Can moving companies transport firearms? Learn the do’s and don’ts as I share key details here about what you should know when packing your guns for moving.
Every state in the United States has its specific laws concerning firearms.
So that’s why a lot of people who own guns are ready to move to a new location ask: can moving companies transport firearms?
If you own firearms, you might be thinking if you can pack them up like everything else and hand them over to the movers.
To answer that question, yes, some Atlanta local moving companies can move firearms.
But not all of them.
And even those that do have some rules you must follow.
I’ve read and watched about how people move their stuff. Trust me, from what I read and saw, it’s stressful.
What you don’t want is to get in trouble for not following the law or lose something as serious as a firearm in the process.
In this post, I’ll walk you through what you really need to know so you can handle it right.
The Legal Side of Moving Firearms
Let’s start with the legal aspect of this discussion.
In the United States, it’s usually legal to move your firearms with your other household stuff under certain conditions.
Some of the conditions are that:
- You legally own the firearms.
- The state you’re moving to allows them.
- You’re not breaking any local laws along the way.
So, according to the law, can moving companies transport firearms? Yes, they can.
If you’re moving your guns, you’re expected to move them safely and responsibly.
Now, if you have a more specialized gun like a machine gun, silencer, or the type of gun that needs a federal stamp, it won’t be very easy to move it.
These types of guns need special approval before moving.
Also, check the laws in the state you’re moving to because they may have different rules.
I’ll advise you to visit the ATF website to understand these laws or call a lawyer who knows gun laws.
Do Moving Companies Actually Move Firearms?
This is a complicated question that must be answered with care.
Some local moving companies in Atlanta GA do transport firearms. And some don’t.
There are some who may even say they can move firearms, but only under very specific rules.
And if you agree to those specific rules, you’ll have no problems with moving.
Here are some conditions you must meet before they can agree to transport your guns:
- The firearms must not be loaded
- The firearms must be kept in locked, hard cases.
- The firearm’s serial numbers must be written down for their records.
I’ve read of people who try to sneak their guns among their other stuff. That’s entirely wrong.
Responsible local moving companies Atlanta GA have the right to refuse the entire job if you try to sneak in your guns without telling them.
If you can get a trusted company that offers premium household moving and storage services, you’re in better hands.
They’ll know how to handle sensitive items like your gun the right way.
But when it comes to ammunition, that’s a different story totally.
A lot of people are even surprised when movers refuse to transport their ammunition. They won’t even touch it.
The main reason for this is that they see it as dangerous and flammable.
No matter how good and safe you pack it, they’ll usually refuse to move it.
So apart from the gun itself, if you want to move things like bullets or shotgun shells, you’re most likely going to move them on your own. Or you can use a licensed ammo shipping service.
How to Pack Your Firearms Safely
If you’ve got the green light from the movers, good luck to you. Now, here’s how to pack your firearms the right way:
- Unload everything. This is non-negotiable.
- Use hard-sided, locked gun cases.
- Store the keys or combinations somewhere safe (not in the same case).
- Label it in a way that tells you what’s inside without frightening people.
- Don’t pack firearms with ammunition. Keep them separate.
Doing it right helps avoid damage, keeps everyone safe, and shows the movers you’re being responsible.
When dealing with firearms, you should talk about it early with the movers.
Let them know you are also moving firearms.
I understand that talking about it might feel awkward, but it’s better to let them know on time than to keep quiet and run into trouble on moving days.
When you tell them on time, they can let you know if they transport such a thing or not.
If they do transport guns, they’ll explain their rules clearly to you.
This way, everyone will be on the same page.
Make Sure Your Firearms Have Insurance: Don’t Skip This
Insurance is very important because accidents are unpredictable and can happen even during a move.
So, you must any of the local moving companies in Atlanta you choose if they have insurance that covers your firearm.
Some of these companies include insurance in their regular plan. Others don’t. They’ll suggest you use third-party coverage.
Also, take pictures of your firearms before the move and keep a list of serial numbers. It’ll help if anything goes wrong.
What If They Won’t Move Your Firearms?
If the moving company says no, you still have some options:
- Drive them yourself. If you’re comfortable and it’s legal, this might be the easiest option.
- Use a licensed firearm shipping service. Some companies are approved to ship guns.
- Store them separately. If you’re not moving far, leave them with a trusted friend or relative until the rest of your move is done.
The important thing is to never force the issue or sneak them in. That can get you into serious trouble.
Conclusion
So… can moving companies transport firearms? Yes, but it depends on the company, your type of firearm, and the laws in your area.
If you’re using Atlanta local moving companies or any of the well-known local moving companies in Atlanta, always ask first. Don’t assume.
Moving with firearms doesn’t have to be scary. With the right info you’ve gotten here, and you do your little prep, you can keep everything legal, safe, and smooth.
