5 Tips for Shipping Frozen Meat With Dry Ice to Keep It Fresh

Shipping foods like frozen meat can be challenging for many people. Meat is sensitive to temperature fluctuations and can spoil quickly, leading to losses. Spoiled meat can also cause food poisoning when you consume it.

To avoid such issues, consider shipping your meat under low temperatures. One of the best ways to lower the temperature of your meat during shipping is by using dry ice. It will keep it fresh until it arrives at the destination. This article explains how dry ice can keep your meat fresh during shipping.

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It’s Colder Than Usual

Dry ice keeps meat fresh during shipping because it’s colder than usual. The average dry ice temperature is -109 F, enough to keep food fresh.

Extremely low temperatures stop food spoilage by slowing down the chemical changes that alter food quality or cause it to spoil

Low temperatures also reduce the movement of molecules in your meat. Slow molecule movement makes microbes that cause food spoilage enter a dormant stage after some time, meaning they won’t grow or multiply. This enables your meat to remain fresh for a certain period until it reaches the required destination.

Dry Ice Doesn’t Melt

Another reason why dry ice keeps your meat fresh during shipping is because it doesn’t melt. Instead, it sublimes, which means it changes from solid into vapor directly and escapes into the surroundings.

This property is beneficial for keeping your meat fresh when shipping it over a long distance since water will not collect in your shipping container. When water accumulates in your shipping or storage container, it creates a conducive environment for microorganisms to grow, causing food spoilage.

It Lasts Longer

Dry ice sublimes during shipping, and you may need to replace it regularly to keep your meat cold so it can reach its destination while still fresh. When replacing the dry ice in your shipping container, exercise extra caution since you may accidentally contaminate your meat rendering your efforts a waste.

Dry ice can serve you longer compared to other methods of lowering food temperature, like regular ice. 

On average, a huge block of dry ice for shipping meat can serve you up to 24 hours before needing replacement compared to regular ice, which melts after three or four hours of transportation. However, it may last longer or shorter depending on different factors, such as insulation thickness and ambient temperature.

When you don’t have to replace dry ice regularly, you reduce the chances of food contamination ensuring your meat arrives while still in good condition. For journeys shorter than 24 hours, you may reach your destination without completely replacing the dry ice.  

Dry Ice Doesn’t Alter Food Taste

When you pack your meat with items that have strong odors or flavors, it tends to absorb their smell. With dry ice, you don’t have to worry about this issue since it’s a food-grade product that is FDA-approved. Instead, it helps it retain its original flavor and remain fresh.

Nevertheless, you have to be careful when packing. Seal your meat correctly to prevent the dry ice from coming into contact with the meat. Otherwise, it may alter its taste and stop being fresh.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you ship meat with dry ice?

Yes, you can ship meat with dry ice. Shipping meat with dry ice is one of the best methods to lower its temperature and ensure it reaches its destination while still fresh.

The first thing you should do when using dry ice for shipping meat is to get a cooler and put your meat inside. Next, place the dry ice pellets on top of the food. Leave enough head space to close the lid without touching the dry ice.

 Always insulate the ice with a towel or newspaper before placing it on your food. You should seal your meat properly to prevent it from coming into contact with the ice since it may alter its taste.

How long does dry ice last when shipping meat?

Dry ice can last for up to 24 hours when shipping meat. This period is quite long compared to other methods of lowering food temperature, like water ice which lasts three to four hours, making it the best method for shipping meat over long distances. 

However, it can last longer or shorter than this, depending on insulation thickness and ambient temperature.

How much does it cost to ship meat with dry ice?

Typically, dry ice costs between $1.00 to $3.00 per pound. The amount of money you spend on shipping meat depends on the amount of dry ice you use. For a 24-hour shipping period, you may need about 10 pounds of dry ice. This means that you’ll spend between $10-$30.

Can you use dry ice to transport frozen meat?

Yes, dry ice is suitable for transporting all frozen food, including frozen meat. It will keep it fresh for some time without altering its tastes, ensuring it arrives at the required destination while still in good condition. 

Can I ship meat with dry ice?

You can ship meat with dry ice by placing the Dry Ice, Gel Ice Packs, or a combination of both inside the Styrofoam Shipping Cooler. Arrange them in a way that allows you to place the meat on top securely, minimizing movement during shipping. If there is any extra space, fill it with dunnage paper, packing peanuts, or similar materials.

Does UPS ship with dry ice?

UPS does ship with dry ice for domestic air shipments of non-medical/non-hazardous packages containing less than 2.5 kgs of dry ice. In such cases, no Hazardous Material Agreement or Shipping Papers are required, and no acceptance audit is performed. The outer carton should be marked with “Dry Ice” and the amount of dry ice contained in the package.

Will dry ice freeze fresh meat?

Dry ice will freeze fresh meat when it comes into direct contact with it, as it has an extremely low temperature. Therefore, it is recommended to place dry ice at the bottom and top of your perishables, such as frozen food or the fruits of a hunting expedition. By doing so, you can ensure that your perishables stay frozen without thawing.

How much does it cost to ship frozen meat?

The cost of shipping frozen meat can range from $30 to $150, depending on factors such as the quantity being shipped, the destination, the weight of the package, and the chosen shipping service.

Can you send dry meat in the mail?

Dry meats can be sent through the mail, but only within domestic mail and in compliance with the regulations set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). To meet the requirements stated in DMM 601.1-7, the packaging must be strong and securely sealed.

How do you ship meat in a cooler?

You can ship meat in a cooler by arranging Dry Ice, Gel Ice Packs, or a combination of both inside a Styrofoam Shipping Cooler. This will provide a secure fit for the meat without excessive movement. If there is any remaining space, it can be filled with dunnage paper, packing peanuts, or similar materials.

How long does dry ice last when shipping meat?

Dry ice is an effective method for preserving the frozen state of meat during shipping or extended storage. Proper packaging and handling techniques are crucial to ensure that dry ice can maintain the frozen condition of meat for a duration of 2-3 days.

How long will 1 pound of dry ice last?

The duration of 1 pound of dry ice can be expected to last between 10-20 days in a freezer, as it undergoes a solid-to-gas transition at a rate of 5-10% per day. To ensure safety, it is advisable to plan to use it within 10 days.

How much dry ice do I need for 3 days?

To determine the amount of dry ice needed for 3 days, you should consider the duration you require the dry ice in the cooler. Purchase 10 to 20 pounds (4.5 to 9 kg) of dry ice for every 24-hour period. Additionally, take into account the capacity of your cooler and the space required for the items you intend to store.

How long will 10 lbs of dry ice last?

10 pounds of dry ice will generally last up to 24 hours in a standard 25-quart cooler, taking into account various factors such as the types of food being stored, cooler size, ambient conditions, and storage duration.

How long will dry ice last in a styrofoam cooler?

Dry ice can last for around 24 hours in a styrofoam cooler. It is important to note that this duration is applicable to a regular-sized cooler that can accommodate up to 2 dry ice blocks. If you have a larger styrofoam cooler with more dry ice blocks, the dry ice can last for approximately 3-4 days.

How do you make dry ice last longer in shipping?

To make dry ice last longer in shipping, you can extend its lifespan by wrapping it with newspaper or using a towel or paper bag. These materials serve as insulation, effectively preventing the dry ice from being exposed to the air and slowing down its evaporation.

How do I send frozen meat in the mail?

To send frozen meat in the mail, you can use various shipping services such as US Mail, UPS, FedEx, and other private carriers. It is important to pack the meat in a Styrofoam cooler to maintain its frozen state during transit. Additionally, the package should be supplemented with dry ice to ensure the inside of the shipment remains cold. Overnight or 2nd Day shipping options are recommended for optimal freshness.

How much dry ice for 48 hours?

The amount of dry ice needed for a 48-hour period is 8-10 pounds in a standard well-insulated cooler. If the time is longer or the cooler is larger, you should multiply this amount accordingly.

How much does it cost to ship frozen food overnight?

The cost to ship frozen food overnight depends on the courier service chosen. For example, UPS Next Day Air is available at a cost of $140.84, while UPS Next Day Air Early can be selected for $177.07.

How much dry ice do I need to ship frozen meat?

You will need 5 to 10 lbs. of dry ice for each 24-hour period to ship frozen meat, depending on the quality of the insulated shipping container. This amount will ensure that everything stays frozen in a container up to 15 quarts in size. If you have larger containers or longer shipping times, you should multiply the dry ice quantities by this rate.

How long does 1 lb of dry ice last?

The duration of 1 lb of dry ice can be expected to be between 10-20 days in a freezer, as it changes from a solid to a gas at a rate of 5-10% per day. It is advisable to use it within 10 days for optimal safety.

How much dry ice for 3 day shipping?

The amount of dry ice required for 3-day shipping depends on the duration of the journey. It is advisable to estimate the transit time beforehand. As a general guideline, it is recommended to use 10 pounds of dry ice for every 24 hours of travel. If the shipping duration is uncertain, it is better to increase the amount to 15 pounds per 24 hours.

How much dry ice do I need for 2 day shipping?

The amount of dry ice needed for 2-day shipping is at least 20 lbs. This is because dry ice evaporates at a rate of 5-10 lbs. per 24 hours, and for items weighing up to 12.5 lbs, you need 5-10 lbs. of dry ice per day.

What is the best method for shipping frozen meat?

The best method for shipping frozen meat is to use overnight or 2nd Day shipping services provided by US Mail, UPS, FedEx, and other private carriers. To ensure the meat remains frozen, it should be packed in a Styrofoam cooler. Additionally, the shipment should be packed with dry ice to maintain a cold temperature inside.

How many pounds of dry ice can you ship ups?

The maximum amount of dry ice that can be shipped via UPS for non-medical, non-hazardous U.S. domestic air packages, prepared under 49 CFR, is 2.5 kg (5.5 pounds). No Hazardous Material Agreement or Shipping Papers are required for this quantity.

Can you ship dry ice with FedEx?

Yes, you can ship dry ice with FedEx by selecting “Dry Ice” and providing the necessary information when creating your shipment online or using a FedEx airbill. If you are using a paper airbill, you can indicate “Yes, Shipper’s Declaration not required” in the Special Handling section.

How can I ship frozen food cheaply?

You can ship frozen food cheaply by finding a carrier that specializes in cold freight, using an insulated container, utilizing dry ice, searching for the best rates, purchasing packaging materials in bulk, optimizing your packaging for each product, and shipping in bulk whenever possible.

How do you store dry ice for shipping?

You should store dry ice for shipping by lining the cooler with a 2 mm thick plastic liner and placing the dry ice blocks underneath and on top of the sealed food container. It is important not to create an airtight seal on any of the containers or packagings. Additionally, make sure to label the exterior of the cardboard box with a note stating that the package contains dry ice or frozen Carbon Dioxide.

Can you buy dry ice to ship food?

Yes, packages of dry ice can be purchased at most butcher shops and grocery stores, and it is also possible to find dry ice for sale at certain UPS or FedEx stores. It is important to ensure that you obtain the appropriate quality material for packing purposes.

Does FedEx ship food with dry ice?

FedEx ships food with dry ice as a refrigerant, along with other perishable items like medical shipments or non-hazardous chemicals.

Does FedEx provide dry ice?

FedEx does not provide dry ice for replenishment during transportation. Therefore, it is important for the sender to include an adequate amount of dry ice to last until the package reaches its destination.

How do I ship meat to another state?

To ship meat to another state, you cannot send or mail meats processed at a state-inspected facility. However, if the meat is frozen, you can safely ship it using overnight or 2nd Day shipping through US Mail, UPS, FedEx, or other private carriers. It is important to pack the meats in a Styrofoam cooler to maintain their frozen state during transit.

How can I ship frozen food cheaply?

To ship frozen food cheaply, one can find a carrier that specializes in cold freight, use insulated containers, utilize dry ice, search for the best rates, purchases packaging materials in bulk, optimize packaging for each product, and ship in bulk whenever possible.

How do you ship food that needs to stay cold?

Sturdy insulated foam containers, which come in various thicknesses, are the ideal choice for shipping perishable items like ice cream, frozen cakes, and seafood that require refrigeration. The thicker the wall of the container, the less coolant will be necessary to maintain the desired temperature during transportation.

How do I send perishable food through USPS?

To send perishable food through USPS, you can use insulated containers like styrofoam coolers to ensure temperature control and protect the items. It is important to wrap each food item individually with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent any cross-contamination or leakage.

Is it better to ship with ice or dry ice?

The desired temperature range for your shipment should be considered when deciding whether to ship with ice or dry ice. Typically, if you need to keep your products frozen, dry ice is the recommended option. On the other hand, if you want to maintain the temperature of chilled goods above 32 degrees Fahrenheit (0 degrees Celsius), cold packs are the preferable choice.

Can I ship dry ice through USPS?

Shipping dry ice through USPS is allowed for Domestic Mail via air transportation (Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail, and First-Class Mail), with a maximum quantity of 5 pounds per mailpiece. However, it is important to note that dry ice is prohibited from International Mail.

Does FedEx ship frozen food?

FedEx does ship frozen food. Their solutions are designed to ensure strict temperature control for frozen products, making shipping frozen items easier. They understand the importance of reliable shipping to maintain the viability of frozen goods, including healthcare essentials and frozen foods.

How long does dry ice last?

The lifespan of dry ice varies depending on storage conditions and the size of the brick. A whole, intact five-pound block of dry ice can last for 18-24 hours in a cooler. When used outdoors, dry ice typically lasts for approximately 3-5 hours, while in liquid form, it can last for up to 45 minutes.

Can you mail food to another state?

If appropriately packaged, most nonperishable food items can be sent through the mail within the country.