Whether you’re shipping food, medical samples, or other perishables, they must be kept cold during transit. Ice packs can help.

These water-based products have a melting point of around 32 degrees Fahrenheit, so they never reach frigid temperatures that could damage products sensitive to freezing. They can also complement dry ice to slow down the sublimation process.

Use the Right Size

When sending perishables in the mail, you can’t afford to waste ice packs by using ones that don’t fit. Using an ice pack that is too large can reduce its cooling power and cause it to leak into the box. A bulky ice pack can also interfere with the contents of your shipment, potentially damaging them or making it harder to seal correctly.

Choose an ice pack the right size for your needs. Each one is slim, less than 3/4 of an inch thick, so it takes up minimal space in your cooler or lunch bag. This makes it easy to distribute them evenly throughout your package to maximize ice contact without interfering with the contents. This will help your shipment stay colder for longer.

Gel ice and cold packs for shipping designed for draining can be an excellent way to avoid water spills and dripping, mainly if you must transport your shipment in an enclosed environment like a car. The drain-friendly design makes it easy to empty and re-use the gel material when the pack melts instead of just throwing it away as you would with regular ice packs.

Gel ice packs are an effective dry ice alternative for products that don’t need to be frozen, as they have a melting point of around 32 degrees Fahrenheit and do not reach frigid temperatures that can damage products sensitive to freezing. They can typically maintain the temperature of your product between 2 and 8 degrees Celsius, depending on its weight and starting temperature.

Choose the Right Material

Regarding ice packs, several different types of material are available. Some are gel-based, while others are filled with water. Which one you choose depends on your needs and preferences. For instance, some people may prefer a water-based ice pack because it releases less moisture than gel-based ones.

On the other hand, other people may want to use a gel-based pack because it contains no chemicals. It is also non-toxic, so you can safely throw it away if you no longer need it.

Whether you use gel or water-based ice packs, they all work to keep products cold but at different temperatures and for various lengths of time. This is why it’s important to know what you’re shipping and select the best type of ice pack for the job.

Gel ice packs, which are poly bags filled with either water or a polymer gel, can maintain temperatures between 2 to 8 degrees Fahrenheit and are ideal for items that need to stay calm but not frozen (such as pharmaceuticals or some foods). On the other hand, dry ice, which isn’t ice but consists of frozen carbon dioxide, offers freezing temperatures and can keep things chilled for much longer than a typical gel pack.

Check the Temperature

It’s essential to consider the temperature of your ice packs before shipping. If they’re too warm, they may melt or get wet, which can cause damage to your package and potentially ruin the contents. In addition, too much ice can lead to a higher shipping cost, as it adds weight to the box.

It is also important to note that not all ice packs are the same, so check the cooling medium and how long they will stay cold before buying. You’ll find everything from watery liquids to clear gels, so choosing the right product for your needs is essential. In general, gel ice packs will keep products colder for longer than ice and are more versatile in how they can be used.

For example, some ice packs have flexible exteriors, making them easier to wrap and insulate items. They’re also easier to clean and take up less space in your freezer, making them a smart choice for frequent use.

If you need a more permanent solution, dry ice options are also available. These ice packs contain frozen carbon dioxide, so they don’t melt like regular ice and have a temperature of -109.3 degrees Fahrenheit, which is more extreme than a typical ice pack. This makes them ideal for preserving perishables, food items, and medical supplies that must be kept at controlled room temperatures.

Label the Package

If you want your ice packs to be as effective as possible, you must ensure they’re properly packaged. The package’s contents and their temperature should be clearly labeled on the outside, and it is essential to use insulated packaging that will keep cold items cold and hot things hot.

It would be best to line an insulated foam container with a single or double watertight plastic liner to prevent the box’s contents from getting wet. This is especially important if you’re using water-based gel packs that can wet the box if they melt or thaw during transit.

Depending on the type of food you’re shipping, you may need additional insulation layers and a lid or cover to protect your goods from heat sources in transit. For example, if you’re shipping meats or fish, you should wrap them in aluminum foil or paper and seal the pack with bubble wrap.

You should use dry ice to ship frozen foods or other perishables requiring refrigerated temperatures. This option is safer and more environmentally friendly than ice, but you must still follow proper safety and shipping regulations when packing a shipment with dry ice. Ensure the package is labeled as containing dry ice and includes all necessary hazard and shipping labels. Lastly, it would help if you never created an airtight seal on the Styrofoam cooler or outer box where the dry ice is placed, as this can cause it to sublimate and explode.