---
title: Empty Keg Return Guidelines (California) – For Non-FFW Direct Pickup Customers
description: Returning empty kegs
---

[Skip to content](https://help.freeflowwines.com/knowledge-base/empty-keg-return-guidelines-california-for-non-ffw-direct-pickup-customers#main-content)

English

Show submenu for translations

![FreeFlow-SimpleStamp-Mark-Purple-1.jpg\]](https://help.freeflowwines.com/hs-fs/hubfs/FreeFlow-SimpleStamp-Mark-Purple-1.jpg?width=38&height=38&name=FreeFlow-SimpleStamp-Mark-Purple-1.jpg)

Open main navigation

Close main navigation

- English
  
  Show submenu for translations
- [Go to freeflowwines.com](https://www.freeflowwines.com/)

[Go to freeflowwines.com](https://www.freeflowwines.com/)

 Hello. How can we help you?

- There are no suggestions because the search field is empty.

1. [Free Flow Wines Knowledge Base](https://help.freeflowwines.com/knowledge-base?hsLang=en)
2. [Wineries + Importers](https://help.freeflowwines.com/knowledge-base/wineries-importers?hsLang=en)
3. [Empty Keg Return Guidelines for Wineries](https://help.freeflowwines.com/knowledge-base/wineries-importers?hsLang=en#empty-keg-return-guidelines-for-wineries)

# Empty Keg Return Guidelines (California) – For Non-FFW Direct Pickup Customers

## Ensure the winery name is listed on all BOLs when using a third-party warehouse. Hourly appointments not required for keg drop-offs; please do not leave kegs unattended. All BOLs are reconciled monthly, and keg deposits are credited at month-end.

### Keg Drop-Off Guidelines (Direct to Facility)

There are no hourly appointments required,  however please email [logistics@freeflowwines.com](mailto:logistics@freeflowwines.com) before at least 24 hours in advance of returning kegs to ensure accurate PO's. 

**Dock Hours**  
Monday - Thursday  
No appointment needed.  
8AM- 3:30PM. 

When working with a third-party warehouse or coordinating keg returns, it’s important to ensure that all documentation and handling procedures are accurate and consistent.

### Bill of Lading (BOL) Requirements

If you are using a third-party warehouse, the **winery name must be listed on the Bill of Lading (BOL)**, including the Free Flow Wines (FFW) BOL.

#### Best Practice

- Verify that the **winery name appears clearly on all BOLs** prior to shipment
- If sending more than one pallet, each pallet needs to have a pallet tag with name and location of the distributor, and
- Ensure alignment between:
  
    - Third-party warehouse documentation
    - FFW-issued BOL

- Resolve any discrepancies before confirming BOL.

### Warehouse Processing & Deposit Credits

BOLs are reconciled at the end of each month.  
Applicable keg deposits will be credited at month-end following reconciliation.

Email Logistics@freeflowwines.com for any additional questions.

- [Customer Portal Instructions](https://help.freeflowwines.com/knowledge-base/customer-portal-instructions?hsLang=en#main-content)

    - [Wineries + Importers](https://help.freeflowwines.com/knowledge-base/customer-portal-instructions?hsLang=en#wineries-importers)
    - [Distributors](https://help.freeflowwines.com/knowledge-base/customer-portal-instructions?hsLang=en#distributors)
- [Wineries + Importers](https://help.freeflowwines.com/knowledge-base/wineries-importers?hsLang=en#main-content)

    - [Kegging](https://help.freeflowwines.com/knowledge-base/wineries-importers?hsLang=en#kegging)
    - [Empty Keg Return Guidelines for Wineries](https://help.freeflowwines.com/knowledge-base/wineries-importers?hsLang=en#empty-keg-return-guidelines-for-wineries)
- [Distributors](https://help.freeflowwines.com/knowledge-base/distributors?hsLang=en)
- [Key Contacts and Site Visits](https://help.freeflowwines.com/knowledge-base/key-contacts-and-site-visits?hsLang=en)
- [Operators](https://help.freeflowwines.com/knowledge-base/operators?hsLang=en)
- [Holidays and Warehouse Closures](https://help.freeflowwines.com/knowledge-base/holidays-and-warehouse-closures?hsLang=en)
- [Trade Tools](https://help.freeflowwines.com/knowledge-base/trade-tools?hsLang=en#main-content)

    - [Brand Assets and Approved Media](https://help.freeflowwines.com/knowledge-base/trade-tools?hsLang=en#brand-assets-and-approved-media)

[![FreeFlow-SimpleStamp-Mark-Purple-2](https://help.freeflowwines.com/hs-fs/hubfs/FreeFlow-SimpleStamp-Mark-Purple-2.jpg?width=60&height=60&name=FreeFlow-SimpleStamp-Mark-Purple-2.jpg "FreeFlow-SimpleStamp-Mark-Purple-2")](https://www.freeflowwines.com/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21137682191&gbraid=0AAAAAo_LcbVkSnMrNXclIqxiv2vQRowFN&gclid=CjwKCAjwy5rUBhB5EiwAIoAtCrM3ROoztrkSb-joEPPNpo-trrKG7FZWzjL1rinVhmPtKMsi9eV6gRoC-Q8QAvD_BwE)

Free Flow Wines

<https://www.linkedin.com/company/free-flow-wines/?viewAsMember=true> <https://www.instagram.com/freeflowwines/> <https://www.facebook.com/FreeFlowWines>

Copyright © 2026