Dry ice was first discovered by a French inventor in 1835. Adrien-Jean-Pierre Thilorier noticed that when he opened a cylinder of liquid carbon dioxide, the carbon dioxide evaporated leaving behind solid dry ice. This solid dry ice was trademarked as "dry ice" by the Dry Ice Corporation of America who began selling it commercially for refrigeration purposes. This solid form of carbon dioxide is still used as a refrigerating or freezing agent. It has a temperature lower than of frozen water, -109f (-78 c), and as it evaporates it doesn't leave behind any residue. Dry ice must be handled with care; it cannot be touched by human skin or frostbite can quickly occur, and because it is a solid gas, certain safety precautions must be taken when using it. Dry ice is useful in many applications, including keeping food items cold or frozen during shipping.
Method 1 of 2: Domestic or International Shipping by Air
1Consider your method of transport.
- As it is typically perishable items that are shipped with dry ice, the fastest mode of transport is often the best. This usually means air transport. Airlines have very specific information pertaining to shipping items in dry ice, and these may vary from airline to airline. As dry ice evaporates it forms carbon dioxide gas, and in an enclosed space such as an aircraft, it can displace oxygen. Therefore, following the airlines specific shipping regulations are essential.
2Check shipping regulations for the destination country.
- Some countries do not allow food to be shipped into the country unless it is through fully documented importers. Other countries do not allow products packed in dry ice to be imported, therefore checking the individual country's regulations is essential. If you ship through an international shipping company then they can help you discover if there are any shipping regulations involving dry ice. The post office may not have this information handy for all, or any, countries. Try to find out what the shipping regulations are before shipping.
- Consider the amount of dry ice needed. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) regulates the amount of dry ice used in each package to be no more than 400 lbs. (200 kg). Individual airlines will have their own packaging regulations; be sure to check these out prior to packaging your shipment.
3Check package labeling.
- The IATA has mandated that shipping labels must correctly identify the following information: a special "UN 1845" label that identifies the package includes dry ice, the words "dry ice" must appear on the package, the net weight of dry ice weighed in kilograms, and the full address of both shipper and recipient. A class 9 shipping label must also be used.
4Consider the shipping date and duration.
- Depending on the ambient temperatures, amount of dry ice and the product being shipped, the dry ice will sublimate at varying rates. Shippers don't recommend shipping over a weekend, as the product may spend unnecessary time sitting in cargo bays or terminals. Also, transit times of longer than 30 hours are not recommended for shipping perishable product packed in dry ice or it may not arrive cold.
Method 2 of 2: Domestic or International Shipping by Truck
1Conform to packaging regulations.
- Each country has their own special packaging regulations for shipping perishable products with dry ice. The goods generally need to be packed in containers that allow the release of carbon dioxide gas. There may also be stipulations on the maximum weight allowance for dry ice. In most cases, the package will need to be clearly identified that it contains dry ice. In the United States, the package must display a Class 9 DOT miscellaneous hazardous material warning and must clearly say "Carbon Dioxide Solid, UN1845" or alternatively, "Dry Ice, UN1845".
2Consider transport times.
- Depending on the outdoor temperature and the time of transport, perishable goods packed in dry ice should be shipped as quickly as possible. Choose "express" or "overnight" shipping wherever possible. Don't ship over a weekend, as the package may sit for extended periods of time.
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- Dry ice intended for personal use can be purchased in many large grocery stores.
- If packaging regulations allow, consider packaging your shipment with the dry ice inside an insulated container to add extra protection against thawing.
- Handling dry ice can be very dangerous. Always wear protective gear and do not let the dry ice touch your skin.
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