How to Ship Wine via FedEx and UPS

Wine is the most commonly shipped alcoholic beverage. Both FedEx and UPS accept wine shipments — but only from licensed shippers with a signed contract.

FedEx Rules for Wine

Wine bottle secured in molded foam shipper with fragile labels visible

FedEx only permits wine for licensee-to-consumer shipments. Beer and spirits are licensee-to-licensee only.
Shipper must be a FedEx-approved alcohol shipper with a signed FedEx Alcohol Shipping Agreement
Must use Adult Signature Required (ASR) for delivery
Special SEL-170 alcohol shipping label required
Proper packaging: molded EPS foam, corrugated tray, or fiber tray inside sturdy outer box
Refer to FedEx Direct-to-Consumer Wine Shipping State Reference Guide for which states allow direct shipments
FedEx does not accept wine shipments from retailers to consumers — only wineries

UPS Rules for Wine

UPS has a more complex set of wine shipping rules based on state laws and shipper type:

All wine shippers must have a signed UPS Agreement for Approved Wine Shippers
Licensee-to-Licensee: Wine can ship between licensed businesses (winery → distributor → retailer)
Winery On-Site Purchase: Some states allow shipments only if the consumer bought the wine in person at the winery
Winery Direct Shipment: Some states allow out-of-state wineries to ship directly to consumers (purchase can be online or by phone)
Retailer Direct: Some states allow licensed out-of-state retailers to ship wine to consumers
Adult Signature Required on all wine deliveries
Approved packaging: EPS foam, corrugated tray, molded fiber tray, or thermoformed plastic trays
Alcohol shipping label required (item #01990336, 150 per pack)

Who Cannot Ship Wine

Individuals cannot ship wine through either carrier. If you are not a licensed winery, brewery, distillery, or retailer with a signed carrier contract, you cannot tender a wine shipment. No exceptions.

Your options:

Order wine directly from a winery that has its own shipping account
Use a licensed third-party delivery service if available in your area
Bring the wine with you (check TSA rules for air travel)

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 wine shipping policy →(opens in a new tab)

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 wine as a gift to a friend?

No — not through FedEx, UPS, or USPS as an individual. The winery must ship it on your behalf if they have the proper license and carrier contract.

What states allow direct wine shipping?

It varies. FedEx publishes a Direct-to-Consumer Wine Shipping State Reference Guide. UPS uses Addendum A to their Wine Agreement. Both change frequently. Always check current laws.

Can a wine retailer ship to me?

UPS allows retailer-to-consumer wine shipments in certain states (Retailer Direct Shipment States). FedEx only allows winery-to-consumer, not retailer-to-consumer.

Need to ship something that is not alcohol? We do that. Stop by Mailbox Plus at 7554 Fredle Drive.

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