Dry ice is the secret weapon for shipping perishables, from gourmet steaks to life-saving pharmaceuticals. But this frosty, fuming substance requires special handling and precautions to ship safely. As one of the world‘s largest logistics providers, UPS offers several options for shipping with dry ice. In this ultimate guide, we‘ll break down everything you need to know to master the art of UPS dry ice shipping.
What is Dry Ice and Why Use It for Shipping?
Dry ice is the solid form of carbon dioxide (CO2). Unlike regular ice made from frozen water, dry ice skips the liquid phase and sublimates directly into a gas. This unique property makes dry ice an extremely effective cooling agent. One pound of dry ice has the cooling power of 15 pounds of regular ice!
Shippers rely on dry ice to maintain frigid temperatures for products that must stay frozen during transport. Dry ice keeps its cool for 18-24 hours inside an insulated container, depending on quantity and conditions. It‘s frequently used to ship items like:
- Frozen foods (ice cream, meat, seafood, etc.)
- Perishable groceries and baked goods
- Temperature-sensitive medicines and vaccines
- Biological samples for laboratory testing
- Frozen animal food and veterinary supplies
However, dry ice has some serious safety hazards to consider. It‘s extremely cold (-109.3°F or -78.5°C), so it can quickly cause frostbite on bare skin. As dry ice sublimates into CO2 gas, it expands and can lead to explosions without proper venting. CO2 gas can also cause suffocation in enclosed spaces. These dangers make dry ice a regulated hazardous material for shipping.
UPS Services for Shipping with Dry Ice
UPS accepts dry ice shipments through UPS Ground and UPS Air services with some restrictions. Here‘s a quick overview of the options:
UPS Ground:
- Shipments can contain up to 200kg (440lbs) of dry ice per package
- No additional contract or pre-approval required
- Economical choice for ground transport within the 48 contiguous U.S. states
UPS Air Services (Next Day Air, 2nd Day Air, 3 Day Select):
- Shipments are limited to 200kg (440lbs) of dry ice per package
- Ventilated packaging is required to allow CO2 gas to dissipate
- Dry ice quantities over 5.5lbs (2.5kg) require a UPS Dangerous Goods contract
- Faster shipping with overnight, 2-day, and 3-day delivery options
It‘s important to note that UPS does NOT accept dry ice shipments to or from Alaska, Hawaii, or international destinations. Customers in those regions should explore alternative carriers or specialty couriers.
How to Package Dry Ice for UPS Shipping
Proper packaging is critical for complying with UPS dry ice shipping regulations and ensuring your goods arrive intact. Just follow these steps:
-
Choose an insulated styrofoam container designed for shipping with dry ice. The thicker the walls, the longer it will keep its cool.
-
Place your perishable items and the recommended amount of dry ice inside the styrofoam cooler. As a rule of thumb, use 5-10 pounds of dry ice per 24 hours for every 15 inches of cooler space.
-
Fill any remaining space with packing material like packing peanuts or bubble wrap to prevent shifting during transport. Do not pack dry ice so tightly that it can‘t ventilate.
-
Secure the styrofoam container inside a sturdy outer corrugated cardboard box. Do not use plastic bags or airtight containers as the outer packaging.
-
Mark the outer box with required labels:
- A Class 9 Miscellaneous black and white diamond hazard label
- The proper shipping name (either "Carbon Dioxide, Solid" or "Dry Ice")
- A UN 1845 label to identify dry ice
- Net weight of dry ice in kg marked below the proper shipping name
- The words "Overpack Used" added if using a UPS overpack
-
Ensure the outer package allows for adequate airflow. Drill holes in the outer box if needed for ventilation.
Following these packaging guidelines is essential to prevent rejection of your shipment by UPS. Improper packaging can lead to fines, delays, or even the release of your package.
How Much Does It Cost to Ship Dry Ice with UPS?
UPS dry ice shipping rates depend on the service level, package dimensions, weight, and distance. To give you a ballpark idea, here are some sample prices for shipping a 5-pound package with 5 pounds of dry ice 1,000 miles:
- UPS Next Day Air Early: $165
- UPS Next Day Air: $135
- UPS 2nd Day Air: $75
- UPS 3 Day Select: $55
- UPS Ground: $35
Keep in mind that these are rough estimates and your actual costs may be higher or lower. Additional factors that can impact your dry ice shipping rates include:
- Fuel surcharges based on current market prices
- Saturday Delivery or other special handling fees
- Declared value over $100 for shipping insurance
- Oversize package surcharges for large or heavy boxes
The best way to get an accurate quote is to use the Calculate Time and Cost tool on UPS.com. Enter your package details, select the "Add Dry Ice" option, and compare shipping prices for different service levels.
Scheduling a UPS Dry Ice Shipment
Once you have your dry ice packaged and ready to go, it‘s time to schedule your shipment with UPS. You have a few convenient options:
-
UPS.com – You can book your dry ice shipment online in just a few clicks. Fill out the shipping details, pay with a credit card, and print your labels.
-
UPS Mobile App – Use the UPS smartphone app to create a dry ice shipment on the go. You can also track your package and get delivery notifications.
-
UPS Store or UPS Access Point – Drop off your dry ice package at any UPS Store or Access Point location. UPS staff can help ensure your box is properly labeled for shipping.
-
UPS Pickup – Schedule a pickup from your home or business at a convenient time. Hand your dry ice package directly to the UPS driver.
For the fastest shipping speed, book your dry ice shipment early in the day to allow for processing time. UPS Next Day Air shipments must be tendered to UPS by the daily cutoff time, typically 3-4pm. Scheduling a pickup can help avoid missing the deadline.
Pro Tip: Planning ahead is key with dry ice shipments. The sublimation process starts as soon as you pack your cooler, so aim to ship immediately. Avoid shipping over weekends or holidays to minimize transit time.
Other Dry Ice Shipping Options: FedEx, USPS, and Specialty Couriers
While UPS is a top choice for shipping dry ice, it‘s not your only option. Their main competitors also offer dry ice shipping services with some variations in pricing and restrictions.
FedEx:
- Allows dry ice shipments through all service levels with no quantity limits
- Requires Class 9 labeling and "Dry Ice" marked on the outer box
- Uses FedEx Dangerous Goods Agreement instead of a UPS contract
USPS:
- Ships dry ice only through Priority Mail Express service with a 5-pound limit
- Charges a $10 hazardous material fee per package in addition to postage
- Does not accept dry ice shipments to international, APO/FPO, or DPO addresses
For shipping frozen or refrigerated items, you may also want to consider specialty couriers that focus exclusively on perishable logistics. These providers often have more experience with handling temperature-sensitive shipments and can provide end-to-end cold chain solutions. Some popular options include:
- Frozen Food Express – Specializing in shipping frozen foods nationwide
- Quick International Courier – Serving the life science and healthcare industries
- World Courier – Handling clinical trial logistics and biological sample transport
- Cryoport – Providing cryogenic shipping services for cell therapies and regenerative medicine
Specialty couriers may be more expensive than standard carriers like UPS, but they offer peace of mind for high-value or mission-critical shipments. They often provide dedicated freezers, temperature monitoring, and expedited delivery options.
Expert Tips for Dry Ice Shipping Success
By following the guidelines in this article, you‘ll be well on your way to mastering UPS dry ice shipping. But to take your skills to the next level, consider these expert tips:
-
Use a probe thermometer to monitor your package temperature. Place the probe inside the styrofoam cooler before sealing to track internal temps.
-
Add an overflow vent to your outer box. Cutting a small X on the top flap allows CO2 gas to escape during transport.
-
Consider using gel packs in addition to dry ice. Gel packs can help stabilize the temperature and may extend the shipping duration.
-
Ship early in the week to avoid weekend transit. The sublimation rate of dry ice increases over time, so minimizing transit time is key.
-
Don‘t skimp on quality packaging materials. Investing in durable styrofoam coolers and insulated packing materials can make a big difference.
-
Always include a packing slip inside the box. This helps UPS identify the shipper and recipient in case the outer label is damaged.
-
Train your staff on proper dry ice handling. Provide protective gloves and educate employees on the hazards and best practices for working with dry ice.
By putting these expert tips into practice, you can ship with dry ice confidently and avoid common pitfalls that could jeopardize your frozen freight.
Conclusion
Dry ice shipping may seem daunting at first, but with knowledge and preparation, it‘s a powerful tool for your business. By following the regulations and best practices outlined in this guide, you can work with UPS to ship frozen foods, medical supplies, and other perishables safely and efficiently.
Remember, the keys to dry ice shipping success with UPS are:
- Choosing the right shipping service and speed for your needs
- Properly packaging and labeling your dry ice shipment
- Scheduling your shipment for speedy delivery
- Investing in quality materials and monitoring temperature
- Staying up-to-date on the latest dry ice shipping regulations
With the rise of e-commerce and global cold chains, mastering dry ice shipping can give your business a competitive edge. Whether you‘re a small specialty food company or a major pharmaceutical supplier, shipping with dry ice allows you to expand your reach and deliver sensitive goods intact.
For more information and support with UPS dry ice shipping, consult the UPS Guidelines for Shipping with Dry Ice, chat with virtual assistant on UPS.com, or call 1-800-PICK-UPS. Stay cool and ship frozen with confidence!
