Using UPS, much seems to depend on the outlet where you drop your package. I had no problems at all with the rod tube I used to ship barrels. A few years back, I used an office where they (or at least those working the counter when I delivered my package) had never shipped a firearm previously. They pretty much followed the book, with me giving them hints. Sometimes they ask to see a copy of the addressee's FFL, but sometimes they don't.