How to Ship Dry Ice With UPS? What You Need to Know

Shipping with dry ice is an effective and safe way to maintain the required cold temperatures for various products during transit. Dry ice, a super cooling agent made of solid carbon dioxide, sublimates directly from a solid into a gas.

This unique property makes it an excellent choice for preserving items that need to stay frozen, such as food and medical samples. However, handling dry ice requires careful attention due to its hazardous nature.

This guide provides detailed information on how to ship dry ice with UPS, covering everything from procurement to packaging, handling, and regulatory compliance.

Understanding Dry Ice: What It Is and Why It’s Used in Shipping

Dry ice is the solid form of carbon dioxide and acts as a super cooling agent. Discovered more than 180 years ago, it sublimates, meaning it transforms directly from a solid into a gas without passing through a liquid phase.

This makes it ideal for maintaining extremely low temperatures without the mess of melting water. Dry ice is commonly used for keeping food and medical samples frozen, as well as creating fog effects at concerts and Halloween events.

Despite its benefits, dry ice must be handled with care. The extreme cold can cause burns on contact with skin, and the sublimation process can lead to gas buildup, which may cause explosions if the gas is not allowed to vent properly.

When and Why You Should Use Dry Ice for Shipping with UPS

Due to its exceptionally low temperature of minus 109.3 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 78.5 degrees Celsius), dry ice is best suited for shipping items that require freezing or keeping at very cold temperatures.

Examples include frozen foods, sensitive medical supplies, and certain biologics. However, for products that do not need to be deeply frozen, using dry ice alone might be overkill.

In such cases, combining dry ice with other coolants, such as frozen gel packs, can be more effective.

For further information read this UPS article: Shipping With Dry Ice

Where to Buy Dry Ice: Finding the Right Suppliers for Your Needs

Dry ice can be purchased from local suppliers, including grocery and big box stores.

It is available in various forms, such as pellets, big blocks, slices, and little bullets, allowing you to choose the most appropriate shape and size for your shipping needs.

Dry ice is generally inexpensive, and purchasing larger quantities can reduce the cost per pound.

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Essential Safety Tips for Handling and Transporting Dry Ice

Handling dry ice requires strict safety measures due to its extreme cold temperature. Handlers must wear protective gear, including goggles to shield their eyes, special gloves to protect their hands, and bibs to prevent dry ice from coming into contact with their skin.

Proper training is essential for anyone in the supply chain who might come into contact with dry ice, ensuring they understand how to handle it safely.

How to Store Dry Ice Safely: Containers and Precautions

Storing dry ice requires special containers to manage the sublimation process safely. Airtight containers should never be used, as the sublimation can create severe internal pressure, leading to ruptures or explosions.

Glass containers are also not suitable because they can crack under the extreme cold. Always choose containers that allow gas to vent to prevent dangerous pressure buildup.

Calculating the Right Amount of Dry Ice for Your UPS Shipment

To determine how much dry ice you need for your shipment, consider the sublimation rate. Typically, five to ten pounds of dry ice will sublimate every 24 hours.

The sublimation rate is influenced by the density of the expanded polystyrene (EPS) insulating foam container used. Lower-density foam results in faster sublimation.

Using UPS Temperature True healthcare packaging, which features high-density EPS foam validated through temperature studies, can help ensure consistent performance.

Here’s a table to help calculate the amount of dry ice needed based on the duration of your shipment:

UPS can assist shippers in choosing the right packaging solution and calculating the necessary amount of dry ice based on the packaging type and time in transit.

It’s advisable to include enough dry ice to cover an additional 24 hours in case of unexpected delays.

Packing with Dry Ice

When packing items with dry ice, ensure that the contents are at the optimal temperature before packing. Use an EPS foam container for its excellent insulating properties, and place this container inside a sturdy, corrugated cardboard box.

To maintain the cold environment, keep the contents separate from the dry ice. The dry ice should not directly touch the items being shipped, as its role is to cool the packaging environment, not freeze the contents.

If shipping food, pack it carefully to maintain freshness and prevent damage. Do not seal the dry ice box airtight; the vapor from sublimation needs to escape to prevent the package from exploding. Use minimal packing tape to allow proper ventilation.

Labeling Requirements for Dry Ice Shipments

When shipping dry ice, especially by air, it’s crucial to label the package correctly to ensure safety and compliance. In the United States, specific rules are outlined in the regulations, requiring certain markings and labels to identify the presence of dry ice.

These labels help handlers recognize the package’s contents and handle it appropriately.

For international shipping, you need to follow global guidelines set by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). These guidelines include having a special agreement with UPS and adhering to specific packing instructions.

To ensure your shipment meets all the necessary requirements, you can find more detailed instructions on the UPS website or consult the relevant shipping guidelines.

Proper labeling helps prevent accidents and ensures your package arrives safely.

Help with Dry Ice Shipping

Shipping with dry ice can seem complicated, but UPS offers various services to simplify the process.

UPS Temperature True provides healthcare shippers with cold chain solutions, including specialized packaging and custom solutions tailored to product needs, shipping modes, and transit times.

To minimize the risk of delays, it’s advisable to factor in additional dry ice for an extra 24 hours beyond the expected transit time. This preparation can mitigate the impact of unforeseen delays, such as customs holds for international shipments.

UPS also provides a Proactive Response® service, which can assist if dry ice replenishment is needed while the shipment is in transit.

Detailed preparation and planning are key to ensuring that your shipment arrives at its destination in perfect condition.

Conclusion

Dry ice is a safe and effective way to ship items that need to remain frozen, provided it is used properly and compliantly.

By understanding the properties of dry ice, handling and storage requirements, packaging methods, and regulatory guidelines, you can ensure successful and safe shipping.

UPS provides the expertise, solutions, and support to meet all your dry ice shipping needs, ensuring your shipments arrive in optimal condition.

For more information or assistance, contact the UPS Hazardous Material Support Center at 1-800-554-9964. With UPS, your dry ice shipping needs are in expert hands.

FAQs

How do I handle dry ice safely during shipping?

When handling dry ice, always wear protective gear such as goggles, special gloves, and bibs to prevent burns from the extreme cold.

Ensure proper training for anyone in the supply chain who might come into contact with dry ice. Use containers that allow gas to vent to avoid pressure buildup.

How much dry ice should I use for shipping with UPS?

The amount of dry ice needed depends on the transit time and the insulation quality of the container. Typically, five to ten pounds of dry ice will sublimate every 24 hours.

For longer transit times, calculate the amount needed to keep the product cold, and consider adding enough dry ice for an extra 24 hours to account for potential delays.

What are the packaging requirements for shipping dry ice with UPS?

When shipping dry ice, use an EPS foam container placed inside a sturdy corrugated cardboard box. Ensure the dry ice does not come into direct contact with the items being shipped.

Do not seal the package airtight; proper ventilation is necessary to allow gas to escape and prevent the risk of explosion.

Do I need special labels for shipping dry ice?

Yes, special labels are required for dry ice shipments. In the United States, follow the marking and labeling requirements in 49 CFR 173.217.

For international shipments, comply with IATA regulations, which include having a signed International Special Commodities (ISC) contract with UPS and following Packing Instructions 954.

Can I combine dry ice with other coolants for shipping?

Combining dry ice with other coolants, like frozen gel packs, can be effective, especially for shipments with longer transit times.

This approach helps maintain the desired temperature without overfreezing the product. UPS can help determine the best cooling combination for your specific shipping needs.