Dry ice is often used as a delivery vehicle for perishable foods. If you're shipping perishable food, pack it on dry ice to make sure it stays fresh on the way!
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Part 1 of 3: Packing with Dry Ice
Step 1. Purchase a dry ice pack
Before packing food with dry ice, you have to buy it first. Packages of dry ice can be purchased at many butcher shops and wholesalers. Some shipping company outlets can also sell dry ice.
Step 2. Get materials of the right quality for packaging
Once you've got dry ice, you'll need ingredients to pack it well. Dry ice emits carbon dioxide, which can be dangerous if released through a package leak. Leaks can be caused by pressure overloading the package during the shipping process. Therefore, the material used must allow pressure relief.
- You can use good quality fiberboard, also known as corrugated cardboard, which can be purchased online or at your nearest hardware store. Plastic or wooden boxes can also be used for shipping with dry ice.
- Do not use steel drums or jerry cans to deliver dry ice.
Step 3. Add a layer of Styrofoam
Covering the box with Styrofoam is a good idea. Some shipping companies even recommend sending packages in a Styrofoam cooler, which is then put back in another container. Make sure the styrofoam used is at least 5 cm thick.
Step 4. Take precautions when packing dry ice
Wear gloves when packing containers with dry ice packs. Dry ice is very cold and can cause serious burns if it comes into contact with the skin directly.
Step 5. Pack the box
Wrap food in plastic wrap or paper bags before packing it. Make sure food and dry ice are packed tightly together. Use newspaper or cellulose to make sure they are packed tightly together. This step provides extra insulation that can keep perishable food fresh. If using a Styrofoam cooler, do not seal the package completely as this may prevent pressure release.
The dry ice pack should be on the bottom layer, followed by the food to be packaged. You should place dry ice and food alternately, filling any excess gaps with newspaper and bubble wrap until the box is full
Part 2 of 3: Dealing with Shipping Labels and Documents
Step 1. Include proper address
Boxes for shipping must be labeled. Like any other package, include your address and the recipient. The address can be written directly on the package box or buy adhesive labels at the nearest post office to write down the destination and return address.
Step 2. Mark the package properly
Dry ice is classified as a hazardous material, so it must be properly marked before shipping. At the post office, be sure to request the following labels to be attached to your package:
- You will need a label that says “Dry Ice” or “Solid Carbon Dioxide”.
- You will need a label that says UN 1845, which indicates the package contains a hazardous material.
- You will need a label stating the net weight of dry ice in the package. Make sure you know how much ice was used during packaging. The weight of the dry ice pack will be written on the label.
Step 3. Get the Class 9 label
Because it is classified as dangerous, dry ice requires a label called Class 9. Class 9 is a label, which will be received at the post office, which indicates the package contains dry ice.
- Class 9 labels can be obtained free of charge and at no additional cost at most post offices. You can also contact FedEx Indonesia at 0800-1-888-800 or (021) 7599-8800 to get the label for free.
- Make sure you stick the Class 9 label on the same side of the package that bears the UN 1845 label.
Step 4. Complete the required documents at the nearest post office
Certain documents are required when making deliveries using dry ice. You generally include basic information, such as your name and address, and don't need to bring any special materials to fill it out. Appropriate forms will be provided at the post office.
You may have to fill out a form known as a sender declaration. The sender's declaration is a slip that contains basic information about the identity of the sender and recipient. You should also include a number of numbers that describe the type of hazardous material to be shipped. Post office staff will provide assistance with the required forms
Part 3 of 3: Ensuring Safe Delivery
Step 1. Consider the delivery duration
When shipping with dry ice, make sure the material can preserve perishable food for an appropriate period of time. Overnight delivery is generally the best option, especially when shipping food like meat. However, if the meat is vacuum packed, a 2 day delivery can also be selected. Unless you know the ambient temperature is below freezing, do not choose a delivery service with a duration of more than 2 days.
Step 2. Add extra labels for international shipments
Regarding international shipping, there is an additional label to fill in. Be sure to fill out the labels at the post office. Some international shipments may require a passport. Before buying dry ice to ship, contact the nearest post office and ask if the country you are shipping to has any regulations regarding the use of dry ice.
Step 3. Prepare for additional costs related to regulation
If you plan to ship using dry ice, be prepared for an additional fee. Since you'll likely have to pay for overnight or 2-day shipping, the costs can skyrocket. In addition, you may have to pay additional fees for shipping hazardous materials. Contact the nearest post office to inquire about a price estimate to ensure dry ice delivery is within budget.
