To ship dry ice with FedEx, first confirm that the selected service accepts the route and contents. Then follow the applicable packaging, marking, label and booking instructions using the actual dry-ice quantity for each package. US-facing guidance is a reference for its stated service scope, not a universal approval for every country or parcel.
Confirm acceptance before packing
Identify origin, destination, contents, number of packages and dry-ice net quantities. Check whether other dangerous goods are present. Confirm the selected service and an appropriate pickup or drop-off path before arranging dispatch.
FedEx US: dry ice shipment preparation provides FedEx’s US-facing dry-ice preparation instructions. Use the applicable current carrier requirements, and contact its dangerous-goods support where the service or preparation is uncertain. Do not rely on an old year in a third-party article title.
Use a supported complete package
Select a container that permits dry ice and releases CO₂ as intended. Do not put solid CO₂ in a sealed plastic bag. Check outer-package requirements and any limits for carrier-branded packaging in the applicable instructions.
Keep product temperature limits, coolant preparation, mass and layout defined through appropriate evidence. A carrier’s acceptance of the container does not establish that the product will stay acceptable for the route.
Reconcile package details with the booking
| Detail | What to reconcile |
|---|---|
| Package identity | The actual parcel and its entry in the shipment. |
| Coolant quantity | Net dry-ice kilograms for the relevant package. |
| Identification | Required UN1845 and shipping-name marks. |
| Addresses | Shipper and recipient information. |
| Hazard label | The applicable Class 9 label requirements. |
| Transport information | Required booking fields and any other dangerous-goods documents. |
Do not enter parcel gross mass as dry-ice quantity or repeat a shipment total on each parcel. With multiple packages, retain the correct association between each package and its coolant amount.
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 checklistInsulation Material Reference
Compare insulation material choices for different cold chain packaging needs.
Compare materialsInsulation Material Drop Resistance
Review drop resistance and handling factors before choosing insulation materials.
Check resistanceUse the correct documentation path
The official US-facing guide describes a declaration exception when dry ice is the only dangerous good. Do not apply that path automatically when the contents introduce other regulated hazards. Confirm the required booking and transport entries for the actual shipment.
- Check that marks and labels remain visible.
- Avoid pouches or tape obscuring required information.
- Confirm the finished loading and gas-release design.
- Use an accepting location or arrange a suitable pickup.
- Retain relevant preparation and booking records.
- Agree receiving and delay escalation before release.
Fees, account conditions and service availability need a current quote or confirmation. Do not treat a historic generic surcharge or promised transit duration as the terms for your lane.
Frequently asked questions
Can I take every dry-ice parcel to any drop-off location?
No. Confirm the location accepts the actual shipment.
Does the dry-ice-only declaration path cover infectious contents?
Do not assume so. Classify the contents and check all applicable requirements.
Can a passenger dry-ice allowance decide FedEx cargo limits?
No. Use the actual carrier service and transport category.
Separate booking from the supporting evidence
Use the air-cargo marks and documents guide for terminology, and the healthcare service-scope guide for specialized support.
