Craft Beer Shipping: How Breweries Ship Beer Bottles and Cans
Direct-to-consumer beer shipping has expanded significantly as more states have updated their alcohol shipping laws. For craft breweries with loyal customers across state lines, DTC shipping opens a powerful revenue channel. But shipping beer has unique challenges compared to wine — heavier bottles, cans that can dent, and carbonation that adds complexity.
Beer Shipping Laws: The Current Landscape
As of 2025–2026, a growing number of states permit DTC beer shipping from licensed breweries. The landscape is more complex than wine because:
- Fewer states currently permit beer DTC vs. wine DTC
- Requirements vary significantly by state
- Some states only allow shipping from in-state breweries
- Volume limits are stricter in most states that permit beer shipping
Check compliance at ShipCompliant.com for current state-by-state beer DTC status. Laws are changing — states that prohibited beer DTC in 2023 may permit it by 2026.
Packaging Beer Bottles for Shipping
Beer bottles present the same basic shipping challenge as wine bottles — fragile glass that must survive rough carrier handling. Key considerations:
- Bottle size and shape: Most craft beer uses 22 oz bombers or 12 oz standard bottles. Shippers must fit the specific bottle profile.
- Weight: Beer is heavier than most wine (water density). A case of 12 bombers weighs 20+ lbs. Packaging must be rated for the total package weight.
- Carbonation: Bottles must be sealed correctly before shipping. Carbonation pressure is not an issue with properly capped or corked bottles.
Packaging Beer Cans for Shipping
Cans present a different challenge — they're lighter than bottles but dent easily. A dented can isn't necessarily compromised (the seal is usually intact) but it creates a negative customer experience. Packaging for canned beer needs:
- Individual can cradles that prevent can-to-can contact
- Adequate cushioning to absorb drops without transferring force to the cans
- Outer box rated for the total pack weight
WineShippingBoxes.com for Craft Brewery Shipping
Our molded pulp shippers are used by craft breweries shipping bombers and standard bottles. The same precision-formed cradle system that protects wine bottles works equally well for beer bottles of similar dimensions.
For brewery-specific sizing questions, contact us — we can help you find the right shipper for your specific bottle format.