Managing Dry Ice shipments for Air Transportation

Dry Ice is a solid form of carbon dioxide (CO²) which can be used as a cooling agent, and comes in various sizes and shapes.  It is routinely used in the shipping of food, medical goods and other perishable items. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has classified dry ice as a hazardous material as its high levels of odorless gaseous CO² have the potential to cause breathing problems.

Dry ice is found in the Hazmat Table (49 CFR 172.101) under UN1845. The Hazard class is 9, and applicable class 9 markings will be required.  The maximum amount of dry ice allowable per package is 200 kilograms. Dry ice should be packaged using plastic, wood or high quality corrugated cardboard.

Shippers of dry ice and goods packed with dry ice face a unique mix of circumstances and extra costs that most shippers don’t face. Dry ice shippers routinely use specialty carriers for the transport of their shipments. Another factor that raises the transport cost for dry ice shippers is the high number of expedited (mostly overnight) shipments. The continued use of expedited shipping modes, and specialty carriers increases shipping costs exponentially. It is important that any company shipping dry ice have a sufficient number of carriers available at their disposal, along with standardized processes, and the properly trained personnel to efficiently and cost effectively manage the shipments.

If you have any questions about the packaging or transportation of dry ice please contact Allyn International at sales@allynintl.com.