How much dry ice can I ship with FedEx?

FedEx lists a 200 kg maximum dry ice quantity per package. FedEx air shipments need UN1845 marking, the proper shipping name, net weight in kg, and a Class 9 hazard label (minimum 100mm diamond). For air shipments, the AWB must include the dry ice description.

Do I need a Class 9 label for ground shipments?

FedEx Ground dry ice is not regulated as hazardous material in the same way as air service, but FedEx still says to mark the package as dry ice. UPS says dry ice shipments to and from the U.S. 48 contiguous states are processed like standard UPS Ground. USPS surface mail needs a 'Surface Only' or 'Surface Mail Only' marking. Always verify current requirements with your carrier.

Can I ship dry ice internationally with USPS?

No. USPS does not accept international mail containing dry ice. For international dry ice shipments, you must use FedEx, UPS, or another carrier that supports international dangerous goods transport.

What is the UPS 2.5 kg threshold for dry ice?

For UPS domestic air shipments with non-medical contents, packages containing more than 2.5 kg of dry ice go through an acceptance audit path with additional verification requirements. Packages with 2.5 kg or less may follow a simplified 49 CFR handling path when properly marked with dry ice or carbon dioxide solid, the contents being cooled, and the dry ice amount.

What should be checked before tendering a dry ice shipment?

Confirm ventilation, dry ice weight, UN1845 markings, Class 9 label where required, carrier-specific paperwork, and shipper/recipient details.

When are downloads disabled in Dry Ice Wizard?

Downloads are disabled for prohibited, unsupported, or out-of-scope shipments such as non-dry-ice-only dangerous goods.

Dry ice shipping checklist

A single missing label or marking can get your dry ice shipment rejected at the carrier counter. This checklist covers every step from packaging to drop-off so nothing gets missed. It applies to FedEx, UPS, and USPS shipments containing dry ice (UN1845, Class 9 where regulated by the selected service).

Print this checklist or use Dry Ice Wizard to generate a customized, carrier-specific version with your exact shipment details.

Pre-Packaging Checklist

Before you start packing, confirm these items:

Carrier and service confirmed. Know which carrier you're using (FedEx, UPS, or USPS) and the specific service level (air vs. ground). The documentation requirements differ between air and ground transport.

Dry ice quantity measured. Weigh the dry ice going into each package and record the net weight in kilograms. You'll need this for the outer marking and AWB text.

Weight limits verified. Check that your dry ice quantity per package is within the carrier's limits:

USPS air: Maximum 5 lbs (2.27 kg) per mailpiece
UPS domestic air: Quantities above 2.5 kg per package may trigger enhanced documentation
FedEx: Maximum 200 kg dry ice per package under FedEx's public dry ice guidance

Route eligibility confirmed. USPS does not accept dry ice in international mail. UPS international routes may require a dangerous goods contract. FedEx accepts international dry ice with standard UN1845 documentation.

Contents are non-dangerous. This checklist applies to dry ice used as a refrigerant for non-dangerous goods (perishable food, biological specimens, pharmaceuticals, etc.). If the dry ice is refrigerating other dangerous goods, additional regulations and a full Shipper's Declaration for Dangerous Goods are required.

Packaging Checklist

Insulated container used. Place dry ice in an insulated container — typically a polystyrene (EPS) foam cooler designed for dry ice shipments.

Contents separated from dry ice. Items being cooled should not be in direct contact with the dry ice. Use additional insulation, packing material, or a barrier layer between the dry ice and the goods.

Container is NOT airtight. This is critical. The packaging must allow CO2 gas to escape as the dry ice sublimates. An airtight seal can cause dangerous pressure buildup. Verify that your cooler and outer box have a venting path — do not tape all seams completely shut or use hermetically sealed containers.

Outer container is sturdy. The corrugated outer box must support the total weight of the package (dry ice + contents + insulation) without collapsing. Use a box rated for the appropriate weight.

Cooler fits securely inside the outer box. Minimize shifting during transport. Fill gaps with packing material if needed.

Labeling and Marking Checklist

Class 9 Hazard Diamond

Class 9 diamond label printed when required. The diamond must display vertical black stripes on the upper half, the number "9" in the bottom corner, and a black border.

Label is at least 100mm x 100mm for air transport. Measure it. Printer scaling is the number one cause of undersized labels. Use a calibration ruler to verify 100% print scale.

Label is affixed to the outer package. Place on a visible exterior surface — not the bottom. Secure with adhesive or print directly on the box.

Label is not obscured. No tape, strapping, or other labels covering the Class 9 diamond.

Outer Package Markings

"UN1845" is printed on the outer package. The UN number identifying dry ice must be clearly visible.

Proper shipping name is displayed. Either "Dry Ice" or "Carbon dioxide, solid" — printed legibly on the outer surface.

Net weight of dry ice is marked. The weight in kilograms per package (e.g., "Net Wt: 2.5 kg"). This is the weight of the dry ice, not the total package weight.

All markings are legible and durable. Printed (not handwritten when possible) and able to survive the shipping journey without smearing or fading.

Carrier-Specific Markings

FedEx air: AWB text prepared. Format: "UN1845, Dry Ice, Class 9, [packages] x [kg/pkg]kg." This must be transcribed onto the shipping documentation.

UPS air: AWB text prepared. Same format as FedEx. If shipping >2.5 kg per package domestically (non-medical), be prepared for additional documentation requests.

USPS ground: "Surface Only" marking applied. If your USPS shipment is going ground/surface, mark the outer package "Surface Only" or "Surface Mail Only" to prevent air rerouting.

Overpack (If Applicable)

"OVERPACK" marked on exterior. If multiple dry ice packages are consolidated into a single overpack.

Class 9 diamond on overpack exterior. Unless inner package labels are visible through the overpack.

Total net weight of dry ice marked on overpack. Combined weight across all inner packages.

Documentation Checklist

AWB/dangerous goods notation ready (air shipments). Written out with the correct package count and per-package weight. You'll provide this at the counter or enter it into the carrier's electronic system.

Carrier shipping label created. The standard FedEx/UPS/USPS shipping label with tracking number, addresses, and barcode. This is separate from the compliance labels.

Shipper and recipient information correct. Names and addresses on the outer marking (if included) match the shipping label.

Entitlement/authorization confirmed (if required). UPS international may require dangerous goods contract authorization. Verify with your account rep before showing up at the counter.

Counter Drop-Off Checklist

Inform the agent your package contains dry ice. State that the package contains dry ice. For air or regulated services, include UN1845 and Class 9.

Declare the quantity. Tell the agent the net weight of dry ice per package and the number of packages.

Confirm the contents are non-dangerous goods. If asked, specify that the dry ice is used as a refrigerant for [your contents] — not refrigerating other hazardous materials.

Provide AWB text for air shipments. Hand the agent the written AWB notation or be prepared to transcribe it into the carrier's system.

Verify the shipment is accepted. Confirm you receive a tracking number and that the agent has no outstanding questions about the documentation.

Quick Reference: What Each Carrier Needs

FedEx (Air)

Class 9 diamond (100mm min)
"UN1845" on outer package
"Dry Ice" or "Carbon dioxide, solid"
Net weight in kg
AWB text: "UN1845, Dry Ice, Class 9, [pkgs] x [kg]kg"
Ventilated packaging

FedEx (Ground)

Package marked "Dry Ice"
Pickup driver or counter told that the package contains dry ice
Ventilated packaging
No air waybill dry ice text for ground-only movement

UPS (Air)

Class 9 diamond (100mm min)
"UN1845" on outer package
"Dry Ice" or "Carbon dioxide, solid"
Net weight in kg
AWB text: "UN1845, Dry Ice, Class 9, [pkgs] x [kg]kg"
Note: >2.5 kg/pkg domestic non-medical may trigger audit
Ventilated packaging

UPS (Ground)

Process like standard UPS Ground when moving to/from the U.S. 48 contiguous states
Ventilated packaging
Confirm air processing for Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and Avalon, CA lanes

USPS (Air)

Max 5 lbs (2.27 kg) per mailpiece
No international
Class 9 diamond (100mm min)
"UN1845" on outer package
"Dry Ice" or "Carbon dioxide, solid"
Net weight
Ventilated packaging

USPS (Ground)

"Surface Only" marking required
No international
"UN1845" on outer package
"Dry Ice" or "Carbon dioxide, solid"
Net weight
Ventilated packaging

Generate a Custom Checklist for Your Shipment

This generic checklist covers all carriers and modes. For a checklist tailored to your specific shipment — with your carrier, service level, weight, and route already factored in — use Dry Ice Wizard.

The tool generates:

A compliance evaluation (green/yellow/red) for your exact shipment configuration
Print-ready Class 9 labels at verified 100% scale
Outer markings with your specific weight and contents
AWB text formatted for your shipment
A carrier-specific acceptance checklist
A counter script telling you exactly what to say at drop-off

Generate your custom dry ice checklist now →

Important Notes

This checklist is informational and not legal advice. Always verify current requirements with your carrier's official guidance and applicable IATA/DOT regulations.
Requirements were last reviewed in June 2026 and may change.
This checklist applies to UN1845 dry ice used as a refrigerant for non-dangerous goods only.

Last updated: June 2026 | dryicecompliance.com