- Client Services
- COVID-19 Shipping Updates
COVID-19 Shipping Updates
In an effort to better assist you with your shipping needs, we have compiled the following to keep you informed of the latest and greatest on COVID-19.
Alabama "ABC" Stores
As of 3/1/2021, the ABC Board has reopened all ABC Stores that were closed temporarily due to COVID-19.
As of 8/1/2021, AL has opened it's state to DTC shipments. No longer will wine shipments need to be sent to an ABC Store. For more information on this state update, please click here.
Carrier Updates
We'll be keeping you informed on any carrier updates as they arise. To learn more on how each carrier is responding to COVID-19, please check out their respective links below:
Changes to Deliveries for "Adult Signature Required" Orders
In order to minimize the spread of COVID-19, carriers are relaxing the signature process of the adult signature required shipments.
FedEx
FedEx won’t require to physically sign for deliveries going Express and Ground in the U.S.
The driver is required to engage with the recipient and validate they are 21+ years of age.
Recipient can use their own pen to sign the key pad; or they can ask the driver to key in their name on the scanner; followed by KEYWORD “COVID”, therefore stipulating the customer preference for distancing.
UPS
UPS drivers will continue to verify the age (over 21) of the consignee, however they will NOT hand the UPS board to the customer to obtain their signatures.
The signature explanation on UPS.com will have CV19 followed by the name of the consignee.
Deliveries to Businesses
To avoid delivery issues, carriers have recommended that all shipments be updated with a residential address.
Unfortunately, with the ever changing climate, carriers have reported an increase in difficulty with delivering to business.
For guidance on how to submit a reroute, please click here.
Please note that if the reroute request is submitted after the shipment arrives at the destination center, UPS and FedEx may not be able to reroute it and it will be returned.
For guidance on how to submit a edit an address on an order, please click here.
What if my order has made a delivery attempt to a business? Is the order now coming back?
If a package has made a delivery attempt to a business and it's closed:
FedEx
FedEx will hold packages up to 10 business days (FedEx) - space permitting. If not successfully delivered/picked up, the order will be returned.
UPS
As of 3/31/2020, UPS has revised their process and will now resume 3 delivery attempts. This will allow clients and customers the needed time to reroute packages, as needed.
Deliveries to States with "Stay-at-Home" Orders
As of 7/2020, most states are reversing or pausing reopening plans . To see the full list of states and current status, please click here.
Please note that for those states with an active "Stay-at-Home" order, only those businesses deemed 'essential' will remain open and operational, this includes WineDirect (CA, OH, OR) and our carriers.
As we work hard on shipping and delivering your orders, in an effort to minimize returns, we highly recommend all shipments be updated with a residential address.
For guidance on how to submit a reroute, please click here.
For guidance on how to edit an address on an order, please click here.
Expected Delivery Delays
The impact of COVID-19 is causing many work and travel restrictions which are impacting both FedEx and UPS’ ability to meet their typically high standards of service. As a result, some shipments may be delayed in transit.
As of 3/24/2020, carriers have informed us that moving forward we can expect delivery delays across all service levels.
For some areas, delivery times has normalized.
FedEx Locations - Some Stores Have Temporarily Closed
FedEx has announced that for the safety and well being of their employees, some stores may have temporarily reduced hours or services.
Some stores have closed. To find our which stores are still operational and with what hours, please click here for the Store Locator.
WineDirect
Facilities Status Update
Our Operations Team is working, business as usual, and ensuring all your shipments go out on a timely manner.
Our Client Success Team is continuing to working remotely, as a preventive measure, and ready to assist you with all your shipping needs.
For more information on how WineDirect is responding to COVID-19, please click here.
If you have any questions or concerns, as always, please feel free to reach us via phone or email at 707-603-4011 or csoperations@winedirect.com.