Dry ice is a critical component in shipping perishable goods, produtos farmacêuticos, e amostras biológicas. If you’re wondering whether dry ice bags are allowed by UPS and FedEx in 2025, the answer is yes—both carriers permit dry ice shipments, but only under specific safety, embalagem, and labeling conditions. Neste artigo, we will explore the regulations governing dry ice shipments, the correct packaging and labeling, and the best practices to ensure safe and compliant transport.
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What is dry ice, and how does it differ from other coolants?
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What are the UPS and FedEx regulations for dry ice shipments in 2025?
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How do you properly package and label dry ice shipments?
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What are the common mistakes when shipping dry ice, and how can you avoid them?
What Is Dry Ice, and Why Use It for Shipping?
Gelo seco, or solid carbon dioxide, is widely used in shipping to keep goods at sub-zero temperatures during transit. Ao contrário do gelo tradicional, que derrete na água, dry ice sublimates directly from solid to gas, which makes it ideal for preserving products that need to remain frozen during shipping.
Why Choose Dry Ice Bags Over Other Coolants?
Dry ice bags are specially designed to hold dry ice pellets or blocks in a vented pouch, providing a consistent temperature for extended periods. Unlike gel packs or foam insulation, which cannot maintain sub-zero conditions for long durations, dry ice bags are used for shipments that require ultra-low temperatures, tornando -os ideais para amostras biológicas, produtos farmacêuticos, e alimentos congelados.
| Tipo de embalagem | Temperature Performance | Reutilização | Common Use Cases |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sacos de gelo seco | Até 72 hours at −78.5°C | Uso único | Alimentos congelados, vacinas, Biologics |
| Pacotes de gel | 12-24 hours at 0–15°C | Reutilizável | Produção fresca, produtos farmacêuticos |
| Foam Insulation (EPS) | 24-48 hours with dry ice | Reutilizável | General shipping of chilled items |
Dry ice bags outperform gel packs when sub-zero conditions are required. No entanto, they are subject to hazardous material regulations because they contain carbon dioxide.
2025 UPS and FedEx Regulations for Dry Ice Shipments
Both UPS and FedEx follow stringent safety protocols for shipping dry ice to ensure compliance with hazardous material regulations. These include specific weight limits, requisitos de embalagem, e labeling standards.
UPS Regulations for Dry Ice Shipments
UPS allows dry ice shipments with clear guidelines for packaging, rotulagem, and weight limits:
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Weight Limits: For domestic shipments, the maximum amount of dry ice per package is 5.5 libras (2.5 kg) para ar e chão Remessas.
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Embalagem: UPS mandates that dry ice be shipped in vented containers to allow carbon dioxide to sublimate safely.
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Rotulagem: Packages must be marked with “Dry Ice” e E 1845 along with the Peso líquido and any special contents (por exemplo, médico).
Para international shipments, UPS follows IATA regulations and may require a Hazardous Materials Agreement for quantities over 2.5 kg.
FedEx Regulations for Dry Ice Shipments
FedEx enforces similar rules but is stricter when it comes to treinamento e documentação:
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Weight Limits: Like UPS, FedEx permite 5.5 libras (2.5 kg) of dry ice per package for domestic air shipments. Para internacional Remessas, the weight limit extends to 200 kg.
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Embalagem: FedEx insists on using vented containers such as fiberboard, plastic, or wooden boxes.
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Rotulagem: Packages must include the E 1845 marking, “Dry Ice”, e Peso líquido, com Aula 9 hazard labels for air shipments.
Dica: Always consult the FedEx Dangerous Goods hotline for specific queries related to shipments.
How to Package Dry Ice for Shipping: Step-by-Step Guide
Proper packaging is critical to ensure dry ice sublimates safely and does not build up dangerous pressure within the container. Follow these steps:
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Choose Vented Containers: Ensure the container allows carbon dioxide gas to escape. Use boxes made from fiberboard, plastic, ou wood, which are suitable for venting.
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Calcule a quantidade certa de gelo seco: The common guideline is 1 lb per hour per cubic foot of package space. Add extra dry ice to account for potential shipping delays.
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Pack the Dry Ice Bag: Place the dry ice in the bag, ensuring it is surrounded by proper insulation like espuma ou plástico bolha to maintain a consistent temperature.
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Leave Venting Openings: Do not seal the bag or box completely. Ensure some gas can escape to avoid pressure buildup.
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Label Correctly: Use the correct labels such as “Dry Ice”, E 1845, Peso líquido, and any additional markings required for medical or hazardous goods.
Erros comuns para evitar:
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Sealing dry ice in airtight containers: This can lead to dangerous pressure buildup. Always use vented bags.
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Incorrect labeling: Missing E 1845 or failing to mark the net weight can cause delays or rejections.
How to Avoid Common Dry Ice Shipping Errors
Shipping dry ice involves several regulations and safety precautions. To ensure smooth shipping, Siga estas dicas:
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Use the Right Packaging Materials: Ensure your packaging can withstand the cold temperatures and allows proper venting.
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Always Vent Your Dry Ice: Never seal it in airtight packaging.
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Double-Check Labels: Always mark your package with the correct Número da ONU and weight details.
Seguindo estas diretrizes, you can ensure that your dry ice shipments are handled safely and comply with the latest regulations from both UPS and FedEx.
Latest Trends in Dry Ice Shipping (2025)
The cold chain logistics industry continues to evolve. Em 2025, there are several notable trends influencing the way dry ice is used:
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Sustainability Initiatives: Novo biodegradable packaging e recyclable liners are becoming common to reduce the environmental footprint of dry ice shipments.
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Automated Packaging Systems: Automation is improving efficiency in cold chain logistics, ensuring the right amount of dry ice is used and minimizing waste.
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Isolamento avançado: Painéis isolados a vácuo (VIPs) combined with dry ice are extending package hold times without increasing size.
Insights de mercado: With the rise of comércio eletrônico, there’s a growing demand for reliable cold chain solutions for Alimentos congelados e biofarmacêuticos, driving continued innovation in dry ice packaging and shipping techniques.
Perguntas frequentes (Perguntas frequentes)
Q1: Can I ship dry ice in a sealed plastic bag with UPS or FedEx?
Não, both UPS and FedEx prohibit sealed plastic bags because they do not allow for gas venting, which can lead to dangerous pressure buildup.
Q2: How much dry ice can I ship without needing hazardous materials paperwork?
UPS allows up to 2.5 kg (5.5 libras) of dry ice without hazardous materials documentation for domestic air shipments. FedEx requires dangerous goods classification for all dry ice shipments, regardless of weight.
Q3: Quais são os custos associados ao envio de gelo seco?
Shipping dry ice can involve charges based on dry ice weight, packaging costs, and potential sobretaxas for hazardous materials handling. Always check with the carriers for specific pricing details.
Conclusão e recomendações
Shipping dry ice with UPS or FedEx is feasible, but it requires careful attention to packaging, rotulagem, and compliance with hazardous material regulations. Ensure that you follow all guidelines to avoid delays and ensure the safety of your shipments. Regularly check for updated 2025 regulamentos from both carriers to stay ahead of any changes.
Próximo passo: Plan your dry ice shipments carefully by consulting with UPS or FedEx for the most current guidelines. Proper training and documentation are key to safe and efficient shipping.
Sobre Tempk
E tempk, we specialize in cold chain logistics, offering dry ice shipping solutions that meet or exceed industry standards. Our team provides customized packaging options to ensure your goods are delivered safely and on time, preserving their quality during transit. Contact us for expert advice and to explore our packaging solutions tailored to your shipping needs.
