Firearm freight deadlock set to be resolved following Australia Post talks

Australia’s firearms industry has been thrown a lifeline after high-level talks in Canberra to resolve a months-long postage impasse.

Victorian Senator Bridget McKenzie in Parliament House this morning. Picture: Gary Ramage / NCA NewsWire

Firearms shipping will be made available through Australia Post and Startrack following talks with federal ministers this week.

In July, the firearms industry was left in disarray after FedEx, which acquired firearms shipper TNT, cancelled its freight services as part of the merger.

Victorian senator Bridget McKenzie said the decision by some commercial carriers left dealers and wholesalers without options to ship their goods.

She said Australia Post confirmed to the government it would provide reliable transportation

of firearms through its Parcel Post, Express Post, Secure Accept and Collect, Startrack Express

and Startrack Special services.

A specific date for the resumption of services has not been set, although regular freight of firearms is set to take place within weeks.

“Not having firearms able to be commercially freighted across the country has severe

implications that affect many of our regional industries,” Senator McKenzie said.
“It is critical the transportation of legal firearms is regarded to be as important as the

supply of stock to every other small business around the country.

“Thankfully this outcome means legal firearm dealers across regional Australia will

now be able to use specific Australia Post and Startrack product services.”

US-owned FedEx and TNT Express advised clients in July it would no longer transport any firearms after August 9.

The policy covered all types of firearms — from pistols and rifles to paintball guns and toy guns. No explanation was offered for the sudden change.

The Shooting Industry Foundation of Australia slammed the decision and said the short notice jeopardised supply chains.