Transporting dry ice – what do you need to know?

If you need to send a package that requires a temperature regime, then you cannot do without dry ice. Dry ice is a solid form of carbon dioxide and is considered a potentially dangerous cargo. You need to work with such a substance very carefully, and there are special requirements and standards for packing and transportation of dry ice.

What is dry ice

Dry ice is a solid carbon dioxide with a temperature of -78°C. It can be supplied in the form of flakes, fractions of different sizes or solid blocks. The substance is used to cool food/drinks or biological samples (blood, stem cells, sperm, etc.), chemicals during transportation.
The hazard of the substance lies in its low temperature (direct contact with unprotected skin can cause thermal burns – frostbite) and the release of significant concentrations of carbon dioxide (which actively displaces oxygen from enclosed spaces and can cause suffocation).

How to pack dry ice correctly

Dry ice is used to create special temperature conditions during the transport of food or biological samples. For the transport of dry ice, an isothermal container made of polystyrene foam must be used, which is able to relieve pressure and withstand contact with dry ice. Do not transport dry ice in solid containers, such as metal containers, as such packaging may explode and injure people around it.

How to transport parcels with dry ice:

• place the item you want to ship in the inner container and fill the space with dry ice. Act carefully, follow safety rules and be sure to use gloves;
• close the inner container, but do not seal it completely with tape to avoid pressure build-up;
• then place the inner container in the outer packaging (cardboard box, bag, etc.) to which you can attach a label.

Calculate how much you will need to cool your parcel during transport.

How to label parcels with dry ice correctly?

According to all standards, it is recommended to use a class 9 label with the mandatory indication of the UN-1845 number, the words “Dry ice” and the net weight in kilograms. Also make sure that the label contains the full address and contact details of the recipient and sender.

What else needs to be considered when transporting dry ice

Some countries have their own requirements for packing or transporting dry ice. For example, there may be a weight limit in one package or a complete ban on importing a substance into the country. These details should be clarified from official sources of information. GlobalPost managers also have all the necessary information and will be able to advise you. Here you can ask all your questions, and here is our online calculator of the approximate cost of sending a parcel.

We are pleased to offer you the most favourable rates for shipping dry ice parcels worldwide. Contact GlobalPost for reliable partners!