Alcohol producers, distributors, and importers will all need to find trucking companies to transport their products and to provide delivery services. Finding an alcohol carrier is more complicated than finding a long haul trucking service or an LTL (Less than Load) freight company.
There are many different considerations when hauling any beer, wine, and spirits. Trucking companies have to know the laws, ensure their drivers are fully trained and understand what is permissible and what is not as well as providing top quality professional delivery services.
When choosing an alcohol carrier, it is essential not to look at price alone. This is a very common mistake that often ends up costing the shipper in damaged merchandise, additional costs over the quoted price and even issues with loads being seized due to a violation of state regulations and alcohol transport laws.
Company Record
If you are hiring on your own, always check the potential alcohol carrier with the appropriate state and federal agencies. Check the trucking company’s safety record with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration as well as check any online feedback that is independent of the trucking company’s website.
It is also important to find out if the company as the ability to obtain necessary permits to drive through a state with alcohol on the load or make deliveries of alcohol in a state. This varies with each state, so that the company may need multiple permits.
Experience with Hauling Wine, Beer, and Spirits
Even with a very good price, don’t use a trucking company without extensive experience in hauling wines, spirit, and beer. With a top reputation, you can be assured the trucking services as temperature control, professional drivers and well-maintained vehicles.
Often this information is hard to find, which is why may manufacturers and distributors turn to 3PL providers. These third party logistics services work only with fully vetted and approved trucking companies, eliminating all the guesswork.
