All carriers that accept alcohol shipments will have a few things in common. First and foremost, you must indicate that the shipment contains alcohol, as a surcharge will be added to the delivery. And naturally, an adult over 21 must sign for the shipment.
Full Answer
How do I ship alcohol to my customers?
Businesses that hold appropriate alcohol licenses (licensees) and are enrolled in the FedEx alcohol shipping program may use FedEx Express, Ground, or Home Delivery to ship to their customers in select states or countries
What should you not say when shipping beer?
Lastly, if a shipping clerk asks what you are shipping, don’t say beer. It’s a silly but necessary point to address. FedEx and UPS are not really concerned about what you are shipping, but if someone does ask what is being shipped, say that it’s anything but beer. Yeast samples, antique milk bottles, anything really.
Will USPS Deny my shipment for alcohol?
Heads up: USPS will deny your shipment if your package has any labeling or branding that shows it MIGHT carry alcohol! If you’re asking yourself why this matters, keep in mind that lots of people like to reuse old packaging for new shipments.
Can you mail alcohol?
Rather, mailing alcohol falls on the easy totem pole somewhere between sending a birthday card and shipping live cobras in chip cans. (Yeah, that's happened.) It's not impossible, but it's not obvious. Even if you can figure out other carriers' rules and regulations, you've got municipal, state, and country rules to follow, too.
How do you personally ship alcohol?
You must package the alcohol in the center of the shipment, away from the package's sides. Your package must be deemed sturdy by UPS. You must clearly label the shipment and meet UPS, origin state, and destination state guidelines. You must clearly label the package as containing alcohol.
Does USPS check packages for alcohol?
Will Usps Know If I Ship Alcohol? The US Postal Service judges packages by their labels USPS will deny your shipment if you include any label or branding that indicates alcohol could be in the package.
How do you discreetly ship alcohol?
Take your sturdy, corrugated cardboard box and use a garbage bag to line the inside. Tightly pack the bubble-wrapped beers and cans into the box. If there's empty space or gaps, be sure fill with packing peanuts or old newspapers or cloths.
Can alcohol be shipped through mail?
The United States Postal Service (USPS) prohibits sending alcoholic beverages through the mail, but you can ship alcohol via couriers, such as FedEx or UPS if you're a licensed alcohol shipper.
Will UPS deliver alcohol without a signature?
All wine shipments must be made using the UPS Delivery Confirmation Adult Signature Required service, requiring the signature of an adult 21 years of age or older upon delivery.
Can I mail someone a bottle of whiskey?
How to Ship Whiskey? Shipping whiskey is no different than shipping wine or liquor. You will need a license, a special contract with UPS or FedEx, and you will only be able to ship it to people in states where it is legal to ship it to.
Does USPS xray all packages?
Is Mail X-Rayed? Some of the mail that is sent through the United States Postal Service will pass through an X-Ray machine. There are no specific guidelines as to what may or may not be x-rayed, though mail sent to or through larger cities is likely to pass through an X-Ray machine.
What do you say when shipping beer?
If someone asks you what's in the box, you can say something like “collectible glassware,” “vintage sodas,” “olive oils,” etc. Some people say “live yeast samples” which is one of the better, more truthful answers. To be honest, I've only been asked once or twice what I'm sending.
Can you ship alcohol via UPS as a gift?
No, you can't ship alcohol via UPS as a gift. UPS requires all alcohol-related businesses to sign a contract verifying their lawfulness as a company before shipping. Federal and state laws also mandate that only licensed businesses ship alcohol, too, so in broad terms, it's a no-go.
Can I mail alcohol through FedEx?
As an individual, you may not ship alcohol, including wine, beer, liquor, or champagne, through the FedEx network. If you'd like to send alcohol as a gift to a friend or family member, you'll need to have it shipped from the licensed retailer or winery you purchased it from.
How do I ship beer to a friend?
You can wrap your bottles and cans in bubble wrap, tape the bubble wrap together, then put your bubble-wrapped beer in a zip lock bag. Once you've got your beer packed up, then you can put the beer in your corrugated cardboard box. Add some padding to make sure your beers don't shift around, and tape up your box.
How can I ship wine as a gift?
It is illegal in the US for non-licensed individuals to ship wine through the mail. If you would like to send someone wine, you will need to buy wine through a licensed company. Fortunately, there are many companies that can send fine vintages, bottles, gift baskets, and club memberships to your recipient.
What is shipping alcohol internationally?
Shipping alcohol internationally is when shipping requirements and preparations become even more complicated. International shipments are when taxes get added, regulations need to be checked, and both parties need to be prepared for send-off and receipt. While packaging will look very similar, the steps for shipping alcohol internationally are:
What shipping companies accept alcohol?
There are four major shipping companies that are most commonly used by sellers shipping alcohol: UPS, FedEx, USPS, and DHL. All carriers that accept alcohol shipments will have a few things in common. First and foremost, you must indicate that the shipment contains alcohol, as a surcharge will be added to the delivery.
What is DHL shipping?
DHL is a shipping service that specializes in international shipments. The requirements for shipping alcohol through DHL will include: Must sign DHL’s Agreement to Transport Alcoholic Beverages. Shipment must adhere to all FDA and TTB (Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau) guidelines and regulations.
How old do you have to be to ship spirits?
All shipments must meet UPS packaging requirements for spirits. Must provide the signature of an adult 21 years of age or older upon delivery for confirmation. All packages must contain a special alcoholic beverages shipping label for domestic shipments.
Why should beer be airtight?
Make sure that beer is packaged in a cold environment and padded for protection to prevent unwanted air from getting inside storage.
What do you need to import alcohol into the US?
Get Required Approval: In order to import alcohol into the US, you must receive all necessary approvals from applicable government agencies. One of the first entities that you’ll need approval through is the Food and Drug Association (FDA). Each product will also need a COLA, a TTB-issued Certificate of Label Approval. This label essentially proves that the retailer/importers comply with all federal regulations within their alcohol labeling.
Why should beer be kept in dark storage?
In order to preserve the designed taste and freshness, beer should be kept in a dark storage environment.
Why won't the USPS ship alcohol?
Why USPS Won’t Allow You to Ship Alcohol. Believe it or not, USPS doesn’t allow for the shipment of alcohol because of laws enacted by Prohibition back in the 1920’s! Seriously. However, that’s not to say USPS will always prohibit the shipment of alcohol going forward.
How to contact FedEx if you don't have an account?
If you don’t have a FedEx account executive, give FedEx Customer Service a call at 1-800-GoFedEx (1-800-463-3339) and request that an account executive call you. Use an electronic shipping solution for reporting purposes. You’ll need to create your shipping label with FedEx Ship Manager®.
Does FedEx ship alcohol?
FedEx allows the shipment of alcohol. However, there are some specific requirements you’ll need to meet to get started. We’ve laid those out for you below.
Can you ship alcohol with USPS?
Heads up: USPS will deny your shipment if your package has any labeling or branding that shows it MIGHT carry alcohol! If you’re asking yourself why this matters, keep in mind that lots of people like to reuse old packaging for new shipments. While we’re big fans of recycling here at Shipping School, it’s important to NOT use packaging that was once used to carry alcohol. As a rule of thumb, we suggest you avoid these types of boxes altogether when shipping with USPS.
Can you ship beer and wine with USPS?
That means pretty much every alcoholic beverage out there, including shipping beer and wine, is a no-go with USPS.
Can you ship alcohol on vacation?
However, it’s not as cut and dry to ship alcohol in the United States as one might think. In most instances, you’ll need to obtain alcohol shipping licenses and sign agreements with your carrier… and that’s if the shipping carrier you choose even allows you to ship alcohol in the first place! Let’s get into it, shall we?
Do you need a shipping label for UPS?
You can grab these directly from UPS, and your account executive will be able to provide you with one. You’ll need to your shipping label with a UPS Compatible Shipping Solution like WorldShip.
Why is it so difficult to ship alcohol across state lines?
That its because you now must meet the requirements and regulations in both the state you’re shipping from and the state you’re shipping to.
Does each state have different shipping laws?
Each state has different laws for shipping alcohol in-state, between states, and internationally, as well as treating beer, spirits, and wine differently. To help break down each state’s alcohol shipping laws, here is a breakdown by state:
Is alcohol a prohibited item in Mississippi?
PROHIBITED. All types of alcohol shipments to consumers is prohibited in the state of Mississippi – with no provisions or special requests allowed.
Can you ship wine to Kentucky?
ON-SITE ONLY. All types of out-of-state alcohol shipments to consumers are prohibited. However, there are some state laws that indicate that wineries that acquire a permit for DtC delivery orders of wine to Kentucky residents.
Is Hawaii a liquor delivery state?
ALLOWED. Hawaii has relaxed laws for alcohol delivery fulfillment, due in part to its remote location away from the US mainland. You will need to become compliant for mailing alcohol to consumers in Hawaii, as well as be aware of local and city laws.
Is California a state of compliance for alcohol delivery?
California is responsible for the largest market for alcohol delivery, and the state’s compliance laws are very relaxed, especially for in-state fulfillment. You will need to become compliant for mailing alcohol to consumers in Arizona, as well as be aware of local and city laws.
Can you ship alcohol in Arizona?
ALLOWED. Arizona has relaxed shipping laws for alcohol. In 2017 Arizona removed a rule limiting the number of bottles alcohol distributors could send to consumers, making the state even more alcohol-delivery friendly. You will need to become compliant for mailing alcohol to consumers in Arizona, as well as be aware of local and city laws.
How to contact FedEx about alcohol shipping?
Help is available from our alcohol shipping specialists. Contact your FedEx account executive or customer service at 1.800.463.3339 for info.
How many locations does FedEx deliver wine?
With FedEx Delivery Manager ®, your customers can pick up wine and alcohol shipments on their schedules at more than 6,000 locations.
Can you ship alcohol with FedEx?
Businesses that hold appropriate alcohol licenses (licensees) and are enrolled in the FedEx alcohol shipping program may use FedEx Express, Ground, or Home Delivery to ship to their customers in select states or countries
Does FedEx ship alcohol?
FedEx Freight accepts alcohol shipments when both the shipper and recipient are licensed wholesalers, dealers, distributors, manufacturers, or importers
Why is shipping alcohol so complicated?
Here's a little history lesson as to why shipping alcohol is so darn complicated: it dates back to Prohibition, when alcohol was banned under the 18th Amendment. Luckily, fast forward a few years, and the 21st Amendment undid that awful idea—with a caveat: it gave states the power to enact their own laws regarding the production, distribution, ...
What to send a friend for a congratulatory bottle?
When you're sending something closer to home, you have one more shipping option: use alcohol e-commerce sites, such as Drizly or Minibar for example, to mail your friend a congratulatory bottle of wine or a thank-you six-pack of beer by taking advantage of their in-town delivery options, some free.
Can you ship alcohol from a distributor?
For example, some states may prohibi t the shipment of more than one bottle at a time, or how many bottles of alcohol can be shipped to a person each year , says Mahesh Lekkala, owner of New York- and New Jersey-based Wine Legend. A good retailer will know these rules.
Can you ship Weinberg products through a distributor?
Once again, it's probably best to go through a retailer or distributor. Weinberg also recommends that you confirm with the retailer or distributor if any taxes or duties need to be paid on the product you intend to ship. If so, they should be able to advise you on how to pay them, and how much they will cost you.
Does FedEx ship alcohol?
FedEx's alcohol shipping policies can be read here, while UPS's alcohol regulations—much the same as FedEx's—can be found here (though the latter is broadening its scope a bit). Some of those universal rules? You must advise the carrier your package contains alcohol. A surcharge will be applied to the shipment.
Can you wrap a bottle of booze as a gift?
In short, as much as you might like to personally pick up, wrap and send a bottle of booze as a gift, this is one task better left to professionals.
Can you buy alcohol in one state?
Most—though not all—alcohol that can be purchased in one state can be found somewhere in another, so if you're dying to ship your brother a new brew, hit the web first to see if you can find a retailer in his state that carries the beverage, recommends Lekkala.