Shipping with Dry Ice

Dry ice is the ideal coolant used to keep shipments frozen 

Dry ice is readily available, inexpensive, and maintains a frozen temperature for a long time. It also sublimates into a gas instead of melting into a liquid, like water ice, which would damage a shipment. Dry ice is solid carbon dioxide (CO2) and because of its extremely low temperature can be dangerous if not handled correctly. 

Dry ice can burn skin if touched, the gas vapor can explode if not allowed to vent. Because of this there are very specific regulations around shipping with dry ice.

There are 3 steps to shipping with dry ice, no matter what method of shipping you use:

1. Get dry ice which is readily available at local dry ice suppliers and even some grocery or big box stores. Mercury couriers can also bring dry ice to any location such as your lab, office or a clinical site.
2. Pack your contents into a thermal container. There are a variety of containers that can be used for shipping with dry ice from a simple styrofoam box to a vacuum insulated panel thermal shipper.* Depending on the specifics of your shipment, choose the box that is right for you.
3. Follow the shipping regulations. Read our article about the specific regulations for shipping with dry ice, including how to label the boxes with a UN1845 label.

*For our clients, Mercury works with the best validated thermal shipper manufacturers to provide you with the boxes that are best for your specific shipment as well as temperature monitors and GPS trackers if you need them.

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