Use these resources, tools, and tips to ship alcohol
Here's what you'll
find on this page:
Here's what you'll find on this page:
Are you eligible to ship alcohol through our network?
Individuals are prohibited from shipping alcohol through our services. Only businesses who hold appropriate alcohol licenses (licensees) and are enrolled in the FedEx alcohol shipping program may use FedEx Express®, FedEx Ground®, or FedEx Home Delivery® to ship to their customers in select states or countries.
If you need one-on-one help, contact your FedEx account executive. If you don't have one, schedule a time to talk with one of our alcohol shipping experts.
If you need one-on-one help, contact your FedEx account executive. If you don't
have one, schedule a time to talk with one of our alcohol shipping experts.
Checklist for packing and shipping alcohol
Wine and other alcohol are perishable, and bottles break. Plus, different grapes have different temperature tolerances. It’s important to use the right shipping materials to reduce the risk of spoilage and damage. Check to make sure you follow these top tips for shipping and packaging beer, wine, liquor, and champagne for safe transportation.
Avoid shipping your alcohol in extreme weather temperatures.
In summer, it’s best to use an insulated box. You may also use our temperature-controlled shipping process where available.
Use the right packaging materials and methods.
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.
Use a corrugated pad at the bottom of your package for added stability. Explore our How to Pack guides for expert advice on taping your package.
Place your shipping label on the top of the box to increase the chance of shipment in the correct orientation.
This is because directional arrows can’t always be honored, which means beer, wine, liquor, and champagne bottles may be shipped in different orientations.
Avoid packaging that does the following:
- Allows bottles to touch (like single corrugated partitions)
- Settles (like polystyrene peanuts)
- Compresses (like wadded paper)
Use bubble packaging only when:
- It’s at least two inches thick around the sides, top, and bottom of the bottles.
- It’s attached securely to the bottles.
- It’s accompanied by extra void fill when needed.
Alcohol packaging guides and resources
Alcohol shipping services
Whether you’re shipping express or economy, domestic or international, we’ve got service options to meet your alcohol shipping needs.
U.S. shipping services for alcohol
| Service option | Delivery time | Delivers to | Available in |
|
FedEx overnight shipping options: FedEx First Overnight®, FedEx Priority Overnight®, FedEx Standard Overnight® |
|
Businesses and residences | All 50 states (certain exceptions apply to Alaska and Hawaii) |
| FedEx 2Day® |
|
Businesses and residences | All 50 states |
| FedEx Express Saver® |
|
Businesses and residences | Contiguous states only (not Alaska and Hawaii) |
| FedEx Ground® |
|
Businesses only | All 50 states |
| FedEx Home Delivery® |
|
Residences only | All 50 states |
International shipping services for alcohol
| Service option | Typical delivery time | Export from U.S. to | Import to U.S. from |
|
More than 220 countries and territories | More than 220 countries and territories | |
| FedEx International Priority® Freight |
|
More than 130 countries and territories | More than 105 countries and territories |
| FedEx International Economy® |
|
More than 215 countries and territories | More than 90 countries and territories |
| FedEx International Economy® Freight |
|
More than 130 countries and territories | More than 90 countries and territories |
FedEx International Ground® service may never be used for international alcohol shipments. For all international licensee-to-consumer shipments, it is the shipper’s responsibility to know and comply with all applicable laws and regulations of both the exporting and importing countries or territories.
Tools for shipping alcohol internationally
Duties and taxes estimates
Before you ship alcohol, use our landed cost calculator to estimate duties and taxes that may be levied against your international shipment.
Alcohol shipment prep help
FedEx International Shipping Assist makes document preparation easier to ensure on-time delivery for your alcohol shipments.
Alcohol shipment identification label
Eliminate hiccups by attaching a label that identifies your international shipment as a special delivery that contains wine and requires an adult signature. Ask your account executive for the label or print it yourself.
Customs clearance for alcohol shipments
Make sure your customs clearance process for your alcohol shipments goes smoothly. With FedEx® Electronic Trade Documents, we review your documents for potential clearance issues and transmit paperwork and data to the FedEx brokers handling your shipment.
Discounts for shipping wine
As a member of any of the associations below, you can save on your wine shipments through our FedEx Advantage® program.
As a member of any of the associations below, you can save on your wine shipments through our
FedEx Advantage® program.
Wine Institute
Public policy advocacy association of California wineries.
Passcode FEDEX111
1.415.356.7537
Washington Wine Institute
The leading advocacy organization for Washington wineries for two decades.
Passcode FEDEX111
1.253.228.1590
Oregon Winegrowers Association
Oregon’s only statewide vineyard and winery advocacy organization.
Passcode FEDEX111
1.503.228.8336
National Association of Wine Retailers
Represents wine sellers nationwide through advocacy, education, and research.
Passcode FEDEX111
1.800.475.6709
Additional alcohol shipping resources
Find your way with the How-to Hub
Take packing and shipping into your own hands. Get tons of useful tips, tutorials, and how-to guides for everything from creating a label to packing a bike. You’ll also get insights and articles to help you ship smarter, save money, and grow your business.
Use tech to help you stay compliant
You can use ShipCompliant by Sovos to help you navigate alcohol shipping regulations, stay compliant with labeling, and generate reports fast.
Let customers know they can control their deliveries
Use our FedEx Delivery Manager® Business Toolkit to let customers know they can have wine and alcohol shipments delivered to nearby FedEx locations or retail partners to be held for pickup.
Need more info about who can ship alcohol and
how to do it?
Need more info about who can ship alcohol and how to do it?
Get helpful info about:
- Licensing requirements
- The authorization process
- Returning alcohol shipments
- International alcohol shipping requirements
- FAQs about alcohol shipping requirements and regulations
If you still have questions, contact your FedEx account executive. If you don't have one, schedule a time to chat with one of our alcohol shipping experts.
If you still have questions, contact your FedEx account executive. If you don't
have one, schedule a time to chat with one of our alcohol shipping experts.
If you still have questions, contact your FedEx account executive or customer service at 1.800.GoFedEx 1.800.463.3339.
FAQs about alcohol packaging and shipping
How do I package wine, beer, or spirits for shipping?
There are specific packaging requirements that help keep wine, beer, and spirits safe during the transportation process. Review our Wine Packaging Guide to learn which packaging materials and containers are preferred, accepted, and unacceptable. You can also check out our top tips for packing and shipping alcohol.
Is there special packaging for shipping wine, beer, or spirits?
Yes, there are specific requirements when it comes to inner packaging materials and outer containers for wine, beer, and spirits shipments. Review our Wine Packaging Guide for details and images.
If you don’t see your type of packaging in the guide, you can submit it to FedEx Packaging Services for analysis. They offer a variety of design, testing, and engineering information services that can improve your packaging strategies and save you money. As a FedEx customer, you won’t be charged for those services. You can also contact FedEx Packaging Services by phone at 1.800.633.7019.
How can I tell if my packaging is sturdy enough for shipping?
First, read our alcohol shipping packaging requirements to learn what’s preferred, acceptable, and unacceptable when it comes to inner packaging materials and outer containers.
Then, if you still have questions about your packaging, you can submit it to FedEx Packaging Services. They’ll analyze it and determine if it’s sturdy enough to withstand shipping conditions. They also offer a variety of design, testing, and engineering information services that can improve your packaging strategies and save you money. If you’re a FedEx account holder, these services are free of charge. FedEx Packaging Services can also be reached by phone at 1.800.633.7019.
Are refrigerated shipping options available for wine and champagne?
If you’re in Washington, Oregon, or California, temperature-controlled shipping options are available. A refrigerated truck will transport your shipment to a select destination hub, then it will be shipped via FedEx Priority Overnight® to your customer.