Yes, you can mail soda in the United States with USPS or UPS. Federal hazardous materials rules list carbonated beverages as not subject to the regulations (49 CFR 173.307), so soda ships like any other non-hazardous liquid. Cans and bottles over 4 fluid ounces must be leakproof, cushioned and, for USPS, triple-packaged.
The rules that matter are packaging rules, not hazmat paperwork. A 12-ounce can or a 2-liter bottle needs a sealed inner bag, absorbent padding and a strong outer box. The rest of this guide covers what USPS and UPS require, how to pack cans and glass bottles, and which service to choose.
Is Soda Considered a Hazardous Material for Shipping?
No. Section 173.307 of the federal Hazardous Materials Regulations covers exceptions for compressed gases, and its first listed item is “carbonated beverages.” That means soda, sparkling water, seltzer and carbonated energy drinks don’t need hazmat labels, a shipper’s declaration or hazmat training when you mail them domestically.
The exception covers non-alcoholic drinks only. USPS says beer, wine and liquor may not be sent through the mail except in limited circumstances, and that applies to hard seltzer and other carbonated alcoholic drinks too. UPS ships alcohol only for licensed shippers with a separate agreement, so the soda rules below don’t apply to them.
Can You Mail Soda Through USPS?
Yes. USPS mails non-alcoholic soda as a nonhazardous liquid under the Domestic Mail Manual (DMM 601.3.4). The outer box must be marked to show that it contains liquid, and caps must screw on with at least one and a half turns or be sealed by a similar method.
Soda cans trigger USPS’s triple-packaging rule. DMM 601.3.4 applies it to breakable containers such as glass and plastic bottles, and to metal containers with pull-tabs (pop-tops) that hold more than 4 fluid ounces. A standard 12-ounce can is well over that limit.
USPS Triple-Packaging Requirements for Soda
- Absorbent cushioning: Surround each can or bottle with absorbent material that can soak up all of the liquid if it leaks.
- Sealed secondary container: Place the cushioned cans or bottles inside a second leakproof container, such as a heavy zip-top bag or a sealed plastic liner.
- Strong outer box: Use a sturdy, securely sealed outer box that is durable enough to protect the contents in transit.
Containers certified to the International Safe Transit Association (ISTA) 3A test procedure are an accepted alternative to triple packaging. Our guide on how to ship liquids safely covers the same rules for sauces, oils and other drinks.
Can You Ship Soda With UPS?
Yes. UPS accepts non-alcoholic carbonated beverages as ordinary non-hazardous liquids on UPS Ground and UPS air services. UPS doesn’t publish a triple-packaging rule like USPS’s, but it expects leakproof containers, absorbent material and enough cushioning that the contents don’t shift.
Packing to the USPS standard keeps you covered with either carrier. A box that passes USPS’s triple-packaging test will also meet UPS’s packaging guidelines, so you can choose between carriers on price and speed rather than on packing method.
How Do You Pack Soda Cans and Bottles for Mailing?
Most soda shipping failures come from leaks and crushed cans, not from carrier rules. These steps cover both cans and plastic or glass bottles:
- Check every seal. Make sure no can is dented at the rim and every bottle cap is tight. For bottles, add a strip of tape across the cap or a layer of plastic wrap under it.
- Bag the containers. Put cans or bottles in a sealed plastic bag, in small groups or one at a time, with absorbent pads or paper towels inside.
- Cushion every side. Wrap each group in bubble wrap and keep about 2 inches of padding between the contents and the box walls. Cans should not touch each other or the box.
- Use a new, double-wall box. A 12-pack of cans weighs roughly 10 pounds, so a reused grocery box can split at the seams.
- Fill the gaps. Add crumpled paper or air pillows until nothing moves when you shake the box gently.
- Seal and mark the box. Tape every seam, then mark the outside to show it contains liquid, with “This Side Up” arrows.
Can You Ship Glass Bottles of Soda?
Yes, with extra protection. Glass bottles fall under USPS’s breakable-container rule at any size, so they always need triple packaging. Use molded pulp bottle sleeves or foam inserts, and keep glass away from heavy items in the same box. The DMM limits “Fragile” markings to packages that really contain delicate items, and glass qualifies. Our guide on how to ship fragile items walks through double-boxing.
Which Shipping Service Is Best for Mailing Soda?
Soda is heavy for its size, so weight and distance drive your options. This table compares common USPS and UPS services by delivery commitment and limits:
| Service | Delivery commitment | Weight / size limit | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| USPS Ground Advantage | 2–5 business days | 70 lbs, 130 in. length + girth | Heavy cases going short to medium distances |
| USPS Priority Mail | 2–3 business days (expected) | 70 lbs, 108 in. length + girth | Faster delivery and free Priority Mail boxes |
| UPS Ground | 1–5 business days | 150 lbs per package | Multiple cases and long-distance shipments |
| UPS 2nd Day Air | 2 business days | 150 lbs per package | Time-sensitive gifts or samples |
USPS Ground Advantage and Priority Mail both include up to $100 of insurance on most shipments. For a side-by-side of the two USPS services, see our comparison of USPS Priority Mail vs Ground Advantage.
How Can You Save Money When You Mail Soda?
The cheapest carrier changes with weight and distance, so compare before you buy a label. You can compare live UPS and USPS rates for your box in the ParcelPath rate calculator, which shows discounts of up to 89% off USPS and up to 85% off UPS retail prices.
ParcelPath is free to use, with no subscription, per-label fee or minimum volume. You can drop the box at a Post Office with a USPS Label Broker code or at a UPS Store with a UPS Mobile Barcode, so you don’t need a printer. If you’re new to labels and drop-off, our guide on how to ship a package covers each step.
Two packing choices also keep the cost down. Pack cans tightly in the smallest box that still leaves room for padding, because carriers price larger boxes by dimensional weight. Ship early in the week so the box doesn’t sit in a hot truck or warehouse over the weekend, which raises the pressure inside the cans.
Can You Mail Soda Internationally?
Sometimes. Soda isn’t a dangerous good, but the destination country decides whether food and beverages can enter by mail. Check the USPS International Mail Manual country page or UPS’s country rules before you ship, and declare the drinks accurately on the customs form.
Some countries restrict all food and drink imports by post, and others require the contents to be commercially sealed. Ground and air shipments both face heat and handling, so the triple-packaging method is just as important for international boxes.
Soda isn’t the only surprising item you can mail. You can even mail a potato with the label stuck right on the skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you mail soda cans through USPS?
Yes. USPS accepts non-alcoholic soda cans, but metal cans with pull-tabs holding more than 4 fluid ounces must be triple-packaged under DMM 601.3.4. Cushion each can with absorbent material, seal the cans inside a leakproof bag or liner, and pack them in a strong outer box marked to show it contains liquid.
Is soda a hazardous material when you mail it?
No. Federal rule 49 CFR 173.307 lists carbonated beverages as materials that are not subject to the Hazardous Materials Regulations. You don’t need hazmat labels or a dangerous goods declaration to mail soda, sparkling water or carbonated energy drinks inside the United States. Alcoholic drinks are a separate matter: USPS bars beer, wine and liquor except in limited circumstances.
Can you mail soda in glass bottles?
Yes, but glass bottles always need triple packaging under USPS rules, whatever their size. Wrap each bottle in absorbent material, seal it in a leakproof bag or container, and pack it in a sturdy box with about 2 inches of cushioning on every side. Molded pulp or foam bottle inserts keep the bottles from touching.
Can you mail soda with UPS Ground?
Yes. UPS Ground accepts non-alcoholic carbonated beverages as non-hazardous liquids, delivering in 1 to 5 business days within the contiguous U.S. UPS expects leakproof containers, absorbent material and cushioning that keeps the contents from moving. Packing to USPS’s triple-packaging standard also meets UPS’s guidelines, so one method works for both.
Sources
- USPS Domestic Mail Manual 601: Mailability (3.4 Liquids)
- 49 CFR 173.307, Exceptions for compressed gases (Electronic Code of Federal Regulations)
- USPS Ground Advantage
- USPS Priority Mail
- USPS Shipping Restrictions
- USPS International Mail Manual: Index of Countries and Localities
Part of our How to Ship Liquids guide. Related: Best Way to Ship Wax Melts, How to Ship Candles, Shipping Candles in Hot Weather.
