Yes, you can mail carbonated drinks within the United States. USPS explicitly classifies carbonated beverages as “not regulated as hazardous materials and mailable without restriction,” though you do need to package them properly. Private carriers like UPS and FedEx also accept them. The main challenge isn’t legality; it’s making sure nothing explodes or leaks in transit.
What USPS Requires
USPS treats carbonated drinks like any other nonhazardous liquid. That means they’re allowed in the mail, but the packaging rules are specific and strictly enforced. Any liquid container over 4 ounces (which covers virtually every soda can or bottle) must be triple-packaged with three layers of protection: absorbent material that can soak up the entire contents if the container breaks, a leakproof secondary container like a sealed plastic bag or watertight liner surrounding the drink, and a sturdy outer mailing box that’s securely sealed.
You also need to mark the outside of the package with orientation arrows on two opposite sides, showing which way is up. The closure of the container has to face upward inside the box. If you’re shipping bottles with screw caps, the caps need at least one and a half full turns to qualify as secure. Push-down or friction-top closures alone aren’t acceptable without additional outer packaging.
UPS and FedEx Options
Both UPS and FedEx accept nonhazardous liquids including carbonated drinks. Their requirements are similar in spirit to USPS: use a rigid outer box made of corrugated fiberboard, wood, metal, or plastic (thin paperboard boxes won’t cut it), wrap each container individually so they don’t knock against each other, and include enough absorbent material to contain a full leak. FedEx specifically notes that screw caps should be reinforced with adhesive tape for extra security.
Private carriers can be more forgiving on speed options. If you’re worried about temperature exposure during summer months, choosing a faster shipping method reduces the time your package sits in a hot truck or warehouse.
Why Temperature Matters
Carbonation means pressure, and pressure rises with heat. USPS guidelines reference 130°F (55°C) as the upper threshold for evaluating container safety, and that temperature is realistic inside a delivery truck parked in the sun during summer. At those temperatures, the liquid inside expands and the dissolved carbon dioxide pushes harder against the container walls. Containers with internal pressures exceeding 180 psi at 130°F are actually prohibited from mailing entirely.
Standard aluminum cans and sealed plastic bottles handle normal transit conditions fine, but glass bottles are more fragile and heavier, making them riskier to ship. If you’re mailing during hot weather, consider using insulated packaging or cold packs, and choose a faster delivery speed to limit heat exposure.
How to Pack Carbonated Drinks Step by Step
Start by wrapping each can or bottle individually in bubble wrap or foam sleeves. This prevents them from clinking together and cracking. Place each wrapped container inside a sealed zip-top bag or wrap it in a plastic bag, creating your leakproof secondary layer. Then surround everything with absorbent material. Paper towels, packing peanuts, or even disposable diapers work surprisingly well for absorption.
Arrange the containers upright in a corrugated cardboard box with at least two inches of cushioning on all sides. Fill every gap so nothing shifts during handling. Seal the box thoroughly with packing tape on all seams, and stick orientation arrows on at least two opposite sides of the box. If you’re shipping through USPS, mark the outside to indicate the package contains liquid.
For cans specifically, shrink-wrapping a group of them together before placing them in the box adds an extra layer of stability. A polyethylene liner wrapped around the bundle helps hold everything tight.
Alcoholic Carbonated Drinks Are Different
If you’re trying to mail beer, hard seltzer, or sparkling wine, the rules change significantly. USPS prohibits all alcohol shipments by individual consumers. UPS and FedEx allow alcohol shipping, but only from licensed businesses with an approved alcohol shipping agreement on file. You can’t walk into a UPS Store with a six-pack and send it to a friend. Businesses that ship alcohol must also comply with the destination state’s laws, which vary widely. Some states ban direct-to-consumer alcohol shipments entirely.
International Shipments
Mailing carbonated drinks internationally is more complicated. USPS lists alcoholic beverages as universally prohibited for international shipment from the United States, and many countries impose their own restrictions on importing food and beverages. Even nonalcoholic sodas can be flagged by customs if the destination country restricts certain ingredients, sweeteners, or liquid imports. Before shipping internationally, check the USPS Individual Country Listings for your destination to see what’s allowed. Private carriers have their own country-specific rules as well, and customs duties or import taxes may apply even when the item itself is permitted.
Cost Considerations
Liquids are heavy, and carbonated drinks are no exception. A 12-pack of soda cans weighs around 10 pounds before you add packaging materials, which can easily push the total to 12 or 13 pounds. Shipping costs are calculated by weight or dimensional size, whichever is greater, so expect to pay more than you might for a similarly sized box of dry goods. USPS Priority Mail or Priority Mail Express tends to be the most affordable option for heavier packages, while UPS Ground and FedEx Ground offer competitive rates for less time-sensitive shipments. Getting quotes from multiple carriers before you ship can save a noticeable amount, especially for heavier packages.