Dry ice for transportation

Dry ice (CO2) is an unrivaled solution for logistics with requirements for deep temperature transport ( −78.5∘C). It is the ideal choice for highly sensitive cargo: pharmaceuticals, vaccines, biomaterials and frozen products.

Dry ice transport provides maximum reliability, as sublimation ensures that your goods remain dry, unlike regular ice.

We provide complete information on the regulations for transporting dry ice (UN 1845), including requirements for ventilated packaging and labeling. Our dry ice logistics covers domestic and international transport, ensuring the integrity of the "cold chain". It is important to know how to use dry ice for shipping (choosing the form and calculating the quantity).

Choose professional dry ice delivery for safety, efficiency and compliance with the highest standards.

Dry ice for transportation: The foundation of a reliable cold chain

The requirements for transporting temperature-sensitive goods are growing every year, especially in the context of the global market and the development of biotechnology. Dry ice for transportation is a cornerstone in this complex system, ensuring the maintenance of extremely low temperatures necessary to preserve the quality and efficacy of goods. The unique nature of solid $\text{CO}_2$ makes it indispensable in situations where it is critically important to avoid a liquid phase and maintain a deep temperature regime during transport for a long period.

Physical advantages of shipping with dry ice

Dry ice sublimes at $-78.5^\circ\text{C}$ , which gives it a huge advantage over conventional water ice. Firstly, this temperature allows products to be stored in a state of deep freezing (e.g., certain vaccines or enzymes). Secondly, the absence of meltwater (condensate) is a key benefit. If you decide to buy dry ice for shipping, you are investing in the cleanliness of the packaging and the cargo itself, as the risk of damage to cardboard packaging or corrosion of sensitive metal components is eliminated. The effectiveness of transport dry ice is measured by its cooling capacity. Per unit of mass, it provides significantly more cooling than water ice. This allows for a reduction in the total weight and volume of packaging, which directly impacts the cost of delivery with dry ice, making it more economically advantageous.

Key application areas: From pharmacies to stores

Pharmaceuticals and Medicine: This is the most critical area. Dry ice for transporting vaccines, reagents, blood plasma, and organs for transplantation requires the highest precision. The cold chain must be unbroken, and dry ice ensures this continuity even with delays in international shipments.
Food Industry: Shipping with dry ice is the standard for delivering ice cream, seafood, and meat. It helps preserve the product's texture and flavour.
E-commerce: With the growing popularity of ready-meal kit delivery, dry ice for delivery is becoming a mandatory packaging element.

The correct use of dry ice in logistics starts with choosing the packaging material. Thermal containers made of expanded polystyrene or special vacuum panels are the best choice because they insulate the cold but still have a small ventilation hole necessary for $\text{CO}_2$ to escape. Failure to observe this rule can lead to pressure build-up and damage to the packaging.

Safety and dry ice transport regulations

Although dry ice is extremely effective, its use requires strict adherence to safety measures. It is classified as a Class 9 dangerous good (UN 1845) because it can create a risk of asphyxiation in enclosed spaces.

How to use dry ice for delivery safely:

Ventilation: Transport vehicles (especially trucks and aircraft) carrying large amounts of dry ice must have adequate ventilation.
Marking: All packages containing transport dry ice must be clearly marked with warning signs indicating the contents.
Skin Protection: Direct contact with the skin can lead to frostbite due to the extremely low temperature. Thermal protective gloves must be used.

The importance of safe transportation of biomaterials and medical samples cannot be overstated. For this cargo category, in addition to dry ice transport regulations, additional documentation is often required to confirm cold chain compliance and adherence to international IATA regulations for air transport. Companies specializing in dry ice logistics must have trained personnel capable of correctly calculating the sublimation rate to ensure the refrigerant does not run out before the cargo reaches its destination. Choosing dry ice for international shipments is a strategic move. It allows for the prompt delivery of critically important cargo anywhere in the world without dependence on the availability of refrigeration capabilities at intermediate stages. Training personnel on how to use dry ice for delivery and understanding how sublimation works are mandatory to ensure process continuity. Ultimately, dry ice for transportation is more than just a cooling agent; it is a critical tool that supports the viability and quality of global supply chains.