In this article, we will discuss how to properly ship packages that contain dry ice using FedEx. Setting up your FedEx shipment with dry ice is simple if you follow a few guidelines.
First, you need to make sure you have the proper packaging. FedEx recommends:
- Good quality fiberboard (corrugated cardboard), plastic, or wooden boxes.
- Do not use steel drums or jerricans. They do not provide proper ventilation for the dry ice inside.
- Do not use more than 200kg of dry ice.
Next, you will want to insulate the FedEx package with a layer of styrofoam, but DO NOT arrange the styrofoam to form an airtight seal. Dry ice releases carbon dioxide that builds up and could rupture or explode in the box if it’s airtight.
Ensure that the box is properly marked as containing dry ice as shown below:
Once it’s properly packed and marked, print and affix the shipping label on the package and it’s ready to be picked up by FedEx.
While you are generating your FedEx label, you will need to use the EasyPost API to indicate that the package contains dry ice in the Shipment options, like this:
Remember to set the dry_ice_weight string with the exact weight of the dry ice in ounces in your API calls' Shipment options. The EasyPost API takes all weight values as oz, then converts to kg as needed on a per carrier basis.
You can read more extensively about FedEx labels and proper packaging in our FedEx Guide.