FedEx & UPS Say No To Shipping 3D Printers Than Can Make Firearms
When it absolutely, positively has to get there – don’t bother calling FedEx. Two worldwide leaders in package handling and delivery have recently stated that they refuse to ship Defense Distributed “Ghost Gunner” CNC machines. Why? Fear of course.
“This device is capable of manufacturing firearms, and potentially by private individuals,” FedEx spokesperson Scott Fiedler wrote in a statement. “We are uncertain at this time whether this device is a regulated commodity by local, state or federal governments. As such, to ensure we comply with the applicable law and regulations, FedEx declined to ship this device until we know more about how it will be regulated.”
Oh no! This device is capable of manufacturing firearms….by private individuals! Apparently FedEx is of the mindset that private individuals do not have the right to manufacture and create their own firearms.
Even though these CNC machines are not illegal, nor is owning an AR-15 without a serial number, both FedEx and UPS are putting its foot down and refusing to ship these items.
A UPS spokesperson wrote in a statement that “the company will only ship guns and gun parts between holders of a federal firearms license.” In a follow-up statement, it confirmed that it won’t ship the Ghost Gunner either. “UPS reserves the right to refuse to provide transportation service for, among other reasons, any shipments that create legal, safety or operational concerns.”
Defense Distributed’s founder Cody Wilson is not taking this lying down. “They’re acting like this is legal when in fact it’s the expression of a political preference,” says Wilson. “The artifact that they’re shipping is a CNC mill. There’s nothing about it that is specifically related to firearms except the hocus pocus of the marketing.”
Of course, Cody Wilson is correct that this is not a legal issue at all, but rather an expression of political preference. FedEx, UPS, and other companies want no part in supporting the ability for Americans to make their own firearms at home. These are not even the first companies who have refused to service Cody Wilson’s company. Indygogo and Strataysy previously pulled the plug on their respective services once they learned what Defense Distributed was trying to do.
However, like Indygogo and Stratasys, Defense Distributed will find a way around the refusal of service from UPS and FedEx. What is great about capitalism is that there is always competition and there will be a shipping company out there happy to take money to deliver these legal devices to the consumers who want them.
You can learn more about the Ghost Gunner machines at https://www.ghostgunner.net/
