FedEx opened package!

[Qhrumphf]

After reading some post you guys copied off the internet concerning rules regs and laws. The is a real paradox or quandary that many of you don't know about. USPS, many foreign postal system, ups, fedex, dhl and many others have partnered to form global shipping innovations and shipping innovations . This means you may originate a package with UPS, for example, and it will probably be delivered by USPS. There is nothing you can do about that.

US Code is not "some post you guys copied off the internet concerning rules regs and laws". It IS the rules, regs, and laws.

That said, when shipping internationally, I'm sure things get much more complicated. I've never tried shipping beer internationally.

Domestically, I know that there's the USPS and private courier "last mile" sort of thing. But as far as I'm aware, that applies to situations where a mailing address is remote enough that it's not on a UPS/FedEx route, and it will instead be delivered via USPS who are required by law to service the location.

In other words, if that situation applies to you, you probably already know it. That's my understanding, at least. I may be wrong.

Most of the other situations I was aware of, it's USPS items being transported via the private couriers, not the other way around.

 

[NuttyProf21]

I agree that it wasn't the best customer service to just open the box. Next time just tell her that your are part of the Rapahoe tribe.

 

[GilaMinumBeer]

US Code is not "some post you guys copied off the internet concerning rules regs and laws". It IS the rules, regs, and laws.

That said, when shipping internationally, I'm sure things get much more complicated. I've never tried shipping beer internationally.

Domestically, I know that there's the USPS and private courier "last mile" sort of thing. But as far as I'm aware, that applies to situations where a mailing address is remote enough that it's not on a UPS/FedEx route, and it will instead be delivered via USPS who are required by law to service the location.

In other words, if that situation applies to you, you probably already know it. That's my understanding, at least. I may be wrong.

Most of the other situations I was aware of, it's USPS items being transported via the private couriers, not the other way around.

Nope. It's become rather common for items to ship across the state by private and be delivered to final destination by USPS. IIRC, FedEx calls it "SmartPost".

 

[Qhrumphf]

Nope. It's become rather common for items to ship across the state by private and be delivered to final destination by USPS. IIRC, FedEx calls it "SmartPost".

Hmmm...but is that part of regular service? It sounds like something you opt for.

 

[Curtis2010]

Since when does Fedex demand to open and search packages? I went today to try and ship a brew to a competition and they insisted that they open the package and check the contents and when they learned I was shipping homebrew they of course refused.

Did I just get unlucky today or is this a new policy of theirs?

Read the fine print. All carriers reserve the right to inspect packages.

 

[johnnv]

Orumphf, I am not a lawyer and not giving legal advice. I do buy and sell on Ebay all the time and other places on the web as well. So these shipping methods are becoming more prevalent. I think the sheer quantity of shipping traffic has caused carriers to cooperate and not be competition. USPS is coming to your house anyway, it only makes since to hand off packages to USPS., instead of making a special trip in an 8mpg buster brown truck.
Ask a lawyer or make your own decision. I compare the USPS rules to the analogy of Al Capone, they could no bust him for racketeering and murder so they got him for income tax evasion.
I would think these laws are for jim in Appalachia making moonshine, for example, they can't get him for making it, so they bust him for shipping and distributing without a license and tax evasion.
I don't think the Government has time to screw with a home brewer, shipping a few beers to a competition or a friend. But that's my opinion.
Every State has different rules regarding if you can share beers with a friend or family, take them across State lines, if they have to be taxed etc. Take a baptist politician that hates alcohol and use the word tax and alcohol in the same sentence and they get all lovey on the subject, lol. We all have broken the State rules as well, I am sure. Jimmy Carter should have been more clear on the rules instead of leaving it to State discretion.
I know there are online Companies selling beer, wine and booze and shipping it with out much problems. Perhaps these rules and regs need to be clarified by a legally qualified person.

 

[sweetcell]

18 U.S.C. §1716: Injurious articles as nonmailable
(f) All spirituous, vinous, malted, fermented, or other intoxicating liquors of any kind are nonmailable and shall not be deposited in or carried through the mails.

(http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/USCODE-2011-title18/html/USCODE-2011-title18-partI-chap83-sec1716.htm)

 

[Billy-Klubb]

You laugh every time you fart, so what doe's that add to the thread?

being that my gas smells like fresh baked cookies, I'd say it adds a bit of down home comfort.

+1

shhh. the grown ups are talking about grown up things. have a fresh baked cookie.

 

[statu]

Congress has heard you. And help maybe on the way. http://www.theverge.com/2013/2/15/3993518/lawmakers-save-postal-service-internet-beer-dmv
http://www.beeradvocate.com/communi...-that-may-allow-shipping-beer-via-usps.14482/



There is a bill in congress right now to allow beer to be mailed.


Sent from my iPad using Home Brew

 

[petey_c]

On a similar, but off topic note...
When I was in Kuwait, a friend's wife shipped him a six pack of bottled beer, one of which broke in shipment. When he went to receive his package, the postal clerk (PC) on duty (a friend of ours) said, "You don't want to accept this package." The friend said, yes I do. The PC said, "No, you don't want to accept this package." The friend insisted, yes, I do. The PC replied, "NO, YOU DON'T WANT TO ACCEPT THIS PACKAGE." (Light bulb turning on..) Uhh no, I don't want to accept this package. NJP avoided.
I'm not sure of the why the mods rule out discussions on distilling/brewing with marijuana, since they're not advocating those practices (although I never bothered to search.). But there are other websites where you can discuss these things, so no big deal.
You plays the game, you takes your chances.

 

[Hello]

You also risk extra scrutiny if you declare a large value for FedEx or USPS packages. Stick with $20-$50 to reduce risk.

I don't put any value. I know that shipping beer is against the policy of FedEx and UPS so I figured I'm not going to fight them if they damage a package. I had 12 bombers shipped to myself from back home. One shattered and the FedEx guy who handed me the two boxes shook his head and smiled. He felt the squishy aspect of the corner of the box but nothing leaked because I had a giant trash bag lining the box. It happens in spite of packing things well.

Usually the guys I go to do not ask. I've even shook a box and realized it sounded like liquid and just figured I would let the chips fall where they may. Though FedEx has the right to inspect, it seemed a bit hasty to dig right into the box like that.

 

[GilaMinumBeer]

Hmmm...but is that part of regular service? It sounds like something you opt for.

Nope it has become standard for base ground service. You have to opt for a higher priced service (2 day, next day, etc...) to get delivery to final destination by private carrier.

90% of the deliveries I get from Amazon orders arrive via "UPS Basic or FedEx SmartPost" as the "Free Shipping (3-5 day)" option.

 

[dstranger99]

Since when does Fedex demand to open and search packages? I went today to try and ship a brew to a competition and they insisted that they open the package and check the contents and when they learned I was shipping homebrew they of course refused.

Did I just get unlucky today or is this a new policy of theirs?

My question is why you didn't punch him in the face for screwing with your shipment ?..........

 

[sfgoat]

My question is why you didn't punch him in the face for screwing with your shipment ?..........

For one it was a she, and while I was once a soldier I do not condone violence without just cause. Now had she of opened it and then commenced in throwing it at me there might have been need for altercation.

 

[Jeepinctbrewer]

I just shipped mine, made a ups shipping label, dropped it off. Lady caught me by surprise and says what's In the box I say um nothing lol. She says there must be something, then i said BBQ sauce she took the package and said ok have a nice day!


Sent from my iPhone using Home Brew

 

[BigAndo]

I think she was rude and could have explained to you before just howking about in your parcel.


Sent from my iPod touch using Home Brew

 

[BigAndo]

I just shipped mine, made a ups shipping label, dropped it off. Lady caught me by surprise and says what's In the box I say um nothing lol. She says there must be something, then i said BBQ sauce she took the package and said ok have a nice day!

Never shipped home brew but I was caught off guard when shipping a vibrator! The clerk asked what was in the parcel. This has never happened to me and I was TOTALLY unprepared. I went with 'Um, toy?' Lmao

Sent from my iPhone using Home Brew




Sent from my iPod touch using Home Brew

 

[Cathedral]

When I ship, I print at home, then drop the package off at a designated FedEx pick-up location--Office Depot. No questions asked. And since the employee behind the counter is not a Fed-Ex employee, they don't care at all because it's no work for them. They just babysit until FedEx shows up.

 

[MarcusKillion]

fedx and the others are required under federal law to have a adult sig required on all alcohol shipments . with fedx you must notify them in advance of the shipment to get the required permission to ship it and fill out the form .
USPS does not ship it .
Just do not ever tell them you are shipping alcohol . they just ask you if it is hazardous material . Say no . Tell them it is glass and get it insured . make sure it will not get broke as you might catch a charge over it .

EDIT: the reason they refused your shipment is the advance notice of alcohol and the form required . Even if you ship multiple packages they all must go through the crap or they will deny the whole shipment .

 

[petey_c]

Never shipped home brew but I was caught off guard when shipping a vibrator! The clerk asked what was in the parcel. This has never happened to me and I was TOTALLY unprepared. I went with 'Um, toy?' Lmao

I wonder how they would've handled it if it started to vibrate during shipping?

 

[Qhrumphf]

Never shipped home brew but I was caught off guard when shipping a vibrator! The clerk asked what was in the parcel. This has never happened to me and I was TOTALLY unprepared. I went with 'Um, toy?' Lmao

I wonder how they would've handled it if it started to vibrate during shipping?

Years ago, had a woman bring her "personal massager" car shopping with her. Apparently she bought a used car, and left it in there wrapped up in a shirt when they brought it back to one of the detail guys to clean it up. Apparently when he went to move the shirt, the thing fell out, and the guy didn't know what it was until he pushed whatever button and it started vibrating. Still didn't know what it was. Someone told him. And he FREAKED. It was hilarious.

 

[Homercidal]

Years ago, had a woman bring her "personal massager" car shopping with her. Apparently she bought a used car, and left it in there wrapped up in a shirt when they brought it back to one of the detail guys to clean it up. Apparently when he went to move the shirt, the thing fell out, and the guy didn't know what it was until he pushed whatever button and it started vibrating. Still didn't know what it was. Someone told him. And he FREAKED. It was hilarious.

Well obviously you can't choose a car without first giving it a "test drive"!

 

[roxbob]

I ship all my entries using FedEx Ground, print the label at home, and pay the extra $3.00 to have FedEx come pick it up at my house. I figure I save the $3 in gas and time not having to drop it off, and the driver's not going to bother inspecting the package and opening it when no one is around. Never had a problem using this method.