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25
May
2021

Moving Spirits Without Disturbing Them

by Michael Kotendzhi | Food & Drink
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When it comes to the transportation of spirits, careful packaging and planning are critical. Spirits can easily be disturbed (pun intended) and the logistics of alcoholic drinks require expert technical preparation at every level.

The suppliers, logistics operators, and direct carriers all need to be following the plan accurately. When it comes to moving spirits, the key is to move them quickly and prevent them from losing their properties during transportation. But few people are capable of doing this starting out. So where do you begin?

Plan the Transportation Carefully 

If you are planning to move spirits, it is important to understand that packing and transporting

liquor is extremely challenging. Alcohol is delicate, expensive, and prone to the harsh effects of different external factors.

This necessitates careful observance of all rules and conditions related to transportation. These include laws for labeling, packaging, and local jurisdictions. You need to make sure you are following all of these or your shipment will be rejected. And having spirits in transportation for a long time is bad for them.

For instance, failure to handle spirits carefully may lead to cargo damage and other complications. Also, the transportation of hard spirits involves handling fragile glass bottles, which require additional special safety measures.

Finally, proper handling involves compliance with high levels of sanitary and technical transportation standards. These must all be addressed for each shipment.

Package the Bottles Properly

Packing spirit bottles for shipping also requires lots of planning. The most secure way to pack most liquor bottles is to use specialty shipping boxes. Do not skimp here, the package must be durable.

Cardboard boxes with cardboard liner are a popular choice. They have cardboard dividers to separate the liquor bottles to prevent them from banging against each other. You can buy these boxes from manufacturers. In addition to the boxes, you will also need packing paper, packing tape, and a labeling marker. 

The bottom of a shipping box is one of the most important parts. Make sure to reinforce or strengthen it with packaging tape and check to ensure that it will support the weight. If a box is too worn or has some signs of damage, do not use it. If you think that the bottom feels flimsy, consider lining it with a piece of thick cardboard. Only use your best boxes.

Work with a Professional Beverage Logistics Chain

Working with a professional logistics company is the best way to move spirits. 18 Wheels Logistics is one of the few that are trusted in the industry to consistently deliver spirits. They can be relied on to manage many of the challenges encountered at all levels of the supply chain. They are experts at handling difficult legal and safety measures.  

Some jurisdictions, for instance, classify alcohol as a flammable material. The fragile nature of the spirit bottles also brings forth unique challenges. Before moving spirits, you need to formulate a structured transportation plan.

You also need to have the proper packaging material and labeling for each country to protect your cargo and avoid disturbing it. But with the help of 18 wheels, they can manage all of this for you and let you focus on your business.

18 Wheels Logistics is your number one 3PL provider that provides the best outsourcing services in warehousing, labeling, copacking, and logistics. Contact us today to find out what we can do for your and your team.


Michael Kotendzhi is President of Operations & Transportation and a partner at 18 Wheels. Michael has over 15 years of experience and is equipped with a degree in Logistics from the University of British Columbia Sauder School of Business. As well as a background in logistics from XPO Logistics (formally Kelron Logistics), North America's largest contract warehousing provider.

Michael's experience includes supply chain management, reverse logistics, & domestic transportation. He has developed 18 Wheels' trucking solutions, effectively utilizing the sister company's vehicle fleet and building a transportation supply-chain network across North America.