Direct-to-consumer (DtC) shipping has numerous rules and regulations that shippers must adhere to in order to stay compliant. Customer aggregate volume limits (CAVL) discern how much of a certain type of alcohol a single licensee can ship in each period of time to select individuals within a state. CAVL can seem like a straightforward requirement for DtC shippers, but it is still an important one to be mindful of as it has specific local parameters.
Why do customer aggregate volume limits (CAVL) exist?
CAVL rules exist to regulate the DtC alcohol shipping market and maintain the integrity of state-controlled alcohol distribution systems. These limits cap the number of alcoholic beverages a consumer can receive within a specific timeframe, thus supporting two main goals. The first is to encourage consumers to continue purchasing from local retailers instead of solely relying on DtC shipments. By setting volume limits on DtC alcohol sales, states aim to drive traffic to physical stores and reduce its impact on traditional retail channels.
The second reason behind CAVL is to preserve the three-tier distribution system. Without these volume limits, individuals might exploit direct shipping to resell alcohol, avoiding excise sales taxes and other controls managed by the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. States want to ensure that all DtC shipments are for final sales to the consumer and never intended for resale, and these limitations safeguard against unauthorized distribution within a jurisdiction.
What are the volume limits for shipping alcohol in my state?
CAVL requirements differ significantly across states, with limits often based on cases per month or per year. Commonly, states allow one or two cases per month, or around 12 to 24 cases annually. However, each state may define “a case” differently, depending on the beverage category.
| Alcohol Type | Standard Case Definition | Common CAVL | Variations by State |
| Wine | 9 liters (12 bottles of 750 mL) | 1–2 cases per month or 12–24 cases per year | Commonly used in most states; requires strict volume tracking |
| Beer | 288 ounces / (24) 12 oz. bottles OR 9 liters |
1–2 cases per month OR state-defined annual limits |
Beer shippers must confirm standards according to the destination state |
| Spirits | 9 liters (12 bottles of 750 mL) | Often similar to wine; 1–2 cases per month | Requires separate licensing in many states for DtC shipping |
| Cider | Varies (9 liters or 288 oz) | Aligns with beer or wine limits depending on alcohol content | Some states categorize cider with beer; others with wine Special attention is needed for state-specific classification |
State regulations also vary on whether CAVL applies per individual or per household. In some states, every adult in a household may be entitled to the full CAVL. In others, the limit applies collectively to the household, regardless of the number of legal drinking-age residents. For instance, a married couple in State A may each receive one case per month, while in State B, they must share a single case.
States also have different tracking periods set to regulate the volume of alcohol consumers can receive directly. These periods can impact how frequently consumers can place orders and how licensees manage their shipments to maintain compliance.
In many states, CAVL regulations are monitored monthly, setting strict limits on the amount of alcohol that consumers can receive every 30 days. Some states extend the monitoring period to 60 days, offering consumers greater flexibility in receiving larger shipments less frequently. In states with annual volume caps, DtC shippers must monitor alcohol shipments over a 12-month period.
CAVL and compliance management software
Because state-specific CAVL regulations vary widely, alcohol shipping compliance across jurisdictions becomes a moving target. Taxes add another layer of complexity, as each state has its own approach to excise taxes and sales tax. Compliance software simplifies all of this by centralizing these rules, ensuring shipments meet local requirements whether a state imposes strict monthly limits or more flexible annual caps.
Once the regulations are clear, real-time tracking ensures you’re always ahead of potential issues. This ensures that every transaction is accurate, every tax obligation is met, and that shipments are always aligned with local laws.
Also, when your business is ready to expand into new states, effective compliance software scales with you. Each state brings new regulations to navigate, but with a system in place that adapts to these changes, growth becomes a natural next step. Whether you’re shipping wine, beer, spirits, or cider compliance software ensures your operations remain consistent and compliant, no matter where your customers are.
By addressing each layer of complexity, compliance management software transforms the daunting task of multi-state shipping into a streamlined, efficient process. It ensures every shipment is compliant, every tax is accurate, and every customer interaction is seamless—allowing shippers to grow confidently despite the challenges of multi-state shipping.
Download our eBook, DtC Alcohol Shipping Essentials: Getting Started & Staying Compliant, for more insights.