How to Ship Beverages Without Breakage: Best Practices for Glass Bottles and Cans

Shipping beverages—especially fragile glass bottles and cans—comes with significant challenges. Without proper packaging and handling, breakage, leaks, and product loss can occur. Whether shipping beer, wine, spirits, or soft drinks, businesses need reliable methods to protect their shipments.

This guide covers beverage shipping best practices, focusing on glass bottle packaging solutions, can shipping techniques, and breakage-free beverage transport. From secure packaging for fragile drinks to temperature-controlled drink transportation, these strategies will help businesses minimize risk and deliver products safely.

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Best Practices for Shipping Beverages Safely

1. Choosing the Right Packaging for Glass Bottles and Cans

The right packaging prevents damage caused by vibrations, shocks, and temperature changes. Selecting impact-resistant packaging for glass containers and protective packaging for canned beverages helps reduce breakage.

Glass Bottle Packaging Solutions

• Corrugated inserts for glass bottle protection – These dividers keep bottles separated, preventing them from knocking against each other.
• Shock-absorbing solutions for glass bottles – Foam, molded pulp, or air cushions can provide extra protection.
• Honeycomb void filler for beverage shipping – This lightweight and sturdy material fills empty spaces inside boxes to reduce movement.
• Air cushion packaging for fragile drinks – Inflatable air cushions absorb impact and stabilize bottles inside their packaging.

Can Shipping Techniques

• Dunnage options for beverage shipping – Using bubble wrap, paper padding, or foam sheets between layers of cans prevents denting.
• Void filler for beverage containers – Loose fill or structured inserts help stabilize cans within cartons.
• Load securement for canned beverages – Straps, corner protectors, and reinforced boxes prevent shifting during transit.

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2. Cushioning Materials for Drink Shipping

Using vibration-resistant beverage packaging reduces movement inside the box, lowering the risk of breakage.

Best Cushioning Materials

• Foam inserts – Custom-cut foam provides a snug fit for bottles and cans.
• Molded pulp trays – Made from recycled materials, these trays offer eco-friendly beverage shipping materials.
• Bubble wrap – A classic protective layer that absorbs shock.
• Paper padding – An affordable, recyclable void filler option.

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3. Palletizing for Large Beverage Shipments

For bulk beverage shipments, pallet stabilization for bottled drinks is essential. Using shrink wrap techniques for drink pallets, corner boards, and tie-downs helps prevent product loss.

Best Practices for Palletized Shipments

• Stacking Strategy – Heavier beverages should be placed at the bottom, with lighter products on top.
• Shrink Wrapping – Tight wrapping secures beverage cases and prevents shifting.
• Edge Protectors – These reinforce pallet corners to reduce damage from impacts.

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4. Temperature-Controlled Drink Transportation

Certain beverages, such as wine, beer, and dairy-based drinks, require temperature-controlled drink transportation to maintain quality.

Methods for Regulating Temperature

• Insulated shipping boxes – These help keep beverages cool or warm during transit.
• Refrigerated trucking – Essential for perishable drink transportation guidelines.
• Gel packs or dry ice – Ideal for shipping cold beverages over long distances.

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5. Beverage Shipping Regulations Compliance

Different beverages have specific shipping regulations, particularly for alcohol and carbonated drinks.

Key Considerations

• Alcohol Shipping Laws – Wine, beer, and spirits often require special permits and labeling.
• Carbonated Beverage Shipping Precautions – Cans and bottles must be packed securely to prevent pressure-related ruptures.
• Hazardous Materials Regulations – Some beverages, like high-proof spirits, may fall under hazardous materials shipping laws.

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6. Cost-Effective Drink Packaging Solutions

Finding a balance between protection and cost efficiency is crucial. Some cost-effective drink packaging solutions include:

• Lightweight materials – Reducing shipping weight lowers costs.
• Bulk packaging – Larger shipments often qualify for discounts.
• Eco-friendly beverage shipping materials – Recycled and biodegradable options minimize environmental impact.

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Special Considerations for Different Beverage Types

Wine Bottle Shipping Techniques

Wine bottles are particularly fragile and sensitive to temperature changes. Using safe glass bottle shipping methods is critical to preventing cork shrinkage or expansion.

• Insulated packaging – Helps regulate temperature during transit.
• Double-boxing – An extra layer of protection against drops and shocks.
• Foam inserts – Prevent movement inside the box.

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Beer Can Packaging for Safe Transit

Cans are prone to denting, which can lead to leaks. Beer can packaging for safe transit includes:

• Sturdy outer boxes – Prevent external damage.
• Divider inserts – Keep cans from colliding.
• Shrink-wrapping cases – Helps keep multipacks intact.

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Spirits and Liquor Bottle Protection Methods

Liquor bottles are often heavier than beer or wine bottles, increasing the risk of breakage.

• Thick-walled cartons – Protect against impact.
• Molded pulp or foam inserts – Secure bottles inside packaging.
• Shock-absorbing packaging – Reduces breakage during transport.

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Craft Beverage Shipping Solutions

Small-batch craft drinks require extra care. Craft beverage shipping solutions focus on customized packaging that ensures brand protection and product safety.

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How Atomix Logistics Supports Beverage Shipping

Atomix Logistics provides tailored ecommerce fulfillment and 3PL services to help businesses streamline beverage distribution.

Key Services for Beverage Shipping

• Custom packaging – Secure, branded packaging for glass and canned drinks.
• Order fulfillment – Fast processing and 2-day shipping options.
• Freight booking – Reliable shipping for bulk liquid transportation best practices.
• Temp-controlled storage – Ideal for wine and perishable drink storage.
• Subscription boxes – Seamless delivery solutions for beverage subscriptions.
• Warehouse projects and inventory management – Scalable storage solutions.

Atomix Logistics’ proprietary software and EDI connections ensure efficient shipping, from international shipping to local distribution.

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Final Thoughts

Preventing breakage during beverage shipping requires secure packaging for fragile drinks, shock-absorbing solutions for glass bottles, and load securement for canned beverages. Whether shipping craft beverages, bulk liquids, or perishable drinks, following best practices ensures safe delivery.

For brands seeking reliable shipping solutions, custom 3PL solutions from Atomix Logistics provide fulfillment services designed to protect beverages during transit. Get your free fulfillment quote today!

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the best way to ship glass bottles without breaking?

To prevent breakage when shipping glass bottles, use shock-absorbing solutions for glass bottles, such as corrugated inserts, foam padding, and air cushion packaging. Double-boxing fragile items and using honeycomb void filler for beverage shipping can add extra protection. Pallet stabilization for bottled drinks also helps secure bulk shipments.

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How do you package cans to prevent dents and leaks during shipping?

Can shipping techniques include using protective packaging for canned beverages, such as void filler for beverage containers, dunnage options, and load securement for canned beverages. Divider inserts and structured cushioning materials minimize movement inside the box, reducing the risk of dents and leaks.

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What are the best temperature-controlled shipping methods for beverages?

For temperature-controlled drink transportation, insulated boxes, refrigerated shipping, and gel packs or dry ice help maintain the ideal temperature. This is especially important for perishable drink transportation guidelines, including wine, dairy-based drinks, and other temperature-sensitive beverages.

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What are the shipping regulations for alcohol and carbonated beverages?

Beverage shipping regulations compliance varies by location. Alcohol shipments may require special permits, age verification, and specific packaging. Carbonated beverage shipping precautions include impact-resistant packaging for glass containers and reinforced boxes to prevent pressure-related damage. Check carrier policies and legal requirements before shipping.

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How can businesses reduce costs while ensuring breakage-free beverage transport?

For cost-effective drink packaging solutions, businesses can use eco-friendly beverage shipping materials, bulk liquid transportation best practices, and custom packaging to optimize protection and minimize expenses. Partnering with 3PL services like Atomix Logistics helps streamline order fulfillment, freight booking, and inventory management while maintaining safe and efficient beverage shipping.