If you're bringing a bottle back to send to a friend, it can be shipped from within the United States with the proper precautions. To package the alcohol in your suitcase, place the glass bottle in a self-sealing bag like a zip-close bag, a small dry bag or a bag specifically designed for packing glass bottles.
Can I ship alcohol to friends?
Mandy Schaffer/Demand Media. Alcohol can easily be bought online, but mailing or shipping alcohol is no easy feat. Whether shipping within a state or across state lines or internationally, there are a few rules and regulations to be aware of before loading up on bottles to send home to friends.
Can You Send alcohol as a gift?
So, if you have been asking yourself, “how to send alcohol as a gift” or “how to send alcohol to a friend,” etc. then this blog is for you. So, do you want to ship alcohol? Well, this may be a lot more difficult than you thought. The US Postal Services does not allow people to mail alcohol or other liquids.
Can I ship alcohol to another state?
Other states like Delaware only allow direct shipments that come from a licensed wholesaler or through online purchases. Note that USPS shipping restrictions do not allow the mailing of any alcohol. FedEx and UPS allow alcohol to be shipped if their strict guidelines are followed.
How many bottles of alcohol can you ship at once?
For example, some states may prohibit 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 I ship a bottle of liquor 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.
Can I mail a bottle of alcohol as a gift?
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.
What happens if I mail alcohol?
That being said, it is important to know that there are consequences if you are caught and that shipping alcohol is at your own risk. Typically, you'll get a written warning on an initial violation. Subsequent violations could lead to fines and or, gulp, jail time, so be mindful and be smart.
Can alcohol be sent via USPS?
There is absolutely no alcohol allowed for any USPS shipment, domestically or internationally. On top of this, if you plan on using packaging that was once used to carry alcohol, all labels or branding associated with alcohol must be covered or taken off in order to properly process the package.
Will UPS ship alcohol?
Who Can Ship Spirits? UPS only accepts packages containing Spirits from shippers who are licensed under applicable law and who have signed and entered into a contract with UPS for the transportation of Spirits. Note: UPS provides service for other alcoholic beverages (beer and wine) on a contract basis only.
How do you ship a bottle of liquor?
To safely ship alcoholic beverages, you should use strong cardboard boxes that have trays inside of them that provide sections for each bottle. This will keep the bottles separate and prevent them from smashing into one another. You can also wrap the bottles in bubble wrap for additional safety.
Can I ship a bottle of whiskey?
Must provide all required state alcohol licenses to UPS for shipping. 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 ...
Does FedEx have xray packages?
FedEx does not x-ray all packages. To do so would be very expensive and time-consuming. FedEx may x-ray suspicious-looking packages or packages on a random basis at some facilities. FedEx does not disclose its security practices in order to prevent customers from circumventing those practices.
How do you send a bottle of wine to someone?
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.
Can you ship liquids via FedEx?
Pack the containers. If you're shipping multiple containers of liquid, it's important to separate the containers from each other—and from the walls of the box—to help prevent damage. You can wrap each container in bubble packaging and add an additional sheet between the walls of the box and the containers.
Does USPS have xray 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.
Can I ship liquids via UPS?
USPS, UPS and FedEx allow shipping of liquids. You need to use a waterproof container. Follow all regulations for your liquid, especially if it is flammable or hazardous.
How do I give alcohol as a gift?
Gift bags, wrapped boxes, or baskets are all good options for presenting alcohol as gifts during the holidays. Finally, rather than combining holiday booze with drinking glasses, consider a more inspired option to help your gift really stand out, such as including a seasonal food match instead.
Can I mail beer to a friend?
Is it legal to ship beer in the US? The short and direct answer would be “No” unless you have the proper license and paperwork to do it. Shipping any alcoholic beverage is against the policies of most shipping companies—all kind of liquid products on glass bottles; it is considered dangerous for shipping.
How do you mail a bottle of wine?
We recommend using polystyrene inner packaging with a corrugated outer container when shipping wine or alcohol bottles. You can also use molded pulp or die-cut corrugated packaging to protect beer, wine, liquor, and champagne. Reinforce the bottom of the box with extra tape.
How do you send a bottle of wine to someone?
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.
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
Which states do not allow shipping of alcohol?
For instance, there are a few states that do not allow alcohol shipments of any kind. These include Mississippi, Utah, and Kentucky. Alabama was one of these states until October 2021 when limited alcohol shipments started to be allowed. Other states like Delaware and Arkansas allow shipping for on-site purchases only. This means that if you purchase a bottle of wine while visiting a winery in the state, then the winery can ship that bottle to your house. However, you cannot place an order over the phone or through the web and have the wine shipped. Finally, states like Oklahoma, Oregon, and Virginia have somewhat relaxed alcohol shipping laws. Breweries and other alcohol distributors are free to sell and ship alcohol to residents in these states.
What is the age limit for FedEx to ship?
FedEx must deem your package to be sturdy enough to withstand the shipping process. When it comes to addressing the package, your label must clearly contain both the shipping and return address, and the package must be clearly marked as containing alcohol. Lastly, an adult signature will be required upon delivery. This ensures that no one under the age of 21 is receiving the shipment.
Does UPS check packages for alcohol?
Yes, your package could be checked by UPS if they suspect that you are attempting to illegally ship alcohol. If you do not have the proper license, you could face criminal charges. Packages containing alcohol that are shipped with UPS are required to be clearly marked so that someone can easily see that there is alcohol inside the package. They must also meet strict packaging requirements to avoid breakage.
Will UPS deliver alcohol in 2021?
It should be noted that a bill has recently been introduced in Congress in 2021 that would allow the USPS to deliver alcohol. Since UPS and FedEx are already allowed to deliver alcohol, this would put the USPS on a more level playing field for those shipments. It is estimated that this change could bring in an additional $50 million in revenue for the postal service.
Can you ship alcohol without a license?
Needless to say, this makes the rules regarding alcohol shipments extremely complicated. As a general rule, you cannot ship alcohol without the proper license. The shipper needs to have a license to manufacture, sell, or distribute alcohol in order to ship alcohol to consumers. Online retailers who sell alcohol are required to be extremely familiar with these rules. Shipping alcohol can get you in some serious trouble according to some state laws. In fact, it can even result in a felony conviction in the states with some of the harshest alcohol shipping laws. Other state laws are not quite as strict, but they still prohibit the shipment of alcohol without a proper license.
Can you mail alcohol out of the country?
Many people ask, “Can you mail alcohol out of the country?” If you thought it was difficult to mail alcohol across state lines , then just imagine how hard it is to send it between countries. Regardless of the type of alcohol, it is extremely complicated to send alcohol products from one country to another. Not only do you have state and local laws to deal with, but you also have to worry about import and export rules of the origin and destination . Failure to abide by these rules could cause your shipment to be seized by customs and destroyed. You might also owe taxes or duties on shipments of alcohol coming into or out of the country.
Can you ship alcohol through USPS?
It is illegal to ship alcohol using the USPS. First, your package could be rejected if it contains alcohol. Next, you could be charged with a crime for attempting to send an illegal substance through the mail. Depending on your state, this might even be a felony. This is not something that you should risk as there are other ways that you can legally send someone alcohol.
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.
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, ...
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.
How to pack alcohol in a suitcase?
To package the alcohol in your suitcase, place the glass bottle in a self-sealing bag like a zip-close bag, a small dry bag or a bag specifically designed for packing glass bottles. Two plastic bags wrapped tightly around the bottle will also work, but are not spillproof should the bottle break. Pack the bottles in the center ...
Why do people buy alcohol online?
Buying liquor online also allows for a much broader array of options. Ordering alcohol online shifts the burden of shipping alcohol from the customer to the producer. Whether you're buying liquor or other types of alcohol, ordering online enables you to ship gifts to friends and family, rather than having to ship it yourself.
Can you ship alcohol from abroad?
To hasten the arrival of alcohol from a trip abroad, simply pack it in your suitcase. This is not illegal, though the bottles should be declared at customs. If you're bringing a bottle back to send to a friend, it can be shipped from within the United States with the proper precautions. To package the alcohol in your suitcase, ...
Can you buy alcohol online?
Alcohol can easily be bought online, but mailing or shipping alcohol is no easy feat. Whether shipping within a state or across state lines or internationally, there are a few rules and regulations to be aware of before loading up on bottles to send home to friends.
Can You Mail Alcohol?
In many states, laws dictate that only a certain number of bottles can be sent to a single customer or person each year. Depending on the state, a license could be required to send more than one bottle of wine.
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 deliver wine without shipping?
Use an app to deliver wine. There are a few apps, such as Drizly or Minibar, that can deliver wine without shipping it through the mail. These services often work by contacting local wine shops and having them deliver the wine directly to your recipient.
How to get wine for a gift?
1. Establish a budget. Shipping wine can be expensive. Decide how much you will spend before you start shopping. This will help you choose a gift without any surprises when you check out. For example, if your budget is $40, you might spend about $25 on a bottle of wine and the rest on shipping.
How many wines can you send to a wine club?
Wine clubs will send two or three wines to the recipient’s house monthly. You can usually buy these in three, six, and twelve month increments. Some wine clubs will include the cost of shipping in the subscription price while others will add it as a separate cost.
What to send a gift to someone who moved to California?
Be creative with the gift. For example, if your recipient just moved to California, you might send a bottle of California wine.
What is in a wine basket?
A wine basket will include snacks, candy, or other treats that pair well with the wine. Many online wine stores and gift shops offer wine baskets. Chocolate, crackers, and nuts are common features of a wine basket. ...
How old do you have to be to get wine delivered?
Ensure that an adult over the age of 21 is home for the delivery. You should receive a tracking number with any shipment of wine. Send this to the recipient and explain that they will need to be home when it is delivered. They may have to show their ID to the mail carrier to prove that they are over the age of 21.
How to remove items from cart when shipping is too high?
If the shipping is too high for you, you can remove items from your cart by clicking the “X” or “Remove” buttons next to the item .
