How to ship perishable goods with dry ice?

Dry ice is the most popular material utilized to carry temperature-reactive commodities. It is carbon dioxide in its solid state. It is available in pellets, flakes and blocks and is used to keep medical supplies and food frozen at a constant temperature during transit.

Hence it is important to know the right method of packing dry ice for your perishable goods.

How do you pack dry ice for shipping?

Dry ice must be packed with extreme caution to prevent burns and asphyxiation. First and foremost, always store dry ice in a well-ventilated area. This is because dry ice releases carbon dioxide which can cause a rise in pressure when packed within an airtight container. It can expand, potentially resulting in an explosion. Hence, packing dry ice in the right manner is of utmost importance.

Follow these steps to learn how to pack dry ice:

Step 1: First, place the goods you want to ship within an inner container.

Step 2: Now, fill the empty spaces with dry ice.

Step 3: Shut the inner box but do not seal it using the H-taping method. This prevents the build-up of air pressure in the box.

Step 4: Carefully place the inner box inside an outer container.

Step 5: Add a safety label on the exterior part of the outer box saying, ‘contains dry ice’.

Safety measures to keep in mind when transporting dry ice

Shipping dry ice needs extreme caution. Here is a handy checklist on the safety measures you should bear in mind when shipping dry ice.

• Dry ice exposure over an extended period of time can cause serious skin injury. To reduce health associated risks, those who work in the dry ice transportation industry must always wear gloves.
• Dry ice handlers must wear masks as dry ice is prone to sublimation.
• Because dry ice cannot be stored in an airtight container, it must be kept in a well-ventilated box to allow carbon dioxide gas to escape.
• Do not enter locations where dry ice is stored with poor ventilation because carbon dioxide gas will be emitted during the sublimation process. And, if the gas is not properly evacuated, it will remain in the environment of the respective region.
• Dry ice requires proper labelling. Therefore, all shipments containing dry ice must be marked with hazard label to ensure that it’s shipped safely and securely.
• Remember to run an initial inspection of all the stored goods before shipping as the packaging can be damaged by dry ice.

Why should you choose DHL Express for shipping dry ice?

Shipping dry ice can be a costly affair. This is why you need an express service provider who understands the complexities of shipping such temperature-reliant goods efficiently. DHL Express, one of the leading international shipping companies in Singapore is known to provide hassle-free last-mile delivery services to customers around the globe. So, even if you're shipping dry ice, you can be assured that we provide preferential pricing to our customers, addressing different business needs.

Our in-house team of certified international specialists possesses the right amount of experience in handling these time-and temperature-critical shipments. Our skilled professionals are familiar with local customs officials and provide relevant information to ensure that these shipments travel securely and without delays.

So, if you are on your way to import or export Dangerous Goods (DG) cargo with DHL Express, get in touch with our CIS and we will be happy to help you.