Couriers for inert ordnance

[Williams_castle]

Members might have noticed that Royal Mail have limited the items they are prepared to carry. This includes weapons, which aren't fully defined but they state that they reserve the right to destroy anything they consider dangerous. One option might be to declare inert ordnance as machine parts but I have heard that they are now scanning parcels (whether all or a random selection, I don't know), so on that basis I don't want to use them as a carrier. I wouldn't trust Evri or DPD with anything valuable of any kind. Meanwhile I'm in the process of trying to buy some grenades from a friend who lives too far away to visit and we're stuck. Does anyone know of a trustworthy carrier? Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

 

[microplastic]

I would risk it. I can't imagine RM scanning any packages. It's too expensive.You can put a note in the package in case they open it...

 

[Williams_castle]

I would risk it. I can't imagine RM scanning any packages. It's too expensive.You can put a note in the package in case they open it...

Thanks but I'd rather not risk a 4-figure sum and I can just picture some jobsworth disregarding the note. I suspect policy would take precedence over common sense or any explanation of their historical value.

 

[Rrickoshae]

RM do scan items, a friend has recently had 2 empty cartridge cases confiscated and destroyed. But I think it’s random as another he sent got through.

 

[Millsman]

I've used DPD in the UK twice to send inert grenades. No problems and delivered within 2 days normally. I listed the contents as 'antique machine parts' (which is true).

 

[AMMOTECHXT]

I've recently posted items both to within the UK and to Italy via Royal Mail but in a condition that would show they are inert. Rrickoshae's friend was unlucky, but I guess it is symptomatic of the lack of knowledge that most people with no military experience or interest have, who work for RM. Also common sense went out the window many years ago. I would sooner hand over stuff face to face with the buyer but the cost of petrol and time involved are prohibitive.

 

[MarcdeB]

I've never had any problems, either with Royal Mail or any couriers. Until now!
Had some W109 boxes sent to me through Evri, stating they delivered yesterday, but received nothing. I guess any delivery has its risk.

 

[ken68]

I've lost to much through royal mail as they install new scanners at sorting offices, A good friend sends me stuff through APC and never had a problem in years .
I use DX48 if sending or I arrange for them to pick up from another friend ,I've been using them for years since I was losing kit through royal mail . But getting something that's around 10kg safely . I book through parcel2go and you pick a day for pick up and they also bring the sticker for the parcel .
Hope this helps .

 

[millsbomber]

Evri i have found really good but just tell them what thy want to hear in the contents section

 

[Wilf007]

I've recently posted items both to within the UK and to Italy via Royal Mail but in a condition that would show they are inert. Rrickoshae's friend was unlucky, but I guess it is symptomatic of the lack of knowledge that most people with no military experience or interest have, who work for RM. Also common sense went out the window many years ago. I would sooner hand over stuff face to face with the buyer but the cost of petrol and time involved are prohibitive.

Hi, could i ask what you sent to Italy and how? I ask as I need to send a belt of 50 x inert WW2 rounds to a friend

 

[adammack]

Recently I have received and sent several antique and replica longarms. The preferred method of shipping is Parcelforce 48. Other Parcelforce services involve domestic air freight and items are subject to X-ray.

 

[AMMOTECHXT]

Hi, could i ask what you sent to Italy and how? I ask as I need to send a belt of 50 x inert WW2 rounds to a friend

I sent driving bands and some No 250 expended fuzes. The tip of one of the fuzes was solid so to show it was inert I drilled a tiny hole (about 1.5 mm diameter) through it from the base end. This would need to be filled by the buyer to make the fuze look like it did before I drilled it. I used Royal Mail and sent the packages via surface transport rather than by air. The packages took about nine days to arrive. The items were wrapped in newspaper and padded into small cardboard (Whiskas cat food) boxes with screwed-up newspaper to prevent movement. All well taped of course and the whole package wrapped in brown paper.

 

[Wilf007]

I sent driving bands and some No 250 expended fuzes. The tip of one of the fuzes was solid so to show it was inert I drilled a tiny hole (about 1.5 mm diameter) through it from the base end. This would need to be filled by the buyer to make the fuze look like it did before I drilled it. I used Royal Mail and sent the packages via surface transport rather than by air. The packages took about nine days to arrive. The items were wrapped in newspaper and padded into small cardboard (Whiskas cat food) boxes with screwed-up newspaper to prevent movement. All well taped of course and the whole package wrapped in brown paper.

Could I ask what you pur for description? and how do you make sure it goes bt land

 

[AMMOTECHXT]

Keep it truthful but reasonably general, such as copper rings, brass ornaments etc. Certainly expended fuzes can't be much other than ornaments, though they need to be cleaned first. Specify that it goes via surface mail.