers having to have a serial number. Though it may be a slippery slope, it doesn't look to me like these new policies will effect shipping muzzleloaders.
That being said, I have had a UPS store refuse to ship a muzzleloader due to store policy (apparently UPS stores are individual franchises and can set their own policy regarding what they will ship). The clerk told me they "will not ship firearms" and was not amused by my "Well ACTUALLY, according to the U.S. government, this Model 1816 musket is not a firearm."
I just took it to a UPS Customer Center who shipped it no questions asked. This was probably mid-2021 for referenc
Just did a little digging into this out of curiosity, and it appears to me that none of this new UPS policy will apply to muzzleloaders. (don't quote me on this, I am not here to give legal advice)
This is due to UPS using 18 USC Ch. 44: FIREARMS to define a "Firearm". 18 USC Ch. 44: FIREARMS states:
"(3) The term "firearm" means (A) any weapon (including a starter gun) which will or is designed to or may readily be converted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive; (B) the frame or receiver of any such weapon; (C) any firearm muffler or firearm silencer; or (D) any destructive device. Such term does not include an antique firearm."
It looks to me like their new policy is merely to align with the new laws regarding partially finished receivers having to have a serial number. Though it may be a slippery slope, it doesn't look to me like these new policies will effect shipping muzzleloaders.
That being said, I have had a UPS store refuse to ship a muzzleloader due to store policy (apparently UPS stores are individual franchises and can set their own policy regarding what they will ship). The clerk told me they "will not ship firearms" and was not amused by my "Well ACTUALLY, according to the U.S. government, this Model 1816 musket is not a firearm."
I just took it to a UPS Customer Center who shipped it no questions asked. This was probably mid-2021 for reference.
Thanks, this is the interpretation of the policy that I was hoping for. I just hope that UPS agrees.