How to Ship Spirits via FedEx and UPS

Spirits (whiskey, vodka, gin, rum, etc.) are the most restricted alcohol category. Both carriers limit spirits shipments significantly more than wine or beer.

FedEx Rules for Spirits

Liquor bottle in padded shipper with tamper-evident tape and fragile label

FedEx only permits spirits shipments licensee-to-licensee. Spirits cannot be shipped directly to consumers through FedEx under any circumstances.

Shipper must be a FedEx-approved alcohol shipper with a signed agreement
Recipient must be a licensed business entity
Adult Signature Required on delivery
Special alcohol shipping label (SEL-170) required
Proper packaging: EPS foam, fiber tray, sturdy outer box

UPS Rules for Spirits

UPS accepts spirits under a UPS Agreement for Approved Spirits Shippers. The rules are more restrictive than wine or beer:

Licensee-to-Licensee: Spirits can ship between licensed businesses only where permitted by law
Direct to Consumer: Distilleries may ship to consumers in approved states with a contract
Interstate Distillery Shipments: Certain states allow out-of-state distilleries to ship to consumers (listed in Spirits Addendum A)
Intrastate Distillery Shipments: Some states allow in-state distillery shipments — some require "On Site Only" purchase
Adult Signature Required on all deliveries
Approved packaging with EPS foam, corrugated trays, or fiber dividers
Alcohol shipping label required

Key difference: UPS allows spirits direct-to-consumer from distilleries (in approved states). FedEx does not.

The Bottom Line

Spirits are the most heavily regulated alcohol category for shipping. If you are not a licensed distillery or spirits retailer with a carrier contract, you cannot ship spirits through FedEx or UPS.

Your best bet: buy spirits from a local store or distillery in person. For shipping, check if the distillery has a direct-to-consumer program that ships to your state.

We are not attorneys and cannot provide legal advice. This information is for educational purposes and reflects carrier policies as we understand them. Laws vary by state and change frequently. Always consult the carrier directly and review applicable federal and state regulations before shipping regulated items.

Reference: UPS official spirits shipping policy →

Frequently Asked Questions

Get quick answers to the most common questions about packaging, carriers, pricing, and what to expect.

Can I ship a bottle of whiskey as a gift?

No — spirits require a licensed shipper with a carrier contract. No individual can ship spirits through FedEx or UPS.

Can a distillery ship spirits to me?

Through UPS, yes — in approved states. Through FedEx, no — FedEx does not offer direct-to-consumer spirits shipping. Check with the distillery.

Are spirits harder to ship than wine?

Yes. FedEx does not allow spirits to consumers at all. UPS allows it but only from distilleries in approved states. Wine is the easiest alcohol to ship.

We ship everything that is legal to ship. Spirits are not one of them — but we can help with anything else.

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