Coolants and Refrigerants

Coolants and refrigerants are used to keep temperature-sensitive products cold or frozen while in transit. Dry ice (frozen carbon dioxide) and gel packs are the most common types of coolants/refrigerants used for transport.

Preparing Dry Ice Shipments Under IATA or ADR

Shipments containing dry ice may require the shipper to have a UPS International Special Commodities (ISC) contract or Dangerous Goods (DG) contract. For more information, contact us. You can also visit the UPS Guide for Shipping Dangerous Goods Globally.

Please find below more information on shipping dry ice under IATA regulations:

  • Parcels containing dry ice under IATA regulations:
    • Process through the most current version of WorldShip, CampusShip or compliant software (see UPS Rate and Service Guide for a dry ice accessorial fee).
    • An acceptance audit is performed.
    • Mark the outer packaging with:
      • The words 'Dry Ice' or 'Carbon Dioxide, Solid' and 'UN1845'.
      • The amount of dry ice contained in the parcel in KG.
    • Apply the Class 9 diamond hazard label.

Please find below more information on shipping dry ice under ADR regulations:

  • Parcels containing dry ice under ADR regulations:
    • Mark the outer packaging with:
      • The words ‘Dry Ice’ or ‘Carbon Dioxide, Solid’ (in the language of the country of origin as well as in English).