UPS dry ice shipping rules (UN1845)

Shipping dry ice through UPS requires compliance with both IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (for air services) and UPS's own carrier-specific policies. Dry ice is classified as UN1845 — Carbon dioxide, solid — under Class 9 (Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods). UPS has a notable additional wrinkle compared to other carriers: a 2.5 kg per-package threshold for domestic air shipments that triggers an enhanced audit and documentation path.

This guide covers everything you need to get your UPS dry ice shipment accepted cleanly.

UPS Dry Ice Classification

UPS treats all shipments containing solid carbon dioxide as UN1845 Class 9 dangerous goods. This applies to any package where dry ice is used as a coolant — whether you're shipping laboratory samples, frozen food, pharmaceuticals, medical specimens, or any other temperature-sensitive goods.

UPS applies different dry ice handling paths by service. Domestic air, international, and destinations that UPS treats as air service need closer review; UPS Ground shipments to and from the U.S. 48 contiguous states are processed like standard UPS Ground shipments.

UPS Dry Ice Labeling and Marking Requirements

Class 9 Hazard Label

UPS air dry ice shipments may require a Class 9 hazard label on the outer surface, depending on whether the shipment is prepared under IATA or 49 CFR and the quantity of dry ice. This is the standard diamond-shaped label with black and white vertical stripes on the upper half and the number "9" in the bottom corner.

For UPS air shipments, the Class 9 diamond must be at least 100mm x 100mm (about 4 inches). The label should be printed on durable material or affixed securely so it remains legible throughout transit.

Outer Package Markings

For regulated UPS dry ice air shipments, the exterior package markings should include:

  • "UN1845" — the United Nations identification number
  • "Dry Ice" or "Carbon dioxide, solid" — the proper shipping name
  • Net weight of dry ice in kilograms per package

These markings must be clearly legible, durable enough to survive transit, and positioned on the same surface as the hazard label or on a readily visible face of the package.

Air Waybill Notation

For UPS air services, the shipping documentation must include the dangerous goods declaration text:

"UN1845, Dry Ice, Class 9, [number of packages] x [weight per package]kg"

Example for 3 packages at 1.8 kg each:

UN1845, Dry Ice, Class 9, 3 x 1.8kg

This text is transcribed onto the UPS shipping label or provided as part of the shipment documentation. A full Shipper's Declaration for Dangerous Goods is not required for UN1845 when dry ice is used solely as a refrigerant for non-dangerous goods.

The 2.5 kg Threshold: UPS's Audit Path

UPS has a carrier-specific policy that distinguishes shipments based on the quantity of dry ice per package:

Under 2.5 kg per package: Standard UN1845 compliance — Class 9 label, outer markings, and AWB text (for air). These shipments typically clear acceptance without additional scrutiny.

Over 2.5 kg per package (domestic air, non-medical): UPS may require enhanced documentation and an audit-level review. This means the shipment could face additional inspection at acceptance, potential delays, or requests for supplementary paperwork. The specifics of this enhanced path can vary by UPS facility and service level.

This 2.5 kg threshold is specific to UPS — FedEx and USPS do not have the same breakpoint. If you're regularly shipping more than 2.5 kg of dry ice per package via UPS domestic air services, it's worth contacting your UPS account representative to understand exactly what additional documentation they'll want to see.

Medical shipments (specimens, diagnostics, vaccines) are generally handled with more flexibility regarding this threshold, but you should still declare them correctly and be prepared for questions.

UPS Dry Ice Weight Limits

UPS enforces per-package and per-shipment quantity limits for dry ice:

  • Domestic air: Accepted with standard documentation at lower quantities; enhanced documentation may be required above 2.5 kg per package for non-medical shipments
  • International: UPS accepts dry ice shipments on international routes, but requirements vary by origin and destination country. Some international lanes may require a UPS contract or specific dangerous goods authorization
  • Ground: UPS Ground to and from the U.S. 48 contiguous states is processed like standard UPS Ground; the 2.5 kg air threshold does not apply to ground-only transport

Always confirm current weight limits with UPS, as they can change based on service type, route, and aircraft configuration.

UPS International Dry Ice Shipments

Shipping dry ice internationally via UPS introduces additional considerations:

  • Contract requirements: Some international UPS dry ice shipments may require an active UPS contract with dangerous goods authorization. Without a contract, international dry ice shipments could be refused.
  • Country-specific regulations: Destination countries may have their own import restrictions or documentation requirements for dry ice beyond what IATA mandates.
  • Customs documentation: In addition to UN1845 compliance docs, you may need to include dry ice declarations in your customs paperwork.

If you ship dry ice internationally with UPS regularly, establish the relationship with your UPS account team and confirm which routes are approved for your shipment profile.

Packaging Requirements for UPS

UPS requires packaging that meets these standards for dry ice shipments:

  • Ventilation is mandatory. The package must allow CO2 gas to escape as the dry ice sublimates. An airtight seal can cause dangerous pressure buildup. This means your cooler cannot be hermetically sealed — there must be a venting path.
  • Insulated container: Typically a polystyrene (EPS) foam cooler inside a corrugated cardboard outer box.
  • Separation: Items being refrigerated should not be in direct contact with dry ice. Use additional insulation or packing material as a barrier.
  • Structural integrity: The outer container must be strong enough for normal handling and must support the weight of the dry ice plus contents without collapsing.

UPS Ground vs. UPS Air: Compliance Differences

UPS Air (Next Day Air, 2nd Day Air, etc.):

Full IATA-aligned documentation required — Class 9 diamond (100mm minimum), outer markings (UN1845, proper shipping name, net weight), AWB dangerous goods notation. Shipments above 2.5 kg per package may trigger the UPS audit path.

UPS Ground:

UPS says dry ice shipments to and from the U.S. 48 contiguous states are not regulated for ground transport and should be processed like standard UPS Ground shipments. Shipments to or from Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and Avalon, CA must be processed as air shipments.

Unknown or mixed mode:

If you're unsure whether your UPS shipment will travel by air, treat it as an air shipment and apply the full documentation set. This is the conservative approach and avoids rejection if the package gets rerouted through air.

Common Reasons UPS Rejects Dry Ice Shipments

The most frequent failure points at UPS acceptance:

  1. Missing net weight marking — the kg amount must be on the outer package
  2. Undersized or missing Class 9 label — must be at least 100mm for air
  3. No UN1845 marking — the UN number must be clearly visible
  4. AWB text omitted for air services — the dangerous goods notation is mandatory
  5. Exceeding 2.5 kg without enhanced documentation — UPS may require additional review
  6. Airtight packaging — no venting path for sublimating CO2
  7. International shipment without contract authorization — some lanes require pre-approval

Step-by-Step: Shipping Dry Ice with UPS

  1. Package your shipment with an insulated, ventilated container. Confirm the outer box can support the total weight.
  1. Weigh the dry ice in each package. Note whether any package exceeds 2.5 kg (relevant for UPS domestic air).
  1. Print and apply the Class 9 diamond (100mm minimum for air) on the outer package.
  1. Mark the outer package with "UN1845," "Dry Ice" (or "Carbon dioxide, solid"), and the net weight in kg.
  1. Prepare AWB text for air services: "UN1845, Dry Ice, Class 9, [packages] x [kg/pkg]kg."
  1. If shipping >2.5 kg per package via domestic air: Be prepared for additional documentation requests. Consider contacting your UPS facility in advance.
  1. If shipping internationally: Verify your UPS account has dangerous goods authorization for the origin-destination lane.
  1. Run through the acceptance checklist before departing: labels, markings, ventilation, weight declaration, and AWB text all confirmed.
  1. At the UPS counter, inform the agent that your shipment contains dry ice (UN1845, Class 9) and present your documentation.

Generate Your UPS Dry Ice Documentation Instantly

Manually assembling labels, markings, AWB text, and checklists is time-consuming and error-prone. Dry Ice Wizard generates all required UN1845 documentation for UPS shipments in about 2 minutes.

Enter your UPS shipment details and the tool will:

  • Evaluate compliance and flag the 2.5 kg threshold if applicable
  • Generate a correctly-sized Class 9 diamond label
  • Create outer marking text with your specific weight and contents
  • Produce the exact AWB notation for your shipment
  • Provide a pre-drop-off acceptance checklist
  • Include a counter script for the UPS agent interaction

All PDFs print at verified 100% scale with a calibration ruler included.

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Important Notes

  • This guide is informational and does not constitute legal advice. Always verify requirements with UPS's official coolants and refrigerants guidance and current IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations.
  • Rules referenced here were last reviewed in June 2026 and may change.
  • If your dry ice is refrigerating other dangerous goods (not ordinary perishables or specimens), additional regulations apply. Consult a qualified dangerous goods professional.

Last updated: June 2026 | dryicecompliance.com