When you ship vaccines, seafood or gourmet desserts across the United States, USA dry ice packs provide the ultra cold temperatures needed to keep products frozen. Dry ice is frozen carbon dioxide that sublimates directly into gas instead of melting, maintaining temperatures around −109 °F. Its extreme cold means it can burn skin and displace oxygen, so shipments must follow strict federal rules. In this guide you’ll learn how dry ice packs work, how much ice is needed, what labels the U.S. Department of Transportation requires and why advanced pack technology is transforming cold chain logistics in 2025.
How do dry ice packs differ from gel or water packs?
What federal rules apply when shipping dry ice packs in the U.S.?
How many dry ice packs are needed per 24 Stunden des Versands?
What innovations and trends are shaping the dry ice industry in 2025?
Where can dry ice packs be bought and how should they be stored?
How Are USA Dry Ice Packs Different from Regular Ice Packs?
Trockeneis vs. water ice: Water based gel or ice packs melt into liquid; dry ice sublimates directly into carbon dioxide gas at about –109 °F (–78,5 °C), so it can keep goods much colder. Because dry ice is frozen gas, it cannot leak water and it produces little mess. Gel packs are unregulated, but dry ice is classified as a Class 9 Miscellaneous Dangerous Good and is subject to U.S. DOT and IATA regulations. Dry ice also sublimates at a predictable rate of 5–10 pounds every 24 Std., so shipments must be planned carefully.
Understanding Sublimation and Hazards
Dry ice sublimation—the process where solid CO₂ turns directly into gas—causes two safety hazards: pressure build up and oxygen displacement. If dry ice is placed in a sealed or airtight container it can explode. Packaging must allow CO₂ gas to vent, and insulated gloves should always be worn to avoid frostbite. Als Trockeneis untermauert, CO₂ kann Sauerstoff verdrängen; daher, shipments should be transported in well ventilated areas.
| Kältemitteltyp | Hold time Range | Zyklen wiederverwenden | Was bedeutet dies für Sie |
| Standardgelpackungen | 12–24 Stunden | Einmalgebrauch | Good for short trips but cannot reach –40 °F or below. |
| Standard dry ice packs | 24–72 Stunden | 5–10 uses | Provide temperatures as low as –109 °F but require careful ventilation and labeling. |
| Premium dry ice packs | 72–120 Stunden | 100–200 uses | Engineered packs combine durable shells, phase change matrices and insulated liners; hold times are up to five times longer than standard packs. |
| Phase change material (PCM) Ziegel | 24–96 Stunden | 20–50 uses | Maintain specific temperature ranges (Z.B., 2–8 ° C) but cannot reach dry ice temperatures. |
Practical Tips and Advice
Use insulated containers with venting: Always place dry ice inside a Styrofoam cooler or ventilated insulated box to prevent pressure build up.
Avoid brittle plastics: Use fiberboard, plastic or wooden boxes approved for dry ice; do not use plastics that can become brittle at low temperatures.
Double check your labels: Mark packages with “Dry Ice” or “Carbon Dioxide, solide,” the UN 1845 number and the net weight in kilograms.
Plan for 5–10 lb per day: Dry ice sublimates at 5–10 pounds every 24 Std.; carriers recommend adding extra for delays. Combine dry ice with gel packs for extended shipments.
Secure your cargo: Use absorbent material and secondary containment so samples stay in place as dry ice evaporates.
Fall aus der realen Welt: A Seattle seafood company ships fresh salmon to Chicago. To maintain –80 °C for 48 Std., they pack 15 Pfund Trockeneis (7.5 Pfund pro Tag) with two gel packs for redundancy. They secure the fish with absorbent material and clearly label the box with “Dry Ice, UN 1845.” The package arrives on time, the fish stays frozen and the shipper avoids fines.
How to Comply With U.S. Regulations When Shipping Dry Ice Packs?
Dry ice is regulated by both the U.S. Verkehrsministerium (PUNKT) und die International Air Transport Association (Iata). When shipped by air or water it is treated as a dangerous good. Jedoch, the rules are manageable if you follow packing instruction 904 and other guidelines. Zu den wichtigsten Anforderungen gehören::
Verpackung und Belüftung
Vent your package: Carriers and regulators require packages to allow CO₂ gas to escape to prevent rupture. Use ventilated styrofoam shippers and do not place dry ice in sealed plastic bags or airtight coolers. Dry ice must never be stored in household freezers or refrigerators; use specially designed containers. UNS. universities advise purchasing dry ice as close to the time of use as possible because it sublimates at about 10% per day.
Maximum weight: The net quantity of dry ice per package must not exceed 200 kg, and this weight must be marked on the box. University checklists remind shippers that packages with less than 200 kg of dry ice still require proper packaging and training. For shipments under 5.5 lb (2.5 kg), the DOT considers dry ice “materials of trade,” requiring fewer formalities.
Marking and Labeling Requirements
Regulations stipulate that every dry ice package must include:
Proper shipping name and UN number: Mark “Dry Ice” or “Carbon Dioxide, solid” along with “UN 1845” on the same surface as the hazard label.
Nettogewicht: Display the net mass of dry ice in kilograms adjacent to the UN number.
Klasse 9 Hazard -Etikett: A black and white diamond label at least 100 mm × 100 mm is required.
Sender and recipient information: Clearly print the shipper’s and consignee’s names and addresses on the box.
Air waybill information: Für Lufttransporte, the airbill must read “Dry Ice, 9, Und 1845, number of packages × net weight”. A shipper’s declaration is only needed if the dry ice is refrigerating another dangerous good.
Training and Carrier Contracts
DOT and IATA regulations require that employees handling dry ice be trained in dangerous goods handling. Many carriers (Z.B., FedEx) offer seminars. Some carriers require contracts before accepting hazardous shipments. According to Pace University, UPS and the U.S. Postal Service have restrictive policies for hazardous materials and often decline dry ice shipments. Im Gegensatz, FedEx accepts dry ice for domestic and international service and provides special dry ice labels.
Carriers’ Rules Comparison
| Träger | Permitted Weight & Notizen | What You Must Do |
| FedEx | Accepts dry ice up to 200 kg pro Paket; proper packaging, labeling and training required. | Use ventilated containers, Klasse anwenden 9 label and UN 1845 Markierung, specify net weight. |
| UPS | Offers dry ice shipping but requires packages to list the dry ice weight and permit ventilation. UPS may require a Hazardous Material Support contract; check rules for each service. | Contact UPS Hazardous Material Support to confirm restrictions; label and vent accordingly. |
| USPS | Only allows domestic shipments; limits dry ice to 5 lb for air transport. | Use ground service when possible; adhere to weight limit and labeling requirements. |
| Ground shipping (LKW) | Dry ice is generally not regulated as hazardous for road transport. | Packages still need ventilation and marking; training is recommended. |
Internal Checklist
Confirm that packaging allows gas venting and is strong enough to withstand handling.
Ensure the container does not use brittle plastics and the outer box is undamaged.
List the exact weight of dry ice and number of packages on the airbill.
Affix hazard labels on two opposite sides of the box.
Complete dangerous goods training and check carrier specific agreements.
How Much Dry Ice Do You Need for USA Shipping?
Determining the right quantity of dry ice avoids product spoilage and wasted refrigerant. The sublimation rate depends on insulation quality, Außentemperatur, box size and the product’s thermal mass. Most carriers recommend 5–10 Pfund Trockeneis pro 24 Std.. Pace University suggests 5–10 lb per day and adding extra for delays. The Tempk 48 hour guide notes that 8–10 lb of dry ice are required to sustain temperatures per day, and 10–20 lb for 48 hour shipments.
Größenformel
A simple sizing approach uses the rule of 7.5 LB/Tag for standard insulation:
Beginnen Sie mit 7.5 LB/Tag: Average sublimation for a well insulated corrugated shipper.
Hinzufügen 2 LB/Tag if using thin EPS insulation (<1.5 Zoll).
Subtract 1 LB/Tag if using vacuum insulated panels or premium dry ice packs.
Hinzufügen 2 LB/Tag if shipping to or through warm climates or during summer.
Aufrunden: Always include at least 10% extra to cover unexpected delays.
Zum Beispiel, Versand 5 lb of frozen steaks from Seattle to Miami in August might require 9.5 lb/day = 7.5 + 2 + 0 (Prämie) = 9.5 lb; rounding to 10 lb provides a safety margin. Combining dry ice with gel packs slows sublimation because gel packs stabilize the internal temperature.
Interactive Tools
To simplify planning, consider creating an online calculator where users input box dimensions, insulation type and transit time. The calculator returns a recommended dry ice quantity and suggests adding a phase change or gel pack for longer trips. Another useful tool is a shipping checklist that guides users through labeling and documentation steps.
Innovations and Trends Shaping USA Dry Ice Packs in 2025
Premium Dry Ice Packs and Multi Layer Construction
Standard dry ice pellets sublimate quickly and cannot be reused. In 2025, premium dry ice packs incorporate a rigid HDPE shell, a phase change matrix to buffer temperature and an insulated vapor liner. These packs maintain ultra low temperatures around –78.5 °C (–109 °F) für 72–120 Stunden and can be reused 100–200 times. The multi layer construction reduces sublimation and provides longer hold times, oft five times longer than standard packs.
Intelligente Sensoren und Echtzeitüberwachung
Modern dry ice pack systems integrate temperature sensors and IoT devices. Smart shippers transmit real time temperature data via cellular or Bluetooth to ensure the cold chain remains intact. If a package exceeds the allowed range, alerts allow carriers to intervene quickly. Sensor equipped dry ice packs are essential for biologics and personalized medicine shipments where even slight temperature deviations can compromise efficacy.
Sustainable CO₂ Sources and Hybrid Cooling
The dry ice industry faces supply constraints. Consumption is growing about 5 % pro Jahr while CO₂ supply expands only 0.5 %. Manufacturers are turning to bio based CO₂ capture, using carbon generated from fermentation or industrial waste streams. Hybrid cooling strategies are also emerging: combining dry ice with gel packs or Phasenwechselmaterialien (PCMs) reduces the amount of dry ice required. These strategies lower costs and improve sustainability.
Market Growth and Demand Drivers
Die USA. cold chain packaging market was valued at USD 7.97 Milliarden in 2024 and is projected to grow at a 15.6 % durchschnittliche jährliche Wachstumsrate (CAGR) aus 2025 Zu 2030. This growth is driven by increased demand for processed foods, e commerce grocery delivery, vaccines and biologics. In der Zwischenzeit, Die global dry ice market was valued at USD 1.54 Milliarden in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 2.73 Milliarden von 2032. This expansion puts pressure on CO₂ supplies and accelerates adoption of premium packs and hybrid refrigerants.
Trends Overview
IoT enabled monitoring: Real time temperature tracking ensures compliance and reduces spoilage.
Eco friendly CO₂ capture: Producers are developing dry ice from biogenic and waste CO₂.
Hybrid-Packouts: Combining dry ice with gel packs or PCMs extends duration and reduces emissions.
Regulierungsharmonisierung: Agencies are updating guidelines to streamline documentation for small shipments and harmonize ground and air transport rules.
Häufig gestellte Fragen
Q1: Are dry ice packs allowed on airplanes in the U.S.?
Ja. Dry ice is permitted on aircraft provided it is properly packaged, ventilated and labeled. Follow IATA Packing Instruction 904 and mark “Dry Ice, UN 1845” with net weight. A shipper’s declaration is unnecessary if dry ice is the only regulated material.
Q2: How long do USA dry ice packs last?
Standard packs last about 24–72 hours, but premium packs with multi layer construction can maintain –78.5 °C for 72–120 hours. Actual duration depends on insulation, outside temperature and package size. Expect 5–10 lb of dry ice to sublimate per day.
Q3: How should I store unused dry ice packs?
Store dry ice in a well ventilated area inside an insulated container. Do not put it in a freezer or airtight cooler because gas build up can cause an explosion. Wear insulated gloves and keep dry ice away from children and pets.
Q4: Where can I buy dry ice packs in the USA?
Dry ice is available at industrial gas suppliers, grocery stores and specialized cold chain companies. Many providers offer premium reusable packs for high value shipments. Always purchase dry ice as close to the shipping date as possible since it sublimates at about 10 % per day.
Q5: Is it safer to use gel packs instead of dry ice?
Gel packs are not regulated and are easier to handle, but they cannot reach the –80 °C temperatures required for certain pharmaceuticals and frozen foods. Dry ice packs are necessary when deep freeze temperatures are critical.
Zusammenfassung und Empfehlungen
USA dry ice packs enable the long distance shipment of vaccines, seafood and other perishables by maintaining –80 °C environments. Dry ice sublimates at roughly 5–10 lb per day, so choose the right quantity and add extra for delays. Packages must be vented, labeled with “Dry Ice, UN 1845” and show net weight. Keep total dry ice under 200 kg and follow IATA PI 904 Für Luftversand. Premium dry ice packs with multi layer designs extend hold times up to 120 hours and can be reused 100–200 times, Abfall reduzieren. Combining dry ice with gel packs or PCMs offers longer duration and sustainability.
Aktionsplan
Assess your shipment: Determine required temperature (Z.B., Frozen vs. deep frozen) und Transitzeit. Use the sizing formula to calculate dry ice quantity.
Choose the right pack: For shipments longer than 48 hours or involving high value products, invest in premium reusable dry ice packs and consider adding gel packs for redundancy.
Prepare the package: Use a sturdy, ventilated insulated container, secure the contents with absorbent material, mark the box with “Dry Ice, UN 1845” and indicate net weight.
Review carrier rules: Confirm your carrier’s limits and documentation requirements. For ground shipments, rules are less strict but training is still recommended.
Monitor shipments: Incorporate temperature sensors or choose a logistics provider that offers real time monitoring. Respond quickly to alerts to maintain quality.
Über Tempk
Tempk is a U.S. company specializing in cold chain packaging solutions. We develop premium dry ice packs with multi layer designs that maintain deep freeze temperatures for 72–120 hours and can be reused up to 200 mal, reducing costs and environmental impact. Our engineering team integrates phase change materials and smart sensors to ensure consistent temperature and provide real time tracking. We also offer insulated shippers, gel packs and cooling calculators to help customers determine the right packout for their products.
Invitation to Act
If you need help selecting dry ice packs or designing a compliant shipping solution, consult our experts. We can recommend pack sizes, provide training on labeling and documentation and suggest sustainable hybrid packouts. Contact us today to ensure your cold chain shipments arrive safely and maintain regulatory compliance.
