Shipping Beer

[John Sand]

I have sent a few beers to members of this forum. I think I used UPS ($$$) once, and USPS once. I know that there is a restriction on shipping with USPS, I'm not worried. I think the safest packing is plastic bottles in vacuum sealed bags in bubble wrap. But this question is really more about the cost. When I used UPS I think it cost me more to send a six pack than it did to make the batch. Is there a reasonable way to ship beer? What is most cost effective?

[BlackDuck]

I use UPS. But luckily I ship from work and usually I'm shipping to someone else's work, so UPS discounts that rate as it's not considered "residential". I've received shipments at my house via USPS flat rate boxes and have never had a problem receiving them or a problem with their condition. As far as most cost effective, I think the USPS and UPS going to commercial locations are comparable. But if your comparing USPS to UPS Residential, I bet you'll find USPS cheaper, especially if you can pack it good in a flat rate box.

[Beer-lord]

UPS and FedEx are the most expensive but it's legal. USPS, if using the 'if it fits, it ships' boxes are the least expensive but pack them well because they get much worse treatment than UPS and FedEx give which is saying alot.
There really is no cheap way to ship. Unless you are a major time shipper, you get no discounts.

[John Sand]

So, to answer my own question: A USPS flat rate medium box will fit two six packs of cans, or several bottles or a mix of cans and bottles with packing.

[Beer-lord]

If it fits, it ships!

[Kealia]

That's what I use, John. I'm not typically one to snub the law but when there are laws that date back to prohibition that are just stupid I will tend to look the other way.

It's half the price of UPS/FedEx.

Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

[John Sand]

I feel the same way, generally I respect the law and abide by it. But I will stand for my right to ship beer!

[Kealia]

Preach on brother!

Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

[ScrewyBrewer]

That's one law I would definitely support too. Not sure what the big deal is really, it seems silly.