UPS dry ice shipping rules (UN1845)

Shipping dry ice through UPS requires the preparation standard for the selected air service (IATA or 49 CFR, as applicable) plus UPS's carrier-specific policies. Regulated air shipments use UN1845 — Carbon dioxide, solid — Class 9, while qualifying U.S. domestic 49 CFR exceptions use a reduced paperwork and labeling path. UPS also performs an acceptance audit for domestic non-medical air packages containing more than 2.5 kg of dry ice.

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

UPS Dry Ice Classification

UPS treats dry ice as UN1845 Class 9 when it is regulated for air transport. Qualifying U.S. domestic packages prepared under the 49 CFR exception follow UPS's reduced paperwork path, and dry ice shipments moving only by UPS Ground to or from the U.S. 48 contiguous states are processed like standard Ground shipments.

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. The standard diamond has 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.

When the governing UPS air preparation standard requires the Class 9 diamond, use at least 100mm on each side (about 4 inches per side). 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.

Shipping Software and Documentation

Use current UPS-compatible shipping software and confirm whether the package is being prepared under 49 CFR or IATA before applying a label or documentation set. UPS states that domestic non-dangerous-goods dry ice needs no IATA declaration, and non-medical packages prepared under 49 CFR 173.217 need no Hazardous Material Shipping Papers. The software, markings, labels, and any documentation must follow the selected preparation standard and lane.

The 2.5 kg Threshold: UPS's Acceptance Audit

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

At or under 2.5 kg per package: For non-medical, non-hazardous U.S. domestic air packages prepared under 49 CFR, UPS says no Hazardous Material Agreement, shipping papers, acceptance audit, or hazardous-material accessorial charge applies. The package must still be processed in current UPS-compatible shipping software and carry the required dry ice, contents, and quantity markings.

Over 2.5 kg per package (domestic air, non-medical): UPS states that an acceptance audit is performed. Process the shipment through current WorldShip, CampusShip, or compatible software; mark the package with Dry Ice or Carbon Dioxide, Solid, UN1845, and the dry ice quantity in kilograms; and apply the Class 9 label when required by the governing preparation standard.

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, contact your UPS account representative to confirm the acceptance-audit and tender process for your account.

Medical or diagnostic shipments prepared under 49 CFR do not receive the UPS hazardous-material acceptance audit and require no Hazardous Material Shipping Papers or Agreement. They must still be processed in current UPS-compatible software and marked for medical or diagnostic dry ice use with the dry ice quantity.

UPS Dry Ice Weight Limits

UPS applies service-specific handling thresholds and lane constraints for dry ice:

  • Domestic air: Non-medical packages above 2.5 kg per package receive an acceptance audit; lower quantities prepared under 49 CFR follow UPS's no-audit path
  • International: UPS requires a signed International Special Commodities (ISC) contract, IATA Packing Instruction 954 preparation, and compliance with UPS carrier requirements
  • 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: UPS requires a signed International Special Commodities (ISC) contract for international dry ice shipments.
  • Preparation standard: International dry ice shipments must comply with IATA Packing Instruction 954 and UPS carrier requirements.
  • 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.):

Use the documentation and label set required by the governing preparation standard. IATA-prepared shipments use the Class 9 diamond, UN1845 markings, and air-waybill notation; qualifying U.S. domestic shipments prepared under the 49 CFR exception use UPS's reduced paperwork and marking path. Domestic non-medical packages above 2.5 kg per package receive a UPS acceptance audit.

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:

Do not choose a label or documentation set until UPS confirms whether the service will be processed as air or ground and whether 49 CFR or IATA governs preparation. The wizard keeps this path yellow because those facts determine the applicable requirements.

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 when required — the standard air label must be at least 100mm
  3. No UN1845 marking when required — the UN number must be clearly visible on regulated packages
  4. Preparation standard not confirmed — verify the selected software, marking, labeling, and documentation path with UPS
  5. Exceeding 2.5 kg without acceptance-audit preparation — UPS performs an acceptance audit for domestic non-medical air packages above the threshold
  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 when required (at least 100mm on each side) on the outer package.
  1. Mark the outer package for the selected path. Regulated air packages use "UN1845," "Dry Ice" (or "Carbon dioxide, solid"), and the net weight in kg; the qualifying 49 CFR exception uses UPS's reduced contents and quantity markings.
  1. Confirm the UPS preparation path in current compatible software, including whether 49 CFR or IATA governs and which markings, labels, and documentation apply.
  1. If shipping >2.5 kg per package via domestic air: Prepare for the required UPS acceptance audit and verify the software, marking, labeling, and paperwork path with UPS before tender.
  1. If shipping internationally: Confirm a signed UPS ISC contract and prepare under IATA Packing Instruction 954 plus UPS carrier requirements.
  1. Run through the acceptance checklist before departing: the applicable labels, markings, ventilation, weight declaration, and paperwork path all confirmed.
  1. At the UPS counter, identify the shipment as dry ice. Use UN1845 and Class 9 language only when required by the selected air preparation standard, and present any documentation that standard requires.

Generate Your UPS Dry Ice Documentation Instantly

Manually assembling labels, markings, preparation-standard guidance, and checklists is time-consuming and error-prone. Dry Ice Wizard generates conservative UN1845 markings and job aids 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
  • Flag when the Class 9 path still depends on the governing preparation standard
  • Create outer marking text with your specific weight and contents
  • Identify the preparation-standard and documentation confirmation needed before tender
  • 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 August 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: August 2026 | dryicecompliance.com