TexasCHLforum.com

While I agree that the airplane route is the easiest, according to the ATF, you can ship to yourself in another state. Form their firearms FAQ page:

(B9) May a nonlicensee ship firearms interstate for his or her use in hunting or other lawful activity? [Back]

Yes. A person may ship a firearm to himself or herself in care of another person in the State where he or she intends to hunt or engage in any other lawful activity. The package should be addressed to the owner. Persons other than the owner should not open the package and take possession of the firearm.

But if you read the question before it, you will get confused:

(B8) May a nonlicensee ship a firearm by common or contract carrier? [Back]

A nonlicensee may ship a firearm by a common or contract carrier to a resident of his or her own State or to a licensee in any State. A common or contract carrier must be used to ship a handgun. In addition, Federal law requires that the carrier be notified that the shipment contains a firearm and prohibits common or contract carriers from requiring or causing any label to be placed on any package indicating that it contains a firearm.


As I read these, you can ship to yourself and ask the carrier to hold the package for pickup in their office (easiest way to prevent another from taking possession). I don't know if the carriers will agree. Last time I heard, FEDEX and UPS required overnight and would only accept delivery to an FFL, with a large fee for the shipment ($50-60). So, I still recommend the airline route. The only time I have had a problem with it I used the factory box and they said it was not a hard lockable case (I guess not, it was cardboard). Since then, with a proper case, no problems in probably about 15 or 20 flights.