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, when required by the selected air path, the 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 non-medical air: Quantities above 2.5 kg per package require an acceptance audit
  • 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 dry ice requires a signed International Special Commodities contract and IATA Packaging Instruction 954 preparation. FedEx air service availability and acceptance vary by origin, destination, and tender location. FedEx Ground public guidance covers U.S.-origin shipments excluding Alaska and Hawaii, with a conditional Canada path.

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 seven black vertical stripes separated by six equal white spaces on the upper half, an underlined "9" centered at the bottom, and a solid inner border approximately 5mm inside and parallel to the edge.

Label is at least 100mm on each side for air transport. Measure a diamond edge, not only its horizontal bounding box. 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 (When Required)

Use this UN1845 marking set for air transport and carrier paths that explicitly require it. Do not apply it as a blanket federal rule to a confirmed FedEx Ground or 48-state UPS Ground shipment; follow the carrier-specific ground checklist instead. USPS surface mail has its own address-side markings below.

"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: dry ice airbill entry prepared. Select the Dry Ice option in the FedEx shipping system and use FedEx's published entry format: "UN 1845, Dry Ice, [packages] x [kg/pkg] kg." A dry-ice-only shipment does not require a full Shipper's Declaration under FedEx's published guidance.

UPS air: Applicable preparation path confirmed. Use current UPS-compatible software and confirm whether 49 CFR or IATA governs the selected service and lane. Qualifying non-medical, non-hazardous U.S. domestic packages prepared under 49 CFR need no Hazardous Material Shipping Papers or domestic IATA declaration; packages above 2.5 kg receive a UPS acceptance audit, which does not by itself create a shipping-paper requirement.

USPS air: Shipper's Declaration prepared in triplicate. Packaging Instruction 9A requires a properly completed Shipper's Declaration for Dangerous Goods in triplicate, affixed outside the mailpiece.

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 (When Regulated and Applicable)

Use this section when the selected air preparation standard or carrier makes overpack rules applicable. Do not add the 49 CFR 173.25 marking set solely because a FedEx Ground or UPS Ground shipment uses an outer handling container.

Required inner-package markings and labels remain visible or are reproduced. This is the baseline overpack rule under 49 CFR 173.25(a)(2).

Hidden markings and labels are reproduced on the exterior. Include the required Class 9 label, UN1845, proper shipping name, and net dry-ice quantity.

"OVERPACK" marking confirmed when applicable. 49 CFR 173.25(a)(4) makes this word conditional; apply it when the governing preparation standard or carrier requires it.

Documentation Checklist

AWB/dangerous goods notation ready when required. 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 when the selected preparation standard or lane requires it.

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 dry ice requires a signed International Special Commodities contract and IATA Packaging Instruction 954 preparation. Verify authorization and lane acceptance with UPS before tender.

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 when required for the selected air path. 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 (at least 100mm on each side)
  • "UN1845" on outer package
  • "Dry Ice" or "Carbon dioxide, solid"
  • Net weight in kg
  • FedEx Dry Ice option selected; airbill entry: "UN 1845, Dry Ice, [pkgs] x [kg] kg"
  • Shipper and recipient information marked as required
  • FedEx dangerous-goods training and service/lane acceptance confirmed
  • Ventilated packaging

FedEx (Ground)

  • Package marked "Dry Ice"
  • Shipment created through FedEx automation and scheduled for pickup
  • Pickup driver told that the package contains dry ice
  • Ventilated packaging
  • No air waybill dry ice text for ground-only movement

UPS (Air)

  • Class 9 diamond (at least 100mm on each side) when required by the preparation standard
  • "UN1845" on regulated outer packages
  • "Dry Ice" or "Carbon dioxide, solid"
  • Net weight in kg
  • Current UPS-compatible software used; governing 49 CFR or IATA path confirmed
  • Qualifying non-medical, non-hazardous U.S. domestic packages at or under 2.5 kg prepared under 49 CFR use UPS's no-shipping-papers/no-audit path
  • Note: >2.5 kg/pkg domestic non-medical requires UPS acceptance audit, but the audit alone does not create a shipping-paper requirement
  • International dry ice requires a signed UPS International Special Commodities contract and IATA Packaging Instruction 954 preparation
  • 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 (at least 100mm on each side)
  • "UN1845" on outer package
  • "Dry Ice" or "Carbon dioxide, solid"
  • Net weight
  • Name of contents being cooled on the address side
  • Properly completed Shipper's Declaration in triplicate, affixed outside the mailpiece
  • Ventilated packaging

USPS (Ground)

  • "Surface Only" marking required
  • No international
  • "UN1845" on outer package
  • "Dry Ice" or "Carbon dioxide, solid"
  • Net weight
  • Name of contents being cooled on the address side
  • 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 when required
  • Outer markings with your specific weight and contents
  • Carrier-specific airbill or documentation guidance when applicable
  • 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 August 2026 and may change.
  • This checklist applies to UN1845 dry ice used as a refrigerant for non-dangerous goods only.

Last updated: August 2026 | dryicecompliance.com