How to Ship Bottles

Because glass is fragile, selecting the right packaging for shipping is critical. The last thing you want is for shattered bottle and a soggy package to show up at its destination. Fortunately Crafty Shipping’s small bottle pulp inserts can help!

Packaging

• HOW TO PACK YOUR BOTTLES: If you are shipping 12oz, 500ml, or 22oz bottles, then you are in luck! These bottle inserts are the perfect size insert for your shipping needs. After that, all you need is the right sized box!

• RECOMMENDED BOX SIZES:

  • For the 12oz bottles:

    • 12"x8"x4" box for 2 bottles

    • 12"x8"x8" box for 4 bottles

    • 12"x12"x8" box for 6 bottles

    • 12"x12"x12" for 9 bottles

  • For the 500ml/22oz bottles:

    • 14"x8"x4" box for 2 bottles

    • 14"x8"x8" box for 4 bottles

• GETTING BOXES: Amazon or Uline are options for finding boxes. Also, if you have a local box supply store, they will most likely have the sizes you need.

• DIY PACKING: There is always bubble wrap, plastic bags, and packing peanuts. For the most part these options work, you just have to be extra careful with the packing to make sure your bottles aren’t rattling around during shipping.

  SHIPPING

• COURIER RATES: In general, if you are shipping less than 1,000 miles, then UPS and GSO have lower rates. Also, GSO is only available in the Western US. If you are shipping beyond 1,000 miles, then FedEx will have better rates. If you are shipping higher volumes, you can also negotiate lower rates with your UPS and FedEx area representative.

I hope this information comes in handy. If you have any questions, then feel free to let me know! Happy shipping!

Notes for SHIPPING ALCOHOL

• SHIPPING HOMEBREW: Shipping homebrewed beer to certified home brew judging competitions is legal. If the competition is certified by the BJCP, then you can definitely ship beer to it. Just make sure to use UPS or FedEx when shipping beer because shipping alcohol with USPS is illegal.

• SHIPPING BEER AS GIFTS/TRADES: Each state has different beer shipping laws. Shipping beer to a friend or family falls under “Private Use”, and each state has different private use shipping laws. Be sure to know your destination state’s beer shipping laws.

• SHIPPING SERVICES: If you are using a service like FedEx, UPS, or GSO to ship beer, you can use ground delivery as opposed to residential delivery, and send your beer to someone’s place of work. Shipping to someone’s place of work can save you about $4 for residential surcharges. Although shipping beer with FedEx, UPS, and GSO isn’t illegal, you do need a contract to ship alcohol with them.

  1. Side Note: For the average homebrewer or beer trader, you won’t be able to get an alcohol shipping contract. What you can do is just tell the courier you are shipping “gifts”, “glassware”, or better yet just don’t tell them anything. Most associates won’t ask what’s in your box, so just drop off a pre-labeled package and you’re good to go.

• BEER PACKING ALTERNATIVES: If you’re shipping cans, then there are a couple good options for you as well. Check out Whale Pod Shippers, or Beer Shippers. If you are shipping larger format bottles, like a 750mL bottle, then Uline or a local packaging store will have good options for you.