Shipping dry ice is regulated because dry ice is solid carbon dioxide, classified as a Class 9 miscellaneous dangerous good under UN 1845. It sublimates from solid straight to gas, which can displace oxygen and build pressure in a sealed space, so it must be packed in ventilated packaging and properly marked and documented. From Miami, dry ice commonly accompanies perishable food, pharmaceuticals, biological samples, and temperature-sensitive ecommerce orders moving by air, ground, or ocean.
Why dry ice is regulated
Because dry ice releases carbon dioxide gas as it warms, two hazards drive the rules: pressure buildup if gas cannot escape, and oxygen displacement in confined spaces such as an aircraft hold. As a result, dry ice has specific packaging, quantity, marking, and documentation requirements that vary by mode of transport. For background on classification, see our guide to the 9 hazmat classes.
Packaging and marking requirements
Ventilated packaging
Dry ice must be packed in packaging that allows carbon dioxide gas to vent and prevents pressure buildup. Sealed, airtight containers are not permitted because they can rupture.
Marking and labeling
Packages require the Class 9 hazard label, the UN 1845 marking, the proper shipping name “Carbon dioxide, solid” or “Dry ice,” and the net weight of dry ice in kilograms. Air shipments must show the quantity per package within the limits of the applicable packing instruction.
Documentation
Air shipments of dry ice are declared on the air waybill, and when dry ice is used as a refrigerant for another dangerous good, both must be documented correctly. Ground shipments follow 49 CFR requirements.
Air transport specifics
Dry ice shipped by air follows the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations, including per-package quantity limits and the requirement to identify the dry ice on the air waybill. Carriers also apply their own operator variations, so the same shipment may face different limits on different airlines out of Miami International Airport. When dry ice is cooling another regulated substance such as a biological or pharmaceutical product, the shipment must satisfy the rules for both the contents and the refrigerant.
Ship dry ice the right way from Miami
Dry ice mistakes, like sealed packaging or a missing net-weight mark, get shipments rejected at the airport. An asset-based 3PL with in-house dangerous goods expertise handles classification, packaging, marking, and documentation so your cold shipment departs on schedule. Go Freight pairs hazmat compliance with cold-aware warehousing and temperature-sensitive last-mile delivery across South Florida. For more on dangerous goods packaging, read what triggers a hazmat repack.
Frequently asked questions
Is dry ice considered hazardous material?
Yes. Dry ice is solid carbon dioxide classified as a Class 9 miscellaneous dangerous good under UN 1845, because it sublimates into carbon dioxide gas that can build pressure and displace oxygen in confined spaces.
How should dry ice be packaged for shipping?
Dry ice must be packed in ventilated packaging that allows carbon dioxide gas to escape, never in a sealed airtight container. Packages must be marked with UN 1845, the Class 9 label, the proper shipping name, and the net weight of dry ice in kilograms.
Can I ship dry ice by air from Miami?
Yes, dry ice can ship by air under the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations, subject to per-package quantity limits, correct marking, declaration on the air waybill, and any airline-specific operator variations.
Need to ship dry ice or cold cargo?
Go Freight is a Miami-based, asset-based, AI-powered 3PL with in-house dangerous goods expertise. Get a quote at go-freight.ai/quote or call (786) 445-0150.