Your guide to container shipping in the wine industry

Container shipping has contributed to the growth and success of the wine, beer and spirits’ industries for decades. Without the rise of container shipping, the world of wine, beer and spirits logistics would be a lot smaller. 

Since the first standard freight container was first created in 1956, producers of alcoholic beverages have been using shipping containers to export and import their products worldwide.

The standardized shipping container was designed for international transportation and revolutionized the way products are shipped to global consumers. Offering a combination of security, durability, and protection from the elements, containers transformed local beer and wine producers into international exporters. 

But, how does wine, spirits and beer container shipping work, what types of containers can alcoholic beverage companies use, and what do importers need to consider when planning their supply chain?

Container Shipping in the Wine, Beer and Spirits’ Industries: Major Transport Routes

For decades, container shipping enabled alcoholic beverage producers to reach new markets, and has empowered importers to purchase wine, beer and spirits from all over the world. 

Even with global trade disruptions, pandemic restrictions, and sociopolitical events in recent years, container shipping remains the most popular cross-border shipping method. Around 90% of the world’s trade is now powered by sea freight and shipping containers.

Major shipping routes for wine, beer and spirits’ logistics have been established across the globe and common routes include:

• Europe to North America
• Australia and New Zealand to Asia or North America
• South and North America to Europe
• South Africa to Europe
• South America to North America

In addition to various direct routes, there are also various “intercontinental routes” where wine shipping containers can be trans-shipped through hubs like Singapore, Hong Kong, or Rotterdam, before they finally reach their intended destination. The Panama Canal and Suez Canal, for instance, are two of the biggest maritime “shortcuts” used in shipping.

Types of Containers Used in the Wine, Beer and Spirits’ Industries

Since the first shipping containers were developed, trade in wine, beer and spirits has grown on an exceptional scale. However, the longer journeys made possible by shipping containers expose the wine, beer and spirits’ being carried to more varied climatic conditions. Wine and beer in particular need protection on long distance journeys to help preserve their quality. 

Moving sensitive products, like wine and beer, requires knowledge about the type of container which can be used for each product and on each routing. Beverage logistics experts Hillebrand Gori have introduced a range of solutions to assist with mitigating risks like thermal shock, contamination and bottle damage. 

Changes in temperature and humidity inside a container can cause irreparable damage to wine or beer, from premature aging, to color changes, loss of flavor, freshness, or acidity. Spirits, although less sensitive, can still become unsellable due to label damage caused by excess humidity and container rain. Wine, beer and spirits importers need to consider these risks when choosing one of the three types of shipping containers available:

Dry containers

Dry containers in the container shipping industry are generally used for products not easily affected by humidity or temperature, like spirits. They’re the most budget-friendly choice, and are accessible to companies anywhere in the world. 

Dry containers for sea shipping generally come in two sizes (20 feet and 40 feet), and are suitable for shipping packaged products like wine, beer or spirits or wine in bulk using flexitanks. 

Insulated containers

Valuable in the wine, beer and spirits’ industry, insulated containers are ideal for alcoholic beverages that require protection from condensation, cross-contamination, humidity infiltration and thermal shocks.

Insulation liners offer protection from contamination in a food-grade lining. What’s more, Hillebrand Gori insulation liners can reflect up to 94% of heat, offer an environmentally friendly alternative to refrigerated containers, and are the only liners in the market with a breathable membrane to protect against humidity. 

Refrigerated containers

When it’s crucial to retain an exact temperature within a container, refrigerated units are essential. In the beverage industry, they are used for wines and beers that are traveling in extreme climate conditions and are sensitive to thermal changes. These containers, otherwise known as reefers, can circulate air like a fridge. 

However, reefer containers are a more expensive option, and the least sustainable.

Benefits of insulated containers for beer

Beer container shipping is a great way to transport your beer safely. Adding an insulation liner provides added protection in the form of:

1. Temperature stability: On an international journey, a container might go through several extremes of temperature along the way. An insulation liner helps to maintain a stable internal temperature inside the shipping container throughout the journey. This helps your beer stay within a temperature range that preserves its taste and quality.
2. Condensation protection: Using an insulation liner helps to keep the inside surface of the shipping container relatively warm. This helps to prevent cool, moist air condensing on the walls and ceiling of the container, which can lead to container rain and damage packaging and labels. 

Investing in Container Shipping: Factors to Be Aware of

Choosing the right type of container, and implementing the right process for your shipping needs, can be a daunting prospect. There are numerous factors to consider beyond simply selecting the most effective container option. Businesses also need to be aware of:

Container Weights and Road Limits

The weight of a container can vary drastically, and it’s something businesses must account for when shipping products. Each country has its own restrictions regarding the weight of containers. For instance, in the US, the general limit is 80,000 lbs (36,287 Kg) gross vehicle weight (GVW) for each vehicle. The limit applies to the full weight of the truck, container, products, and chassis. 

Aside from the gross vehicle weight limit, companies must ensure vehicles don’t exceed individual axle load limits. Overweight trucks can lead to penalties, fines, and additional costs for unplanned transport, as well as load distribution and handling. Contact the local office in your shipping destination if you’re unsure about weight limitations. 

Number of wine, beer or spirits’ pallets per container

Containers offer a convenient way to ship large amounts of wine, beer or spirits at once. However, the quantity of pallets that can be added to a container will depend on numerous factors. Available floor space, loading configuration and pallet size are all essential factors, as well as road weight limits. 

The format depends on the destination country too. For example, the common domestic format for shipping wines in the US is around 12 bottle cases of 750 ml bottles, rather than the 6 bottle cases available elsewhere. This can impact your warehouse pricing, and how you organize your shipments. Additionally, while pallets come in standard sizes, their availability varies depending on your collection location. 

Packaging Options

Wine, beer and spirits can be packaged for container shipping in a variety of ways. One of the most common methods is to ship alcoholic beverages on pallets made of wood or plastic. Most of these pallets measure 1 meter by 1.2 meters in the US, compared to 0.8 meters by 1.2 meters in Europe. 

The bottles are often stacked four layers high, and you can typically load up to 56 cases of wine, beer or spirits per palette. Outside of pallet options, companies can also consider using loose loading methods. Non-palletized, or loose-loaded alcoholic beverages are often shipped on a slip sheet. 

VGM

The Verified Gross Mass or “VGM” of your products will also be a crucial consideration. VGM refers to the full weight of your wine, beer or spirits’ products, covering dunnage and bracing, and the tare weight of your container. SOLAS guidelines require shippers to provide VGM details in a shipping document before a vessel is loaded. Any container without VGM details can be rejected for shipping. 

This means companies need to ensure they’re accurately calculating their VGM and providing the right documentation to regulatory bodies throughout the shipping process.

Mastering Container Shipping

Container shipping in the wine, beer or spirits; industries can be a complex process. It requires careful planning and execution to ensure you’re using the right containers and the right strategies to protect your brand, and your products. 

If you need help picking the right container for your product, or implementing the best solutions for your supply chain, contact Hillebrand Gori, a shipping company specialized in wine, beer and spirits transportation. We offer a variety of container options, risk management solutions, and expert guidance to help protect your wine, beer and spirits on their journey.

Reviewed by Hillebrand Gori