Shipping & Compliance
Shipping With Dry Ice
Pack in an insulated, vented shipper, size ice to transit plus a buffer, and follow your carrier's dry ice labeling rules.
Requirements may vary by carrier, shipment and mode of transportation. Always confirm with your carrier.
Shipping With Dry Ice
Dry ice is commonly used to keep frozen food, specimens and samples frozen in transit. PA Dry Ice supplies dry ice; your carrier sets its own shipping requirements.
Packaging Basics
Use an insulated foam shipper inside a sturdy outer box. Pre-freeze product, place dry ice on top and around it, and fill empty space.
Ventilation
Packages must let carbon dioxide gas escape. Never tape or seal the inner container airtight.
Labeling
Carriers typically require dry ice markings and the net weight of dry ice on the package. Check your carrier's current requirements.
UN1845
Dry ice is identified as UN1845 (Carbon dioxide, solid) and is regulated as a Class 9 hazardous material for many shipments.
Air Transport
Air shipments often carry additional limits, declarations and training requirements. Confirm with your air carrier before shipping.
Medical / Lab Shipping
Follow your institution's packaging procedures and your carrier's specimen and dry ice rules.
Frozen Food Shipping
Size dry ice to transit time plus a buffer. The shipping planner gives a starting estimate.
Common Mistakes
Sealing packages airtight, underestimating transit delays, leaving empty space in the shipper, missing labels, and letting refrigerated items touch dry ice.
Last reviewed: September 2026
Related tool
Dry Ice Shipping Planner
Plan dry ice for a shipment.
Related guides
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5/8" Dry Ice Pellets
Versatile pellets for cold-chain shipping, food, medical and industrial use.
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