UPS CHANGES SHIPPING POLICY

      In a move that likely will add up to $25 to the price of each new handgun, United Parcel Service (UPS), the world's largest package distribution company, has stopped delivering handguns through its ground service. On October 11, the company began requiring that all handguns be shipped Next Day Air-- UPS's most expensive shipping option.

      "We're trying to protect ourselves from employees stealing and criminals stealing," a UPS spokesman told the Associated Press. "Any way you look at this is going to result in a dramatic increase in the cost of getting the product to market,"

      Steve Schneider, owner of Atlantic Guns in Silver Spring, Md., told the Washington Times. "UPS is penalizing our industry for their inability to maintain security at their facilities. Absolutely, we will have to look elsewhere for a shipper."

      Not everyone thinks the UPS's decision to penalize its customers for its failure to prevent its employees from stealing their property is strange. Paul Jannuzzo, vice president of Glock, Inc., told AP that his company will continue to ship with UPS, passing the increased cost on to dealers, who, most likely will pass their costs on to consumers. "If it will cut out the theft problems, it will be a good thing," Jannuzzo said.

      Manufacturers who don't think the UPS move is such a "good thing" no doubt will be contacting RPS, Inc., the Pittsburgh-based FDX Corp. subsidiary that competes directly with UPS, but allows ground shipment of handguns.

      In light of these changes in UPS polices, and considering possible security risks implied by the need for such changes, NRA members might also want to consider RPS for shipping firearms or any other valuable or personal items. RPS can be reached at 1-800-ROADPAK® (762-3725) for customer service, or 1-800-WePikup (937-4587).

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