Shipping beer

[Kealia]

In response to a question in another thread (and to not take that one off topic):

Right now USPS is *cough* illegal to use, but they are considering changing that when Congress gets back in September, stay tuned.

I don't know if Fed-Ex will or not, but for UPS they have to have a specific license to do it. Meaning, that some offices will and some won't.
My guy at my local store just told me to not say it was beer - do what you feel is comfortable for you.

As far as packaging, use bubble wrap and put the bottles in ziplock bags so if they do break, it's contained. You don't want a package that leaks, that will cause all sorts of issues. Use more bubble wrap. Pack it good.

Ship. Enjoy.

[brewin bull]

Although my local UPS never asks, just in case I plan to tell them I am shipping craft glass bottles.

[FrozenInTime]

The couple times I sent brewski, I used UPS. When they ask, what is it, I say a gift, they never have asked what the gift is. Still makes me nervous as hell to ship beer.

[jivex5k]

I can personally attest to fedex and ups having no issues.
I also have never had a leak or break.
Pack safely and there is no problem.
Interesting fact: There was a study done that shows boxes with fragile stickers are treated more harshly than those without.
This was the same result for each carrier USPS, UPS, Fedex, and DHL
They fared differently, I don't remember the link but google surely would.

[Brewbirds]

The USPS story was on my local news the other day.
The current boss wants to start shipping beer, wine and spirits. He wants to create packaging especially for this, I guess to overcome leakage issues.
He projects that the USPS could generate $50 million a year in revenue.

We should send this guy a beer.

[Yankeedag]

I'm not gonna fess up to shipping beer... now BBQ fin'nz, yeah...
I just took it to the UPS/FedX what ever store.
I build carboard holders in the box and insert the bottles into a large sammich bag or two. I make sure the bottle..er container is well protected.
If asked what's in it (never have tho) I'll tell them BBQ sauce ingredience.

[gwcr]

I've shipped a few times with UPS. Just took it to the UPS store with a prepaid shipping label already attached from their website. Told them I have one to drop off. Once they see the prepaid label they've always said, "Just leave it on the counter." KTHXBYE

[philm00x]

I ship via local FedEx store, and have only been asked once what the contents were, to which I responded "yeast samples". Prepaying and printing the shipping label seems to be the cheapest method. Everytime I go to the website to estimate the cost, it comes up a couple bucks cheaper than if you take it to them and have them measure, weigh, and print the label for you.

[Tabasco]

Better to drink it than ship it. brrrrrrrrppppppppppppppppp

[Brewbirds]

Does anybody know how to start one of those White House petitions? We could put one up and spread the word for folks to go sign it favor of the USPS plans. All legal like would be nice as would special packaging.