Mailing Beer (for competition etc)

[brandonlovesbeer]

USPS, FEDEX, UPS
All of them have rules against allowing beer to be mailed.
So if this is the case, how do SO many people mail their homebrew entries to all of the national homebrew competitions?

USPS: It is completely illegal to mail any alcoholic beverages.

UPS: they have signs up that say no. And they reserve the right to open any packages. Also, at least where I live, if you go to the actual UPS depot to send it off, then you must have the box open when dropping it off so that the package can be inspected.

FedEx: I'm not sure about them but I'm sure they have rules against it.

I'm sure most people on these forums have sent beer to competitions... So how did you do it?

 

[flars]

Try scheduling a UPS pick up at your house. The driver won't even ask. You may be liable for damages if your package leaks though.

 

[MapleGroveAleworks]

Create a FedEx shipping account. Print out your own label and drop your box off at any FedEx. They just take the box and ask no questions.

 

[brandonlovesbeer]

But what is the legal way to do it? Thousands of beers are shipped every month. I just can't believe that such a prominent event as the national homebrew competitions would promote such blatant law breaking in order to get samples to judge.

 

[501irishred]

But what is the legal way to do it? Thousands of beers are shipped every month. I just can't believe that such a prominent event as the national homebrew competitions would promote such blatant law breaking in order to get samples to judge.

I know it's kind of splitting hairs, but as for UPS and FedEx, it is breaking a "Rule", not a "Law".....

 

[treacheroustexan]

I ship whatever is convenient for me and have yet to be "caught". I ship USPS flat rate a lot. As long as it's properly packed you won't have issues. As stated above, ship UPS/fedex if possible. But, oh well.

 

[bob1852]

But what is the legal way to do it? Thousands of beers are shipped every month. I just can't believe that such a prominent event as the national homebrew competitions would promote such blatant law breaking in order to get samples to judge.

I enter a lot of national BBQ sauce competitions.

My favorite is when they ask if I'm shipping beer to a brewery (many receiving sites are breweries), and I respond "now why would I send beer to a brewery?

 

[hooper]

I've been ordering 6 1 liter bottles of Zico coconut water monthly from Amazon. You should see the box they come in. Perfect for shipping brew. I hate throwing these things out. They are incredibly sturdy. Some of these rules are just stupid blue laws...like not allowing alcohol sales before noon on Sunday. If I was that much of an alchy...I'd stock up Saturday...I'll pack right and send by whoever is convenient...

 

[brewcat]

You can signup for a Fedex account that allows shipping alcohol. I don't know if you have to pay more though.

 

[GPP33]

I enter a lot of national BBQ sauce competitions.

My favorite is when they ask if I'm shipping beer to a brewery (many receiving sites are breweries), and I respond "now why would I send beer to a brewery?

Hijack!!!


I need a good recipe for a sauce that incorporates beer. I'd imagine it'd need to be a dark beer, I currently have a Scotch Ale on tap.... Any suggestions on where to start? I like a little spice in my sauce and prefer em kida runny.

 

[PADave]

You are not shipping beer, you are sending yeast samples. Yes, this is actually a legit way to get around it.

 

[treacheroustexan]

You are not shipping beer, you are sending yeast samples. Yes, this is actually a legit way to get around it.

I was questioned a few months ago while sending beer to a brewery for a comp. She asked why I was being so secretive about what I was sending. I just said they were glass jars of liquid yeast and on my way I went.

 

[krebs119]

You are not shipping beer, you are sending yeast samples. Yes, this is actually a legit way to get around it.

^^This.

I ship via FedEx. They never ask me what I'm shipping. I was just there last week with a big, uber packed box, with "fragile" written all over it, being shipped to a brewery, and not a single question. She was more concerned that the address wasn't coming up in their system than what was in the box.

I have yet to be asked what I'm shipping (probably done it 5 times now), but I'm always prepared with the "yeast samples" answer - *technically* there is yeast in there

 

[DurtyChemist]

Create a FedEx shipping account. Print out your own label and drop your box off at any FedEx. They just take the box and ask no questions.

This. Easy to package and print at home then drop off. All I've ever been asked is if I want a receipt. I never do since I printed it off myself and it has the option for a receipt. Also snow globes are popular to ship around this time of year and if you line the box with a garbage bag it might prevent any leaks.