Not all alcohol is created equal when it comes to transport. Beer and liquor are easier to ship than wine, which is more susceptible to being disturbed when moved around. If you are looking for a shipper for your alcohol, consider a few factors that will make all the difference on maintaining the quality of your product. Another important issue to bear in mind is the state rules and regulations on alcohol transport.
Important Factors That Affect Bottled Alcohol
You many think that once your fine-crafted beverage is bottled and sealed, it is safe, but consider these circumstances that can spoil your product during Wine shipping:
- Temperature – Ideally you should keep this between 55 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit. What’s more, you don’t want temperature fluctuations of more than 5 degrees to avoid expansion and contraction of the fluid volume. High or unstable temperatures can cause leaking of the seals which can contaminate the bottle contents.
- Humidity – Just like temperature, humidity levels can affect the contact of the seals on bottles. Ideal humidity is about 70 percent. Drier air causes seals to dry out, shrink and crack.
- Light – This is the reason many brands of beer and wine are bottled in dark, opaque glass. Light can cause oxidation of Wine and spoil the taste. You should always avoid direct sunlight on your product when possible.
- Movement – Of course if you are shipping alcohol, some shifting and tilting is inevitable, but you should strive to reduce vibration, shaking and toppling. Too much movement will move sediment around inside the bottle and may even damage it.
Don’t Forget the Law
State laws regarding Wine shipping are varied and complicated. For instance, in Massachusetts and Indiana, a driver under the age of 21 is not legally allowed to transport alcohol; specifically, such persons cannot operate a vehicle that has alcohol in it, regardless of quantity and whether or not the alcohol is sealed and packaged. Some regions of the country never allow the transport of alcohol across their boundaries. The so-called dry counties include large areas of Mississippi, Kentucky and Texas. If caught conducting Wine or Spirits shipping in these places you could be charged with a felony. Residents of Alaska have a monthly rationed limit on the amount of alcohol they can import.
Do your homework before you decide on Wine or Spirits shipping. Contact Top Shelf Logistics, LLC for professional help in guiding your company when shipping Wine, Spirits and Beer. Our expertise is especially vital to anyone whom is doing any craft-distillery shipping, wine shipping or craft brewery shipping. Top Shelf Logistics knows how to transport your product in a completely compliant and safe manner. Give us a call today!
