How to Ship Frozen Goods with Dry Ice
Dry ice is the standard way to keep products frozen in transit. It is much colder than gel packs and turns into gas instead of melting, so parcels stay dry. Here is how to use it properly.
1. Work out how much dry ice you need
A good insulated box typically loses roughly 2–5 kg of dry ice every 24 hours. Multiply by the expected journey time, then add a margin for delays and weekends. Larger boxes and thicker insulation lose less per kilo of contents.
2. Choose the right packaging
- Use an insulated box (expanded polystyrene inside a strong outer carton is common).
- Never seal dry ice airtight. The box must let carbon dioxide escape, or pressure can build up.
- Fill empty space with packing material so the dry ice does not shift.
3. Pack the box
Pre-freeze the products first. Place dry ice on top of the goods (cold air sinks), or around them for longer journeys. Wrap products so they do not touch the dry ice directly if they could be damaged by extreme cold.
4. Label and check courier rules
For air transport, dry ice is a regulated dangerous good (UN 1845, Class 9) and packages need the correct markings and the net weight of dry ice. Road couriers have their own rules too. Always check with your courier before shipping.
5. Handle it safely
Wear insulated gloves, work in a well-ventilated area, and never transport dry ice in a closed car or keep it in a small room. Read our dry ice safety and handling guide.
Shipping regularly from London? See dry ice for shipping and cold chain, and how long dry ice lasts.
Ordering dry ice from Nice Ice
- 5 kg packs, £45 a pack; minimum order 10 kg.
- Order at least 2 days in advance; delivered across London, Monday to Saturday.
- You must read our dry ice safety and handling guide and confirm it at checkout.
Dry ice turns into gas from the moment it is packed, so the weight delivered can be lower than the weight ordered. Nice Ice is not responsible for weight loss caused by sublimation.
Frequently asked questions
How much dry ice do I need for overnight shipping? Allow roughly 2–5 kg for 24 hours in a good insulated box, plus extra for delays.
Can you ship dry ice in a sealed container? No. The packaging must vent, because dry ice turns into carbon dioxide gas and can build up pressure.
Do I need to label parcels containing dry ice? For air transport, yes: dry ice is regulated as UN 1845 and needs the correct marking and net weight. Check your courier's rules for any shipment.