Complete guide to ship alcohol in the US and internationally

Online ordering and delivery are incredibly fast and convenient, but can you ship alcohol? How to ship alcohol? Whether you're a small business owner looking to expand your reach, a connoisseur eager to share your latest discovery, or simply wishing to send a commemorative bottle to a distant friend. The problem navigating the complex network of legalities, logistics, import-export, and packaging for alcohol shipping is quite intricate. 

In this article, Worldcraft Logistics will unveil the secrets of how to ship alcohol safely, legally, and efficiently, ensuring that your precious cargo arrives in perfect condition, ready to be savored and enjoyed. Let's embark on this exciting journey of alcohol shipping together.

1. Is it legal to ship alcohol?

The straightforward answer to shipping alcohol in the U.S. is that it's permissible but complex, and primarily restricted to licensed stores. If you're an individual or don't hold a liquor license, carrier and state regulations typically prohibit you from shipping alcohol. Consequently, you'll need to delve deeper into questions regarding your business, the nature of your products, your operational locations, and your customers' residences. Additionally, there may be limitations on the amount of alcohol you can ship, influenced by whether your company caters to consumers or other businesses.

Although the pandemic has led to some alterations in rules and requirements, these changes are usually specific to the state where your business is based. So, how do e-commerce businesses manage to ship alcoholic beverages to their customers in a manner that's both safe and lawful? In this discussion, we'll examine in greater detail the regulations that oversee the domestic and international shipping of wine, beer, and spirits within and from the U.S.

1.1 Regulations on ship alcohol in the USA

Licensee-to-Licensee

• Shipper Requirements: The shipper must be recognized by local authorities and transport units as an approved alcohol shipper.
• Recipient Requirements: The recipient must be a business entity with appropriate alcohol licenses.
• Compliance: The shipment must adhere to applicable laws.
• Service Options: Shipments may be made through legitimate, licensed services with clear documentation for verification.

Licensee-to-Consumer

• Limited to Wine: The licensee-to-consumer shipping is exclusive to wine. However, there are still some special cases that are licensed to transport strong alcohol.
• Destination Restrictions: These direct-to-consumer wine shipments are restricted to the states listed in the Direct-to-Consumer Wine Shipping State Reference Guide.(source: FedEx)
• Legal Compliance: All shipments must comply with the relevant laws.
• Exclusions: The guidelines in the reference guide do not apply to licensee-to-licensee shipments.

Terms Used in Wine Shipping to Consumers

• Intrastate: Wine shipping that starts and ends within the same state.
• Interstate: Wine shipping that begins in one state and ends in another.
• On-site: A purchase made in person by a consumer at a winery or tasting room, where the wine is then shipped to the consumer’s home state.

1.2 International regulations on the transportation and import-export of ship alcohol

International alcohol shipments are only allowed through services of major, reputable carriers like FedEx, UPS, USPS, DHL, or licensed private shipping partners with global operational scope. These shipments must adhere to a "licensee to licensee" model, meaning both the importer and exporter must be licensed organizations. For imports into the United States, the sender must have a license granted by the country or territory of origin in accordance with its laws and regulations. For all licensed international shipments, the responsibility lies with the sender to be aware of and comply with all current laws and regulations of both the exporting and importing country or territory.

When it comes to "licensee to consumer" shipments for international deliveries, the sender must again ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations of both the exporting and importing countries or territories. Shipping partners only undertake the transportation of alcohol from a licensed entity to consumers internationally. Such shipments are allowed through freight and import/export services to the countries or territories listed here.

• Alberta
• Australia
• Austria
• Belgium
• British Columbia
• China
• Denmark
• France
• Germany
• Hong Kong SAR, China
• India
• Ireland
• Italy
• Japan
• Labrador & Newfoundland
• Malaysia
• Manitoba
• New Brunswick
• New Zealand
• Nova Scotia
• NWT, NY, YK
• Ontario
• Philippines
• Poland
• Prince Edward Island
• Quebec
• Saskatchewan
• Singapore
• South Korea
• Sweden
• Taiwan
• Thailand
• The Netherlands
• United Arab Emirates
• United Kingdom
• Vietnam

2. How to ship alcohol

Shipping alcohol requires adherence to specific guidelines set by carriers and regulatory bodies. Here’s how you can ship alcoholic beverages using various services:

2.1 Shipping Alcoholic Beverages via USPS

The United States Postal Service (USPS) does not allow the shipment of alcohol by individuals. Only licensed entities under certain circumstances may be able to ship alcohol with USPS, but this is very limited.

2.2 Shipping Alcoholic Beverages via UPS

• Licensing: UPS permits shipping of alcohol only by licensed shippers. You must have the appropriate licenses and an agreement in place with UPS.
• Labeling and Packaging: Use proper packaging and labeling, including a label indicating that an adult signature is required upon delivery.
• Compliance: Ensure adherence to state and federal laws, as well as UPS’s policies for alcohol shipping.

2.3 Shipping Alcoholic Beverages via FedEx

• Approval Required: You must be an approved alcohol shipper with FedEx.
• Packaging: Use sturdy, leak-proof packaging and ensure that it's well-labeled.
• Documentation: Comply with all legal documentation requirements and FedEx’s alcohol shipping policies.
• Adult Signature: Packages must require an adult signature upon delivery.

2.4 Shipping Alcoholic Beverages via Third-Party Services

• Licensing and Regulations: Use third-party logistics providers who specialize in alcohol shipping and are familiar with the legal requirements.
• Carrier Coordination: These services often coordinate with carriers like UPS and FedEx and can help navigate their specific rules.
• Compliance and Tracking: Ensure that the third-party service is compliant with all regulations and offers tracking and insurance options.

💡 General Tips:

• Check Local and State Laws: Always check the regulations in both the origin and destination locations, as alcohol shipping laws vary widely.
• Proper Identification: Ensure that all shipments are intended for recipients of legal drinking age and that an adult signature is required upon delivery.
• Stay Informed: Keep up to date with changes in laws and carrier policies regarding alcohol shipping.

Remember, illegal or non-compliant shipping of alcohol can lead to serious legal consequences, so it’s crucial to follow all regulations and carrier-specific requirements.

Some other shipping services you may be interested in:

• How to ship frozen food and other refrigerated SAFELY avoid damage
• How to ship fragile items to keep them INTACT and REDUCED COST

3. Ready to start shipping your beer, wine, and spirits?

Fulfill your first order now with Worldcraft Logistics' full service - where unparalleled expertise meets the art of fine alcohol transportation. As a distinguished leader in the logistics industry, we specialize in the nuanced and delicate realm of wine shipping and handling. Our commitment to excellence and precision has positioned us as the best-in-class partner for alcohol factories, distributors, collectors, and connoisseurs around the globe.

Our team, composed of seasoned professionals, combines deep industry knowledge with a love for wine, enabling us to offer bespoke solutions tailored to the unique needs of each client. Whether it's managing delicate vintages, navigating complex international shipping regulations, or providing climate-controlled transport and storage, Worldcraft Logistics is equipped to handle every aspect of wine logistics with unparalleled precision and care.

3.1 How to legally ship wine and beer with our service

Like with general alcohol transportation regulations, Worldcraft Logistics ensures completion of legal procedures from age verification, licensing, shipping order guarantees,... Research and communicate with customers in advance to clearly communicate shipping policies and restrictions to customers. This is also how we verify and collect customer information whether it matches the prepared goods or not.

By adhering to these streamlined steps, we can ensure legal compliance and efficient service in shipping wine and beer.

3.2 Importing and transporting wine with our service

Importing and transporting wine using our service involves a detailed process that adheres to various international and domestic regulations.

 ✔️ Understand Import Regulations: Familiarize ourself with the import laws and regulations of the destination country. This includes understanding any tariffs, taxes, and specific documentation required for importing wine.

 ✔️Obtain Necessary Licenses: Ensure we have the appropriate import licenses and permits. This often involves coordinating with regulatory bodies in both the exporting and importing countries.

 ✔️Compliance with Exporting Country’s Laws: Be aware of the regulations in the country from where the wine is being exported. This includes any export-specific documentation and legal requirements.

 ✔️Quality Packaging for International Transit: Use specialized, durable packaging suited for long-distance transport. This is critical to protect the wine from temperature fluctuations, movement, and potential damage.

 ✔️Customs Clearance: Prepare for customs clearance by having all necessary documents ready, such as bills of lading, invoices, and any certificates required by the destination country.

 ✔️Temperature Control and Handling: If necessary, use temperature-controlled shipping options to maintain the quality of the wine, especially for long transits or during extreme weather conditions.

 ✔️Tracking and Insurance: Provide tracking options and consider insurance for the shipment to safeguard against loss or damage.

By adhering to these steps, we ensure that the process of importing and transporting wine with our service is smooth, compliant, and meets the high expectations of customers

4. How to package alcoholic beverages before transportation

Shipping alcohol, particularly wine, requires careful consideration due to the risk of bottle shock and oxidation. Here are the steps for effectively packing alcohol for shipping, whether it’s a single bottle of wine or a case of beer:

 🔻 Use Heavy-Duty eCommerce Packaging: Since alcoholic containers are heavy, standard cardboard boxes are insufficient. Opt for insulated packaging with heavy-duty cardboard on the outside. Boxes with styrofoam cases or a polystyrene container inside a double-walled box are ideal. Make sure to measure the box correctly for shipping.

 🔻 Secure Wrapping: Wrap each bottle or case securely to prevent breakage. Use foam sheets, packing paper, or styrofoam layers to cushion the beverages inside the box. Minimizing empty space in the packaging is crucial to prevent bottles from shifting and potentially breaking.

 🔻 Bubble Wrap: While optional, bubble wrap can be very useful. It's ideal for padding the sides of boxes, wrapping beer cans, or adding extra protection to a case of wine or liquor. Ensure the bubble wrap doesn’t hinder the box from closing properly.

 🔻 Double Tape the Box: Due to the weight and nature of the contents, it’s important to firmly seal boxes containing alcoholic beverages. Double taping the top and bottom flaps of the box is an effective method. Consider incorporating this step into your warehouse management process if it's not already a standard practice.

 🔻 Proper Label Placement: Affix shipping labels to the tops of boxes. This ensures that, even if the box is shuffled or tipped, delivery personnel can still identify the correct orientation of the package.

 🔻 Avoid Extreme Temperatures: While sometimes unavoidable, try to ship in milder weather conditions. This reduces the risk of the contents freezing or overheating, which can compromise the quality of the alcohol.

For those standardizing a packaging process for alcoholic beverages for the first time, it's helpful to document these steps, laminate the instructions, and distribute them to warehouse staff. This approach can streamline the process and reduce errors, particularly during peak seasons.

If your shipping needs are expanding and you require a comprehensive solution, consider services like Worldcraft Logistics. Worldcraft Logistics offers built-in shipping tools that consolidate buying power to negotiate better rates from numerous shipping companies. Their services include determining shipping costs by weight, printing packing slips and labels, tracking shipments and returns, and providing shipping cost estimates.

5. Frequently asked questions about wine shipping

Have you ever wondered, "How do I ship alcohol?" While shipping alcohol is a serious undertaking, it doesn't have to be overly complex. For those looking to launch or enhance their online alcoholic beverage business, understanding the ins and outs of alcohol shipping is essential. To help you navigate this process, we've compiled a list of commonly asked questions along with our expert answers on how to ship alcohol efficiently and legally.

5.1 How to ship alcohol to a friend?

Shipping wine to a friend can be a little tricky due to legal restrictions and carrier policies. If you are not a licensed wine shipper, we recommend contacting online wine retailers, wineries, wine shops near the recipient, or third-party services like Drizly, Wine.com, or ReserveBar who are licensed to ship wine and deliver it directly to your friend.

Here are some general guidelines + notes to help you navigate the process of sending wine to a friend properly:

• Some states or countries have specific regulations regarding the shipping of wine. Research the local laws of both your location and your destination. For international shipping, many countries have strict import restrictions on wine. Verify that it is legal to ship wine between countries.
• UPS and FedEx are two carriers that allow wine shipping, but require you to have a shipping license to ship wine. You cannot just package and ship wine as an individual. The USPS does not allow the shipping of any type of alcohol.
• Use a sturdy box with plenty of padding (bubble wrap, foam) to prevent bottles from breaking during shipping. Alternatively, you can purchase a specialized bottle shipping kit designed to ship wine, spirits, or beer.
• Carriers typically require a label indicating the package contains alcohol, including an adult signature upon delivery.
• The recipient must be 21 years of age or older in the United States (or legal drinking age in other countries) to sign for the package. Be sure to select this service when arranging shipping.
• Consider purchasing shipping insurance, especially for valuable or rare bottles, in case of damage during shipping.
• Stay up to date on the latest regulations, as alcohol shipping laws and carrier policies can change frequently.

5.2 Alcohol Shipping Laws in USA, are you know?

Whether liquids can be mailed is a common question posed by many individuals in the United States. In fact, a variety of inquiries related to shipping alcohol frequently arise, such as:

• Is it illegal to ship alcohol?
• Can I ship a bottle of whiskey?
• Who ships alcohol?
• Who ships wine?
• In which states can wine be legally shipped?
• How can wine be shipped to a friend?
• What are the procedures for shipping alcoholic beverages?...

The regulations governing alcohol shipping are known for their complexity, primarily due to the fact that each state has its own set of rules. However, the general guidelines mentioned earlier are relatively standard: the shipper must possess a license, and the destination state must permit the legal receipt of alcohol. These constitute the two most crucial alcohol shipping laws.

Certain states have particularly stringent alcohol shipping regulations, with Utah, Mississippi, and Kentucky being among the most strict. For instance, in Utah, it is considered a felony to directly deliver alcohol to consumers. On the other hand, Alaska, Florida, and Minnesota are three of the states with more lenient alcohol delivery laws.

5.3 Can you send alcoholic beverages through the mail?

Absolutely, you can ship hand sanitizer, but it's important to remember that it's classified as a hazardous material due to its alcohol content. Therefore, before shipping with couriers like UPS, you need to establish a hazardous materials contract. It's also essential to check with your chosen courier for any specific requirements or guidelines they have in place for shipping hand sanitizers. This will ensure that your shipment complies with all safety regulations and reaches its destination without any issues.

5.4 Are regular shipping labels sufficient for shipping wine?

No, you cannot use a regular shipping label for ship alcohol. Shipping alcohol requires specific labeling that complies with various regulations. These labels typically include special markings or warnings that indicate the package contains alcohol. Additionally, most carriers require a label that signifies an adult signature (usually someone 21 years or older in the U.S.) is required upon delivery.

It’s important to use the correct labels to ensure legal compliance and proper handling of your shipment by the carrier. Before shipping, check with your chosen shipping company for their specific labeling requirements for alcohol shipments. This is crucial because shipping alcohol without the proper labels can result in penalties, shipment rejection, or other legal issues.