Any advice on how to go to a US POST OFFICE?

[ATDM]

I often need to go to a US Post Office rather than a drop box (for various reasons).

Since my local post office is fairly isolated, I cannot park at another building, lock my gun in the car, and then walk on to the Post Office.

What I usually end up doing is:

1. I leave my gun at home in the beginning of the day, when I know I have to go there, and end up without a weapon for a day.
or
2. Go home first, drop off the gun, and then go to the Post Office.
or
3. If I don't have to use my local Post Office specifically, I drive out of my way to go to another one.

Needless to say, every chance I get I use UPS or FedEx, but often it's not up to me. I really do NOT understand this clearly unintelligent aspect of the law that makes USPS parking lots "gun free zones".

I don't really know what I am hoping to get as an answer, but maybe one of you has found a solution I am not seeing.

Thanks.

[cheezit]

find a store that has a post office in it.
use a place like mail in more

[ATDM]

find a store that has a post office in it.
use a place like mail in more

I don't think I've ever seen a store with a post office in it. Would the parking lot rule not apply in this case?

When I can, I go to the "next to nearest" Post Office, but it's still a pain with parking elsewhere and then walking (especially, in the summer). I only go to my Post Office, when I absolutely have to.

Did they really think that the law abiding CHL holders would start a shootout at the Post Office parking lot? And if someone has a gun without a CHL, do they really expect him to know about the parking lot restriction? I really don't understand this... Just like many other things in gun legislation.

[Keith B]

I don't think I've ever seen a store with a post office in it. Would the parking lot rule not apply in this case?
Did they really think that the law abiding CHL holders would start a shootout at the Post Office parking lot? And if someone has a gun without a CHL, do they really expect him to know about the parking lot restriction? I really don't understand this... Just like many other things in gun legislation.

\Parking lot law is state. Post Offices are federal, so the state laws don't apply. Go to a contracted post office in a shipping store and it doesn't count as a federal property and you can carry as long as there is no 30.06 posted.

[ATDM]

I don't think I've ever seen a store with a post office in it. Would the parking lot rule not apply in this case?
Did they really think that the law abiding CHL holders would start a shootout at the Post Office parking lot? And if someone has a gun without a CHL, do they really expect him to know about the parking lot restriction? I really don't understand this... Just like many other things in gun legislation.

\Parking lot law is state. Post Offices are federal, so the state laws don't apply. Go to a contracted post office in a shipping store and it doesn't count as a federal property and you can carry as long as there is no 30.06 posted.

Thanks. I know that Post Office parking lot law has been contested in court. Do you know, if there are any news regarding that? Is there progress in changing that part of the law?

[SewTexas]

I thought someone found that you could have a gun in the PO parking lot? no? ooops just don't get caught?

[ATDM]

I thought someone found that you could have a gun in the PO parking lot? no? ooops just don't get caught?

That case was specific with a lot of nuances. It has not affected the law in general, although it can be used as a precedent. However, I wouldn't want to be the test run for it...

[SewTexas]

ah, interesting thanks.

[RoyGBiv]

My local ACE hardware has a USPS counter in the back. There's a U-Haul/Storage facility nearby with a similar USPS counter.
No problems CHL-ing there. Check your local listings for a similar setup near you.

[EdWeird]

I often need to go to a US Post Office rather than a drop box (for various reasons).

Assuming you are going to mail something and not check your PO Box, I recommend their Click-n-Ship service. Buy a cheapie postal scale at Wal-Mart or Office Depot/Max, use their flat-rate boxes, etc. to help you determine postage rates. Then, create a login and use their website (http://www.usps.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;) to create mailing labels. Heck... you can even buy mailing labels at Office Depot/Max so you don't have to use tape. Once you are ready, schedule a pick-up and they will come to your house or office to pick them up.

Need boxes, stamps or envelopes? They will send those to you, too--for FREE (well, not the stamps)! I can't remember the last time I had to set foot into a Post Office.


EDIT: Click-n-Ship is usually cheaper than in-person visits AND they give free delivery confirmation, email notifications, etc.

[rotor]

I wonder how many Texans without chl but with a gun in their glove compartment park at their local post office to mail a letter. It is also a federal crime to be within x number of feet (???) from a school with a firearm. Just driving by one of these gun free areas is a federal crime. Anyone here follow that law? Best I can suggest is if you do, don't get caught. Better off with pot in Washington or Colorado as we know they will not prosecute but if you protect youself in a post office parking lot with a firearm you are in deep trouble. PS, don't take that automatic knife in either.

[RottenApple]

I wonder how many Texans without chl but with a gun in their glove compartment park at their local post office to mail a letter. It is also a federal crime to be within x number of feet (???) from a school with a firearm. Just driving by one of these gun free areas is a federal crime. Anyone here follow that law? Best I can suggest is if you do, don't get caught. Better off with pot in Washington or Colorado as we know they will not prosecute but if you protect youself in a post office parking lot with a firearm you are in deep trouble. PS, don't take that automatic knife in either.

FYI, having a TX CHL exempts you from the Federal GFSZ.

[ATDM]

I wonder how many Texans without chl but with a gun in their glove compartment park at their local post office to mail a letter. It is also a federal crime to be within x number of feet (???) from a school with a firearm. Just driving by one of these gun free areas is a federal crime. Anyone here follow that law? Best I can suggest is if you do, don't get caught. Better off with pot in Washington or Colorado as we know they will not prosecute but if you protect youself in a post office parking lot with a firearm you are in deep trouble. PS, don't take that automatic knife in either.

The parking lots of schools (as well as driving by them) have no restrictions, as long as the gun is concealed. If you have to go into a school, you have to lock up your gun in the car. Even if a school has a 30.06 at the entrance of the parking lot (which not many of them do) — those signs are not enforceable. Parking lots, walkways, sidewalks, nearby roads, etc. are absolutely fine.

My hypothetical concern before was only about schools with a parking lot 30.06, so I consulted a Law Shield lawyer. He said that those signs are not enforceable. My kids don't go to a school with such a sign, so it's not an issue for me.

Regardless, there is not requirement to have a concealed weapon within an x amount of feet from a school property. The rule is not to walk into a building (or an school event) with a weapon, and to safely lock it in your car.

As to the non-CHL folk parking at the USPS with a gun locked in their car — I was curious about it, too. I hope they all study the law before putting the gun in the car, even though that particular law is numbingly stupid and is not doing our Postal Service any favors. I know they lose more than half of my shipping business because I can't have my gun in the car, when I go there.

[nyj]

I must not know the laws, because I always leave my gun in the car at the post office.

[sjfcontrol]

I wonder how many Texans without chl but with a gun in their glove compartment park at their local post office to mail a letter. It is also a federal crime to be within x number of feet (???) from a school with a firearm. Just driving by one of these gun free areas is a federal crime. Anyone here follow that law? Best I can suggest is if you do, don't get caught. Better off with pot in Washington or Colorado as we know they will not prosecute but if you protect youself in a post office parking lot with a firearm you are in deep trouble. PS, don't take that automatic knife in either.

The federal gun free school zone law does not apply if you have a license (CHL) issued by the state in which the school exists.