Menemukan a cheap dry ice block for shipping isn’t just about price — you need to balance cost, performance and safety. Es kering (karbon dioksida padat) keeps frozen goods below – 109.3°F (– 78.5°C) and is perfect for shipping ice cream, seafood and pharmaceuticals, but the wrong block can ruin your shipment or violate regulations. This guide explains how to choose, use and save on dry ice blocks in 2025, covering pricing, aturan ukuran, keamanan, alternative options and the latest cold chain trends.
What makes a dry ice block effective for shipping frozen goods?
How much dry ice do you need and how much will it cost?
What safety and regulatory rules apply when shipping dry ice blocks?
When should you choose gel packs instead of dry ice, and what are hybrid options?
Where can you buy cheap dry ice blocks and what are typical prices?
Apa 2025 trends are shaping dry ice supply, sustainability and cold chain logistics?
What Is a Dry Ice Block and Why Do You Need It for Shipping?
Dry ice basics
Dry ice is the solid form of carbon dioxide that sublimates directly into gas instead of melting into liquid. It maintains an ultra low surface temperature of about –109.3°F (–78.5 ° C.), making it ideal for keeping products frozen during transport. Because it sublimates (berubah menjadi gas) instead of melting, there is no residual water, reducing the risk of soggy packages. Es kering menyediakan Kontrol suhu yang tepat, which is why it is commonly used for shipping frozen food, sampel farmasi dan biologi.
Benefits of using dry ice blocks for shipping frozen goods
Shipping with dry ice blocks offers unique benefits:
Extended freezing time: Dry ice’s extremely low temperature keeps products frozen for longer than gel packs, slowing bacterial growth and extending shelf life.
Non toxic and residue free: Es kering disublimasi menjadi gas karbon dioksida, leaving no liquid residue that might contaminate the product.
Reduced packaging requirements: Because it leaves no liquid, you don’t need absorbent liners or extra secondary packaging.
Keserbagunaan: Dry ice can be used in air, ground and ocean freight and is suitable for foods, pharmaceuticals and industrial shipments.
Despite these benefits, dry ice is regulated as a hazardous material and requires careful sizing and labeling. The next sections explain how to choose the right amount and minimize cost.
Visual representation
This illustration shows a block of dry ice emitting vapor inside an insulated box with a package. The icons suggest cold chain logistics, indicating that dry ice ensures frozen goods stay within safe temperatures during transit.
Meja: Es kering vs.. gel packs at a glance
| Metode pendinginan | Kisaran Suhu Khas | Residu | Biaya Rata-Rata (per lb/pack) | Regulatory Burden | Penggunaan terbaik |
| Dry ice block | ≈ –109°F (–78.5 ° C.) | Tidak ada (menyublim menjadi gas) | ~US$1.60–3.00 per lb plus ~$8 per shipment fee | Kelas 9 hazardous label; must mark UN1845 | Shipping frozen meats, es krim, vaksin, Sampel biologis |
| Paket gel | 32–35°F (0–2°C) | Liquid residue possible | US$2–5 per pack | Tidak ada peraturan khusus | Makanan dingin, Farmasi; dapat digunakan kembali |
| Water ice pack | 32–40°F (0–4 ° C.) | Water residue | Rendah (<US$1 per pack) | Tidak ada peraturan khusus | Short duration shipments where freezing is undesirable |
Berapa banyak es kering yang Anda butuhkan? Sizing and Cost Factors
Dry ice blocks aren’t one size fits all. Too little and your product may thaw; too much and you waste money or risk regulatory issues. Here’s how to get it right.
Rule of thumb sizing
According to the Insulated Products Corporation, for overnight shipments you should use half the weight of your product in dry ice; equal weight of dry ice and product provides up to 48 hours of freeze, and for 72 hour lanes you may need 1.5 times the product weight in dry ice. The company also suggests using 5–10 pounds of dry ice per day for mid size shippers, depending on container insulation and ambient temperature. Dense EPS or vacuum insulated panels (VIP) require less dry ice; thin corrugated boxes or hot routes need more.
Cost drivers for dry ice in 2025
A detailed pricing analysis by Tempk identifies the major cost levers in 2025:
Price per pound: Retail dry ice generally falls between US$1.60 and US$3.00 per pound. Bulk buying through suppliers can lower this rate.
Biaya operator: Many air carriers charge a flat dry ice fee of roughly US$8 per package.
Sublimation rate: Rencanakan 5–10 pounds of dry ice per 24 jam of transit depending on insulation and ambient heat.
Kualitas isolasi: Upgrading from thin corrugated walls to high R value EPS or VIP insulation often costs less than shipping extra pounds of dry ice.
Supplier tiers: Ordering larger quantities (MISALNYA., 100–lb blocks) reduces per pound costs; partnering with another shipper can help reach tiered pricing.
Example cost calculations
The same Tempk analysis provides sample budgets that illustrate how costs add up:
Example A (2 day air, EPS) - - 6 lb dry ice × $1.80 = $10.80 es + ~$8 carrier fee + $3 materials = approximately $21–23.
Example B (4 day ground, corrugate) - - 18 lb dry ice × $1.60 = $28.80 + hingga $8 fee + $3.50 materials = $32–40.
Example C (3 day air, hot route) - - 29 lb dry ice × $2.20 = $64 + $8 fee + $3.50 materials ≈ $75. Upgrading insulation can reduce the required dry ice mass and total cost.
Understanding price per pound and hidden fees
Some suppliers sell 50 pound blocks for about $60 (US$1.20/lb) or half blocks (≈25 lb) untuk $35. University purchasing programs occasionally offer dry ice at $0.84 per pon, but this price is usually limited to lab use and isn’t available for commercial shipping. Always verify whether quoted prices include packaging, penanganan, and special hazardous materials surcharges. Some vendors also charge extra for weekend delivery or remote locations.
A dry ice calculator can help you right size your order. The Tempk guide recommends a simple formula:
Estimated dry ice (lb) = Base × Transit Days × Insulation Factor × Ambient Factor
Di mana Base adalah 5 lb/day for EPS or 8 lb/day for corrugate, Faktor Isolasi reflects wall thickness (1.0 untuk EP, 1.5–1.8 for corrugate) Dan Ambient Factor accounts for weather (1.0 for mild, 1.2 untuk panas, 1.3 for heat waves). This estimator gives a starting point; use a data logger on an actual shipment to validate your packout and adjust as needed.
Tips Praktis
Pre freeze payloads: Starting with a fully frozen payload reduces the load on dry ice. For hot lanes, pre freezing plus a 20–30% dry ice buffer is recommended.
Split ice placement: Distribute dry ice along the walls and lid to minimize hot spots.
Kombinasikan dengan paket gel: Adding gel packs around a dry ice block can slow sublimation and extend coverage.
Mengesahkan: Run a timed test with a data logger and adjust weight accordingly.
Keamanan, Storage and Regulations for Shipping Dry Ice Blocks
Handling hazards
Es kering sangat dingin. Contact with bare skin can cause severe frostbite; always use tongs and wear insulated gloves. Never let dry ice come into direct contact with the product; wrap it in newspaper or corrugated sheets and leave enough headspace for gas expansion.
Storage and disposal
Store dry ice in a well ventilated, wadah terisolasi (cooler or specialized box). Do not store it in an airtight container — sublimation creates CO₂ gas that can build pressure and cause the container to rupture. Keep it away from direct sunlight and heat sources, and always handle with gloves or tongs. To dispose of leftover dry ice, let it sublimate in a ventilated area; never dispose of dry ice in a sink or other fixture because the extreme cold can damage plumbing.
Regulatory considerations
Es kering diklasifikasikan sebagai a hazardous material in the United States. For non medical shipments, packages containing lebih dari 5.5 pound (2.5 kg) of dry ice must comply with Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (49 CFR) atau International Air Transportation Association (Iata) aturan. Shipments under this threshold require only minimal markings, provided the contents are not otherwise hazardous. Key labeling requirements include:
Mark the package as “Carbon Dioxide, solid” or “Dry Ice.”
Include the UN number (UN1845) dan berat bersih dalam kilogram (MISALNYA., 6.0 kg).
Apply a Class 9 label bahan berbahaya on a vertical side of the package.
Gunakan kemasan ventilasi and leave 10–15% headspace untuk memungkinkan gas keluar. Melakukan not tape over vents.
Failure to follow these rules can lead to fines, rejected shipments or injury. Bila ragu, consult your carrier’s dangerous goods manual.
Balok Es Kering vs. Gel Packs and Other Alternatives
Comparing cooling agents
Dry ice isn’t always the best option. Paket gel, water packs and reusable phase change materials (PCMS) provide chilled temperatures without freezing. Itu Relocalize Buyer’s Guide summarises the trade offs: gel packs maintain 2–8°C temperatures for 24–48 hours and are non toxic but can leak if punctured; water packs cost less but have lower thermal mass; reusable packs are durable but require return logistics. Dry ice offers extremely low temperatures and longer cooling but is expensive and regulated.
When gel packs are the better choice
Gel or water packs are suitable when you need to keep products dinginkan (2–8 ° C.) rather than frozen, such as for fresh produce, chocolate or some pharmaceuticals. They have no hazardous classification, so there’s no need for UN labels or hazmat training. Gel packs are also dapat digunakan kembali and don’t require special disposal.
According to Coldkeepers’ 2025 article, the primary disadvantages of dry ice include the risk of over cooling sensitive goods, rapid sublimation (sering 12–24 hours of effective life) Dan added expenses due to special handling and regulatory requirements. Gel packs avoid these issues and are therefore recommended for customers unaccustomed to handling dry ice or shipping non frozen products.
Hybrid packouts and alternative technologies
Combining dry ice with gel packs or PCMs can create a staged cooling profile: gel packs help maintain chilled temperatures after dry ice sublimates, reducing the risk of thawing and prolonging coverage. Hybrid packouts are common for shipping vaccines and cell therapies, where carriers require both deep freeze and chilled phases during transit.
Other emerging alternatives include mechanical refrigeration units (wadah aktif) and improved panel isolasi vakum (VIP). Active containers provide extended temperature control without dry ice but come at higher rental costs. Baru bio based PCMs deliver narrow temperature ranges (MISALNYA., 2–8°C or 15–25°C) and are being used to reduce dry ice consumption in pharmaceutical logistics.
Where to Buy Cheap Dry Ice Blocks and Typical Prices
Price examples from real suppliers
Prices vary by supplier, region and quantity. Here are some examples:
Ice Factory – sells dry ice blocks (sekitar 50 lb) untuk $60, half blocks for $35, 3 inch slices for $24, and 1 inch slices for $10. Pellets are $1.50 per pon.
University supplier (Washington University, St. Louis) – sells dry ice for $0.84 per pon for laboratory use (limited to internal users).
Typical retail range – US$1.60–3.00 per pound plus an $8 dry ice fee per shipment.
Buying considerations
Choose reliable suppliers. Specialty dry ice companies or industrial gas suppliers maintain consistent quality and follow FDA approved practices. Avoid unfamiliar vendors on online marketplaces, as sublimation during transit could leave you with less ice than paid for.
Ask about minimum orders and shipping charges. Many suppliers require a 10–lb minimum and add shipping based on distance or service level.
Order in bulk or partner with neighbors. Supplier tier pricing can reduce costs when you buy more; splitting a larger order among nearby businesses reduces per pound costs.
Check local availability. Some grocery stores, party suppliers and hardware stores sell small quantities of dry ice, but prices may be higher and supply inconsistent.
Cost saving tips
Improve insulation. Upgrading to higher R value boxes reduces dry ice mass and shipping weight.
Plan shipments for cooler months or overnight lanes. Lower ambient temperatures reduce sublimation and may allow you to use less dry ice.
Use hybrid or PCM solutions. Where freezing is not required, phase change materials can reduce or replace dry ice, eliminating hazmat fees.
Negotiate rates and fees. For regular shipments, negotiate dry ice pricing and carrier surcharges. Review contracts quarterly to capture market changes.
2025 Tren Logistik Es Kering dan Rantai Dingin
Market dynamics and stressors
The global dry ice market faces unprecedented pressure from supply constraints, cost volatility and sustainability demands. TermoSafe's 2025 industry review notes that dry ice consumption has been climbing about 5 % per tahun, ketika CO₂ supply has grown only about 0.5 % setiap tahun. This mismatch creates periodic shortages and price spikes up to 300 % selama krisis pasokan. Pasar dihargai masuknya US$1,54 miliar 2024 and is projected to reach US$2.73 billion by 2032 (CAGR 7.4 %).
Sustainability pressures further tighten availability: CO₂ used for dry ice is increasingly diverted to carbon capture and sequestration projects, forcing suppliers to explore alternative sources.
Industry responses and innovations
Pusat produksi yang dilokalkan: Manufacturers are building more regional facilities to reduce transport losses and better match local demand. Some are capturing CO₂ emissions on site at food processing plants to produce dry ice more sustainably.
Hybrid cooling strategies: Shippers are mixing dry ice with phase change materials and improving insulation to stretch each pound further. Long term supply contracts are replacing spot purchases, giving priority to large food and pharma shippers during shortages.
Sumber CO₂ berbasis bio: Bioethanol plants capture CO₂ released during fermentation and convert it into food grade dry ice, menciptakan rantai pasokan karbon yang lebih rendah. Di Inggris, one plant supplies 30–60 % of the nation’s CO₂, illustrating both the potential and risks of concentrated bio based production.
Emerging alternatives
With dry ice shortages and sustainability concerns, alternatif mendapatkan daya tarik:
Gel packs and PCMs – offer stable chilled temperatures (2–8 ° C.) and avoid hazmat regulation.
Pendinginan mekanis – active containers powered by batteries or external sources are used in pharmaceutical air freight, though they cost more.
Improved insulation – vacuum panels and curbside recyclable materials reduce dry ice usage and environmental impact.
Sector specific trends
Makanan & pemrosesan daging: Shippers are using thinner slices and pellets for rapid cooling on processing lines, while large blocks remain preferred for bulk transport. Investments in better insulated boxes extend hold times and minimize sublimation.
Farmasi & labs: Highly controlled shipments of biologics, vaccines and gene therapies are testing barrier technologies to slow CO₂ gas release and using real time monitoring to protect cargo. For less critical medicines, reusable PCM shippers are reducing dry ice reliance.
Aplikasi industri: Dry ice blasting contractors are locking in long term supply contracts or investing in local pelletizing capacity to avoid spot shortages.
Pertanyaan yang sering diajukan
Q1: How long does a cheap dry ice block last when shipping frozen food?
A 10–20 lb block typically lasts 12–24 jam in thin corrugate or up to 48 jam in dense EPS containers. Rencanakan 5–10 lb per hari tergantung pada isolasi dan suhu lingkungan.
Q2: Is it cheaper to use dry ice or gel packs for shipping?
Dry ice costs US$1.60–3.00 per pound plus handling fees and requires Class 9 pelabelan. Gel packs cost US$2–5 per pack, are reusable and have no hazmat rules. Use gel packs for chilled shipments; choose dry ice for shipments requiring temperatures below –18 °C.
Q3: How should I dispose of dry ice after shipping?
Allow leftover dry ice to sublimate in a well ventilated area, Jauh dari anak -anak dan hewan peliharaan. Never place dry ice in a sink or enclosed space since the extreme cold can damage fixtures and CO₂ buildup can displace oxygen.
Q4: Can I ship more than 5.5 lb of dry ice without hazmat training?
TIDAK. US regulations require shipments containing lebih dari 5.5 lb (2.5 kg) of dry ice to comply with 49 CFR atau Iata Pedoman, including labeling and documentation. Under that limit, only minimal markings are needed.
Q5: Where can I buy cheap dry ice blocks?
Industrial suppliers often provide the best value. Misalnya, Ice Factory sells 50 lb blocks for $60 and half blocks for $35. University purchasing programs may offer prices around $0.84 per pon, but they are usually limited to internal use. Always check for minimum order quantities and carrier fees.
Ringkasan dan Rekomendasi
Understand your temperature needs. Dry ice blocks are indispensable for shipments requiring temperatures below –18 °C, but gel or water packs suffice for chilled shipments.
Size and cost carefully. Apply the 5–10 lb/day heuristic and adjust for insulation and climate. Expect retail prices around US$1.60–3.00 per pound plus fees.
Follow safety and regulatory rules. Kenakan sarung tangan terisolasi, store in vented containers, and label packages with UN1845 bila perlu.
Consider alternatives and hybrid strategies. Paket gel, phase change materials and improved insulation can reduce dry ice use and costs.
Stay informed about market trends. Supply constraints and sustainability pressures may affect dry ice availability; diversify your cold chain strategy by exploring local suppliers and long term contracts.
Rencana aksi
Menilai persyaratan produk. Determine whether your goods need frozen or chilled temperatures.
Estimate dry ice weight. Use the formula (Base × days × insulation × ambient) as a starting point and conduct a test run with a data logger.
Source from reputable suppliers. Compare local dry ice distributors, industrial gas companies and specialty suppliers. Verify pricing includes fees and ask about bulk discounts.
Upgrade insulation where feasible. Investing in better boxes may save more than the extra dry ice required.
Document compliance. Prepare labels, UN numbers and headspace requirements before shipping to avoid delays and penalties.
Tentang tempk
Tempk (Shanghai Huizhou Industri Co.) adalah a cold chain packaging specialist headquartered in Shanghai with multiple global facilities. The company designs and manufactures gel ice packs, freezer bricks, insulated backpacks, VIP boxes and pallet covers for food, pharmaceutical and biological shipments. Dengan fokus research and innovation, Tempk develops reusable and recyclable cold chain products and offers custom solutions for major pharmaceutical companies. By combining high R value insulation dengan Teknologi PCM, Tempk helps clients reduce dry ice usage while maintaining product integrity.
Langkah selanjutnya: Contact Tempk’s team to discuss your specific shipping needs and explore cost effective, sustainable solutions for your cold chain operations.
