Transporting Alcohol – Staying Above The Influence

One of the first questions we ask of new for-hire motor carrier clients is: "What are you hauling?" The typical trigger words that cause lawyers and trucking consultants to perk up should not come as a surprise: hazardous materials, foodstuffs, firearms, waste, pharmaceuticals, and so on. While such commodities are highly regulated and therefore demand attention, at least part of the regulatory burden for such commodities exists at the federal level, which can lend itself to a more streamlined approach to become or stay compliant. One regulated commodity that tends to be obscured in such discussions is alcohol and alcoholic beverages. Outside of alcohol import/export issues, the regulation of alcohol transportation is governed and therefore segmented largely at the state level. Often overlooked, motor carriers transporting alcohol may need to obtain a specific alcohol transportation license or permit on a state-by-state basis.