Dry ice, a solid form of carbon dioxide, is indispensable in many industrial and commercial applications. Including shipping perishable goods, dry ice blasting, preserving medical specimens, storing and transporting medications, and shrink-fitting metal parts. For businesses across sectors like manufacturing, aviation, healthcare, food/beverage, and event planning, ensuring a reliable supply of dry ice is essential for smooth operations.
In this blog, we discuss frequently asked questions about shipping with dry ice, including:
- Where to get dry ice for shipping?
- What are the benefits of using dry ice for shipping?
- What are the types of dry ice and their best uses?
- How do you store dry ice?
The information we provide is intended to help businesses explore the many uses of dry ice and choose the best provider for their specific applications.
At Emory Dry Ice, we offer tailored solutions to meet the needs of industrial and commercial organizations. Reach out to us today to learn more about our products and services.
Where to Get Dry Ice for Shipping?
If you’re wondering, “Who sells dry ice for shipping” the list below answers your question. However, it’s important to note that your supplier should be able to reliably provide the type and quantity of dry ice you need for your operations to avoid wasting time and money on unsuitable or insufficient options.
Specialty Suppliers
Consider reaching out to specialty suppliers for your dry ice needs. These companies focus solely on producing and distributing dry ice, ensuring meticulous quality control and reliable service.
At Emory Dry Ice, we utilize our specialized expertise and dedicated facilities to provide a level of consistency and attention to detail that sets us apart from other dry ice suppliers. As a trusted and established specialty supplier, we adhere to FDA-approved practices in the manufacturing of our dry ice. This commitment ensures the quality and suitability of our products, not only for shipping but also for a wide range of applications. Additionally, our daily production schedule enables us to meet the needs of our customers consistently.
Industrial Gas Companies
Some sizable industrial gas companies include dry ice production among their services. These companies have the infrastructure and expertise to produce dry ice on a large scale and distribute it to industrial and commercial clients.
Local Distributors
Some local distributors who sell dry ice procure their products from larger suppliers and offer them to businesses in their area. While local distributors who sell dry ice for shipping may have limited quantities compared to larger suppliers, they can provide convenient access to dry ice, especially for smaller businesses or those with intermittent needs.
Online Marketplaces
There are vendors who sell dry ice to industrial and commercial clients in online marketplaces, offering dry ice products that they can ship to your location. However, it’s essential to practice caution when purchasing large quantities of dry ice from a vendor with few or no reviews.
Shipping dry ice is challenging for vendors with limited experience transporting it across long distances. Dry ice can sublimate or turn from solid to gas during transport, potentially resulting in less dry ice than paid for. With an unfamiliar vendor, you might end up with insufficient dry ice for your needs.
Additionally, dry ice is classified as a dangerous good for transportation. Choosing a reputable supplier is best to ensure adherence to safety regulations and proper packaging for dry ice shipments. A lack of reviews makes assessing a vendor’s ability to ship dry ice and compliance with safety practices difficult.
When considering where to get dry ice for shipping, prioritize vendors with established reputations and positive reviews, especially those with experience in shipping dry ice safely and reliably over long distances.
Refrigeration Companies
Some refrigeration companies also offer dry ice alongside their refrigeration equipment and services. These companies may produce dry ice on-site or have arrangements with suppliers to fulfill their customers’ needs. You can inquire about their dry ice offerings if you already work with a refrigeration company for other services.
The Benefits of Using Dry Ice for Shipping
Shipping perishable and temperature-sensitive goods requires solutions to maintain quality and integrity throughout transit. Dry ice, a solid form of carbon dioxide, is a popular choice among businesses that regularly ship these types of products due to its many benefits. The following are some examples of the advantages of using dry ice for shipping:
Temperature Control:
Dry ice provides precise temperature control. It has a surface temperature of approximately -78.5°C (-109.3°F), making it ideal for keeping perishable goods at the desired low temperatures during transit. Whether shipping frozen foods, medical specimens, or pharmaceuticals, dry ice helps maintain the required temperature range, ensuring product freshness and quality upon arrival.
Extended Shelf Life
By using dry ice, businesses can extend the shelf life of perishable goods during shipping. The extreme cold temperatures produced by dry ice slow the growth of bacteria and delay the onset of decay. This extended shelf life allows businesses to transport perishable items over longer distances, which can help them take advantage of opportunities in new markets.
Non-Toxic and Odorless
Dry ice is a non-toxic and odorless substance, making it safe for use in shipping various types of perishable goods. Unlike traditional ice packs or gel packs that may leak or release harmful chemicals, dry ice sublimates into carbon dioxide gas as it dissipates, leaving no residue. This characteristic makes dry ice a preferred choice for shipping food, beverages, medicine, and other sensitive items where contamination is a concern.
Reduced Packaging Requirements
Using dry ice for shipping can reduce packaging requirements compared to other cooling methods. Since dry ice sublimates directly into gas, there is no residual liquid to deal with, eliminating the need for additional absorbent materials or secondary packaging. This not only simplifies the packaging process but also reduces the overall weight and volume of the shipment, which in turn may lower shipping costs and environmental impact.
Versatility
Dry ice’s adaptability makes it suitable for various shipping methods, including air freight, ground transportation, and ocean freight. Businesses across industries can leverage dry ice to meet their specific shipping needs, regardless of the scale or complexity of the operation.
Types of Dry Ice and Best Uses
Dry Ice Pellets
Standard dry ice pellets are utilized for diverse applications due to their versatility and accessibility. They are commonly employed in shipping a wide range of perishable and temperature-sensitive products, including:
- Food and beverages
- Pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical products
- Biological samples
Additionally, dry ice pellets can be used to generate special effects for events and performances as well as to clean surfaces without residue or damage through dry ice blasting.
High-Density Dry Ice Pellets
These are manufactured using a specialized process that increases their density, making them ideal for applications requiring prolonged cooling. They offer longer and more consistent cooling capabilities compared to standard pellets. As such, they are ideal for long-distance shipping of perishable and temperature-sensitive goods.
Airline Cut Dry Ice
These are precisely cut pieces of dry ice, typically measuring around 5″ x 5″ x 0.75″. Their size allows them to fit into airline-approved containers.
Airline cut dry ice is tailored to meet the airline industry’s needs. It can preserve perishable cargo, such as fresh produce and seafood. Additionally, dry ice is used for onboard cooling applications, such as chilling beverages and maintaining food freshness during flights.
Dry Ice Blocks
Dry ice blocks are large, solid pieces of dry ice. Due to their size, they can provide prolonged cooling and are suitable for various large-scale applications. These blocks are created by compressing and freezing liquid carbon dioxide into molds or containers of different sizes.
Dry ice blocks are used for:
- Temporary cold storage for emergencies, events, and remote locations
- Shipping bulk or oversized goods requiring extended cooling, such as frozen meats and industrial products
- Cryopreservation or preserving biological samples at very low temperatures
- Fumigation to eliminate pests
How Do You Store Dry Ice?
Properly storing dry ice is crucial to maintaining its effectiveness and ensuring safety in handling.
When storing dry ice, follow these best practices:
- Store in an insulated container, such as a cooler, insulated chest, or container specifically designed for dry ice.
- Do not store it in an airtight container, as this could build pressure, causing it to rupture.
- Keep in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
- Always handle dry ice with care using insulated gloves or tongs to avoid skin contact.
Experience the Benefits of Dry Ice for Your Business
Discover the advantages of incorporating dry ice into your business operations with Emory Dry Ice. We offer a wide range of high-quality dry ice solutions for industrial and commercial applications. Contact us today to place an order or to learn more about our customizable products and services.
