Pack with dry ice by following an instruction supported for the actual product and container. Confirm component readiness, assemble the specified layout, preserve gas release and complete the applicable shipment checks. A generic sandwich pattern or pounds-per-day formula should not replace the loading instruction and evidence.
Prepare the work and shipment inputs
Identify the product, route, current loading drawing and operator responsibilities. Use the site’s dry-ice handling procedure and a suitable work area. Have the specified container, separators, restraint and labeling information available before assembly.
Confirm actual product and coolant readiness. Do not freeze every product to −18°C or assume an arbitrary starting condition is suitable for medicines, chilled foods or other sensitive goods.
Use an ordered assembly check
| Stage | What to confirm |
|---|---|
| Components | Exact identities, condition and permitted use. |
| Initial loading | Product positions and primary-package protection. |
| Coolant placement | Supported form, quantity and separation. |
| Restraint | Components remain in the specified arrangement. |
| Closure | Intended closure and gas-release path remain functional. |
| Release | Applicable package data, marks, records and carrier acceptance. |
Follow the sequence for the actual system. It may differ from a generic bottom-product-top example. If a component does not fit or the closure is forced, stop and resolve the discrepancy rather than deleting a separator or improvising the layout.
Preserve identity and record actual loading
- Match the shipment to the current instruction.
- Record the relevant coolant amount and configuration.
- Keep product and lot identifiers with the shipment.
- Check primary packages and exposed component condition.
- Record substitutions and assembly departures.
- Route unresolved differences to the responsible reviewer.
Purchasing mass, material allocated to packing and the finished package’s dry-ice quantity are different records. Keep the value used for applicable transport information tied to the actual package preparation.
Complete closure and transport checks
Do not put solid CO₂ in an airtight bag or wrap the complete assembly in a way that obstructs gas release. 49 CFR 173.217: carbon dioxide, solid addresses applicable US air and water dry-ice transport. Confirm carrier and contents requirements separately.
Helpful decision tools
Check the details before you choose packaging
These quick tools can help you compare route risk, sizing needs, coolant choices, and packaging details before you request a quote.
Compliance Checklist Generator
Build a practical checklist for packaging review, shipping, and documentation.
Build checklistCoolant & PCM Reference
Compare coolant and PCM options when a route needs added temperature support.
Compare optionsDry Ice Calculator
Estimate dry ice needs for frozen or ultra-cold shipments before packing.
Estimate dry iceCheck required marks and labels for visibility and consistency with shipping data. Remove misleading obsolete information where reused outer packaging is permitted. Establish pickup timing and receiving readiness before dispatch.
Assembly correctness supports reproducibility; it does not prove a new route, larger payload or altered coolant is covered. Assess changes against the accepted evidence before routine use.
Frequently asked questions
Must dry ice always surround the product?
Use the supported layout. There is no universal placement pattern for every product.
Can I estimate quantity using 5–10 lb per day for any shipper?
Do not treat a generic rule as validated loading. Use evidence for the actual configuration.
Can a completed label fix a packing discrepancy?
No. Resolve component, loading or closure problems before release.
Use the focused preparation and safety guides
Use the component-readiness guide before assembly and the dry-ice work-area safety guide for the handling setup.
