Beverage orders are heavier, more breakable and more schedule-sensitive than most of what a general courier moves. A restaurant manager planning a weekend wine list, or a retailer restocking before a long weekend, is working against a timeline that a “sometime this week” delivery does not respect.
This article is about what to expect from the logistics side. It is not legal advice, and the section on rules is deliberately a pointer to the people who can answer, not an answer.
Handling is the first thing to ask about
Glass breaks, and it is heavy. A case of twelve 750 ml bottles commonly weighs in the region of 15 kilograms or more, so it is a two-handed lift and a real load on a vehicle. Cases tossed around in a cargo area the way a parcel might be are not being treated the way they need to be.
Before anything else, ask a potential courier how beverage orders are secured in transit.
- Upright and braced, so that cases do not shift on turns and stops.
- Not stacked under heavier freight, which crushes the bottom cases.
- Case integrity checked at pickup, so that damage is caught before it is blamed on the trip.
- Temperature kept in mind. Extreme heat or cold can affect some beverages, so ask what happens to an order in a hot vehicle or on a freezing day. What the cold does to goods covers the winter side.
Standing accounts beat one-off bookings
For hospitality accounts that order regularly, a standing delivery day with the same time slot and the same driver removes the friction of booking every order individually. It also means the person receiving the delivery usually knows who is turning up, which matters more than it sounds for a business juggling a dozen supplier relationships. How often to restock helps to choose the rhythm.
Count and confirm
A clear record of what arrived and when is a nice-to-have for most businesses. For accounts that track inventory closely, it is the difference between a quick reconciliation and a dispute about whether an order arrived complete.
- Count at the doorCheck the number of cases against the delivery note before the driver leaves.
- Look for damageCheck for breakage, wet cartons and crushed corners while the driver is still there.
- Write it downNote any shortage or damage on the paperwork and take a photo. A photo at drop-off from the courier adds a second record.
- Report it the same dayTell the supplier or courier immediately, with the evidence, not at the end of the month.
Know the rules before the first order
The sale and delivery of alcohol in Québec are regulated, and the rules that apply depend on your permit, on what is being delivered and on who is receiving it. The Régie des alcools, des courses et des jeux (RACJ) is the authority to ask. A courier can handle the logistics of moving cases from one place to another, but it cannot decide whether a particular sale or delivery is allowed. That is for the permit holder to confirm with the RACJ or a lawyer.
What you can do is settle the practical points in advance. If your permit or your own policy requires something at hand-off, such as checking who receives the order, tell the courier before the first delivery and confirm that they can do it. Agree who is responsible for what, in writing.
Capacity around peak dates
Order volume for beverage suppliers does not stay flat. Holidays, tasting events and seasonal pushes all spike demand at once. A courier that can only handle your average week is not much help during the weeks that matter most. Share your busiest dates early; peak-season planning explains how to prepare.
Questions to put to a courier
| Topic | Ask | Listen for |
|---|---|---|
| Handling | How are cases secured and kept upright? | Specific steps, not “our drivers are careful”. |
| Schedule | Can we have a standing day, time and driver? | A routine you can plan around. |
| Confirmation | What is recorded when the order is handed over? | A photo, a count and a time. |
| Rules | What do you need at hand-off, and what can you not do? | Clarity about what stays with you. |
| Peak dates | How do you plan for the busy weeks? | A real plan made in advance. |
Frequently asked questions
Can a courier deliver alcohol?
That depends on the permit and the rules that apply to your situation, which are set by the regulator, not by the courier. Check with the Régie des alcools, des courses et des jeux or a lawyer, then tell the courier what you need at hand-off.
How are bottles protected in transit?
Ask each courier directly. Look for answers about keeping cases upright and braced, not stacking them under heavier freight and checking the cases at pickup.
How should a restaurant receive a wine delivery?
Count the cases against the delivery note, check for breakage and wet cartons while the driver is there, and note any problem on the paperwork the same day.
Tell us what you move, your delivery days and your venues when you request a quote. Permit and legal questions stay with you and your regulator; we will confirm the logistics.