Can a Moving Company Transport Firearms?

The second amendment to the U.S. Constitution states that, “the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.” However, those rights do not truly apply to your moving company. If you are planning a move to another state, you may be wondering if your moving company will be able to transport your firearms for you or if you need to move them yourself. This article will attempt to point you in the right direction to help you make that decision.

It should be noted that the information presented here is not legal advice. Always check the state laws before deciding on how you will transport your firearms. If you have questions that you cannot answer, please check with an attorney. It is your responsibility to comply with the law.

Interstate Moves and Peaceable Journey Laws

As long as you are permitted to legally own firearms, the Federal Peaceable Journey (FPJ) laws allow you to transport them from one location to the other. Keep in mind each state has its own laws regarding the transportation of firearms. Be sure to read the individual laws of each state you will be traveling through as well as the fine print of the Federal Peaceable Journey laws. The FPJ laws state that the weapons must be unloaded and inaccessible to you during the journey. Proper safety guidelines recommend that the firearms be placed in an area completely away from you like a trunk while the ammunition is also stored away from both the weapon and you in a locked storage container. There are also additional laws when traveling in an RV or a mobile home, so be sure to do your research as you plan for your move.

Does The Firearms Owners’ Protection Act (FOPA) Give Me The Right To Transport My Firearms When Moving?

Depending on where you are traveling, FOPA can help with your ability to transport your firearms. However, some states, like New York, do not recognize FOPA and only regard the legality of it after an arrest. Again, the gun should be unloaded and away from you and the ammunition should be in a locked box out of reach as well. The National Rifle Association suggests printing parts of the FOPA that are relevant to your move to carry with you while you are moving.

Can My Moving Company Move My Firearms Across State Lines?

Most moving companies will not have a problem with moving your firearms across state lines. However, the majority of movers will not be able to move the ammunition. This is because they are not allowed to move combustible or dangerous items. This not only includes ammunition, but air compressors, propane tanks and items of this nature. You might want to consider this as you determine what will be coming with you and what you should get rid of before the move. Always discuss with your moving company what they can and can’t do when it comes to moving firearms across state lines. Never give the moving company guns or ammunition without their knowledge.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q. Will movers move a gun safe?
  Movers will move a gun safe provided that it is empty and unlocked.
• Q. Is it illegal to transport someone else’s gun?
  You should never transport anyone else’s gun besides your own. As a gun owner, it is your responsibility to know where your firearm is at all times.
• Q. What items will movers not move?
  Movers will not move any items that are dangerous or combustible. Items such as compressors, propane tanks, and ammunition are some of the items they cannot move.
• Q. Will movers move ammunition?
  Because movers are prohibited from moving combustible and dangerous items, ammunition is something that they cannot move.

So, Can I Really Move Across State Lines With My Firearms?

The answer is yes. However, there will be restrictions and guidelines that you’ll need to follow. These do not only include the state you're moving from and the state you are moving to. You will also need to know about all of the laws and regulations in each state you will be passing through. You will not need a federal permit for this. When moving, always keep your carry permits and registration with you at all times, do not pack them. Federal law does, however, put limitations on some people. Those prohibited from transporting firearms across state lines include: convicted felons, those being charged with a felony, illegal drug users, illegal aliens, and many more. Please read more about who is restricted by visiting the NRA website.