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Shipping perishables
Any item that can spoil or become unsafe to eat if it’s not maintained at a specific temperature is considered perishable. Think dairy, meat, eggs, fish, and vegetables. Even flowers, pharmaceuticals, or cooked foods. Use this guide to learn how to correctly prep and pack your perishables.
Prep to ship perishables: Here’s what you’ll need
To properly ship your perishables, you’ll need:
- Coolant (make sure you choose the right type to keep your shipment cold or frozen)
- Insulated foam container
- Outer corrugated box
Coolant (make sure you choose the right type to keep your shipment cold or frozen)
Insulated foam container
Outer corrugated box
Depending on your perishables, you may also need:
- Watertight plastic liner and/or bag (minimum of 2-mil thickness recommended)
- Packing material, such as packing peanuts
- Absorbent materials, such as pads, cellulose wadding, or paper towels
Watertight plastic liner and/or bag (minimum of 2-mil thickness recommended)
Packing material, such as packing peanuts
Absorbent materials, such as pads, cellulose wadding, or paper towels
Types of coolants
To keep food or other perishables cold or frozen in transit, you’ve got three options.
Gel packs
Choose gel packs when your items need to be kept cold between 34ºF (1ºC) and 50ºF (10ºC).
Dry ice
Choose dry ice to keep items frozen.
If you use dry ice for shipping perishables, you need to follow our dry ice requirements and restrictions.
Wet ice
FedEx prefers the use of gel packs when shipping items that need to be kept cold. If you need to use wet ice, follow our wet ice guidelines.
- Line the bottom of your shipping container with an absorbent material for extra protection.
- Line the inside of the shipping container with a large plastic bag (e.g., a garbage bag).
- Double-bag the ice (minimum 2-mil plastic bags recommended).
- Seal each bag securely by twisting the open end of the bag, folding it over, and wrapping a rubber band tightly around the folded part.
How to seal a watertight bag for wet ice transit
How to seal a watertight bag for wet ice transit
STEP 1
Twist the end tightly
STEP 2
Fold it over
STEP 3
Wrap a rubber band tightly around the folded part
FedEx Express requirements
FedEx Express requirements
- If you use dry ice for shipping perishables, you must provide correct identification, classification, marking, and labeling on your box to comply with current requirements in the International Air Transport Association (IATA) dangerous goods regulations.1
- You can drop off dry ice and other dangerous goods shipments at some staffed FedEx locations. Find a location near you, then select “Dangerous goods shipping.” If you don’t drop off your dry ice package at a FedEx location, you must tender it to FedEx Express via a scheduled pickup from your location.
The outer packaging must contain the following permanent markings and information:
- “Dry ice” or “carbon dioxide solid”
- “UN 1845”
- Net weight of dry ice in kilograms
- Name and address of the shipper
- Name and address of the recipient
When you create your shipment online or via a FedEx airbill, select “Dry Ice” and fill out the appropriate dry ice info. If completing a paper airbill, mark “Yes, Shipper’s Declaration not required” in the Special Handling section.
FedEx Ground restrictions
FedEx Ground restrictions
- Dry Ice isn’t regulated as a hazardous material when shipped via FedEx Ground, but you still need to mark the package as “Dry Ice” and let the driver picking it up know that it contains dry ice.
- Shipments that contain dry ice to refrigerate diagnostic specimens considered biohazards (such as blood, urine, and tissues) aren’t accepted by FedEx Ground.
- Dry ice can’t be shipped to, from, or within Alaska or Hawaii via FedEx Ground.
Have questions about shipping with dry ice?
Please call customer support. Press "81" or say "dangerous goods" and press "4" for the next available Dangerous Goods agent.
How to pack cold or frozen food
Ready to start packing? Use the steps below to preserve your perishables:
| To keep items cold: | To keep items frozen: | |
| Step 1 | Prepare gel coolants and an insulated container.
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Prepare perishables and an insulated container.
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| Step 2 | Arrange your cold perishables securely inside the insulated container.
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Arrange your frozen perishables securely inside the insulated container.
|
| Step 3 | Package the insulated container in a corrugated box.
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Package the insulated container in a corrugated box.
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If you’re shipping with wet ice to keep perishables cold or frozen, follow these instructions.
NOTICE: This packaging information is provided to FedEx customers to help reduce loss or damage due to improper packaging. It is NOT intended to be a comprehensive guide for packaging items we accept for transit. We make no warranties, expressed or implied, regarding this information. Proper packaging is the sole responsibility of the shipper. For more information and comprehensive guidelines, please call customer support; press “81” or say “dangerous goods,” then press “4” for the next available dangerous goods agent. (Outside the U.S., request to speak to a dangerous goods representative.) Refer to the current FedEx Service Guide for terms, conditions, and limitations applicable to FedEx delivery services.1
Packing pointers: Use these tips to ship your perishables
Pack your shipment so that it can withstand being handled in different orientations.
Use a refrigerant that will keep products within the required temperature range. Gel coolants refrigerate products between 34ºF (1ºC) and 50ºF (10ºC). Use dry ice for frozen items.
Use an insulated foam container with a minimum of 1-1/2"-thick walls. Line the inside of the container with a watertight plastic liner if your item can melt or thaw.
Double-bag perishable products that can melt or thaw and shipments that contain liquid in watertight plastic bags (minimum of 2-mil thickness).
Place the insulated foam container inside a sturdy outer container, such as a corrugated box.
Place your label on top of the box to increase the chances that your shipment will be transported in the preferred orientation.
Provide the address and 24-hour phone number of both the shipper and the recipient on each shipping label. Mark your package “perishable” if it’s not already on the box. Marking your box with “This End Up” doesn't guarantee that it will remain that way while in transit. By placing your label on top, you increase the chances that it will be shipped in the preferred orientation.
Image depicts a perishables shipment packed with gel coolants.
- Pack your shipment so that it can withstand being handled in different orientations.
- Use a refrigerant that will keep products within the required temperature range. Gel coolants refrigerate products between 34ºF (1ºC) and 50ºF (10ºC). Use dry ice for frozen items.
- Use an insulated foam container with a minimum of 1-1/2"-thick walls. Line the inside of the container with a watertight plastic liner if your item can melt or thaw.
- Double-bag perishable products that can melt or thaw and shipments that contain liquid in watertight plastic bags (minimum of 2-mil thickness).
- Place the insulated foam container inside a sturdy outer container, such as a corrugated box.
- Place your label on top of the box to increase the chances that your shipment will be transported in the preferred orientation.
- Provide the address and 24-hour phone number of both the shipper and the recipient on each shipping label. Mark your package “perishable” if it’s not already on the box. Marking your box with “This End Up” doesn't guarantee that it will remain that way while in transit. By placing your label on top, you increase the chances that it will be shipped in the preferred orientation.
FedEx Express service options: Faster means fresher
Shipments containing perishables must be packaged for a minimum transit time of at least 12 hours greater than our delivery commitment time for the shipment. Perishables coming from Hawaii to the continental U.S. must be packaged for additional transit time. Read our terms and conditions to learn more.
- The maximum gross weight allowed per package for most FedEx Express® overnight services is 150 lbs. That weight includes packaging and refrigerant.
- For overnight shipment of packages with a gross weight of 151–2,200 lbs. each, use FedEx 1Day® Freight.
We don’t recommend shipping perishables via FedEx 2Day®, FedEx 2Day® Freight, or FedEx Express Saver®. If you choose one of those services, make sure your packaging will protect your products for at least 12 hours longer than the delivery commitment time.
- Avoid shipping perishables on days that will require transit on a weekend or over a holiday.
Ready to ship?
Use your FedEx account or log in as a guest. Have your shipping info ready and your credit card handy.
Save time by having one of our couriers pick up your shipment. A small fee applies.
As long as your shipment doesn’t contain dry ice, you can drop it off at a location near you.
Cold shipping for your business
If your business needs more sophisticated methods for shipping perishables, our cold-shipping options can help.
Want us to take care of your perishable shipment? Check out our portfolio of temperature-controlled options.
Eliminate the need for gel coolant by using our cold shipping package with a built-in chilling unit.
Go to extremes—with the FedEx® Deep Frozen Shipping Solution
If you ship products that need extreme cold to stay viable (e.g., chemicals and pharmaceuticals), our liquid nitrogen dry vapor technology might be right for you. It’s a contract-only service, so contact your account rep for help. Or please call customer support.
Make sure your packaging can protect your perishables
If you’re using your own packaging to ship perishables, put it to the test. Engineers in the FedEx Packaging Lab will evaluate your materials and let you know if they’re ideal for shipping perishable goods. Tests are complimentary to FedEx account holders.
Resources for shipping perishables
Dry ice is a great option for keeping perishables frozen. But because it’s considered a dangerous good or hazardous material, it has restrictions.
With the FedEx Delivery Manager® app, you can get tracking details, alerts, and notifications for your perishable shipments. It’s easy to use and free to sign up.
Ready to sell your perishable items online? Check out a fellow small-business owner’s top five tips before you take that step.
Want to learn more? Get how-tos and tutorials, and stay up to speed with our latest articles and small-business insights.
Take shipment visibility to the next level with the FedEx Surround® monitoring and intervention suite. Use its predictive insights to make proactive decisions. Get your shipment prioritized. And let us intervene when necessary.
Flowers and plants are fragile and have special shipping needs.
Learn how you can make sure they arrive alive and vibrant.
Flowers and plants are fragile and have special shipping needs.
Learn how you can make sure they arrive alive and vibrant.
FAQs about shipping perishables
What kind of perishable shipping boxes do I need?
You’ll need a sturdy corrugated cardboard box with enough room to hold the insulated foam container that contains your perishables. Read our packing tips and a get a list of packing and shipping supplies.
What is the cheapest way to ship frozen food?
It depends on what you’re shipping, its size and weight, and how fast you need it delivered. Get rates and delivery options.
Where can I buy dry ice for shipping?
Many grocery stores sell dry ice. Be aware, though, that it’s considered a dangerous good and hazardous material, and you must mark and label your box accordingly. Follow these requirements for using and shipping dry ice.
How do I protect my items from freezing during shipping?
If you need to protect your item from low temperatures and keep it from freezing, you can use gel coolants as “heat sinks.” Allow the gel coolants to reach room temperature (about 72ºF). Then place them around your item to help prevent freezing.
Does cooked meat need to be shipped a different way than raw meat?
The important thing is to maintain the temperature of the product. If you’re shipping frozen meat like steaks, you’ll want to keep them frozen. If you’re shipping refrigerated cooked meat, like barbecue ribs, follow the steps for shipping cold items.
Does chocolate need to be packed on ice?
You don’t necessarily need ice, but because chocolate melts at 80ºF, it’s a good idea to include a gel pack. Get tips from Phillip Ashley Rix, owner of Phillip Ashley Chocolates and FedEx Small Business Grant Contest finalist.
Can oranges, apples, and other fruits be shipped without refrigeration?
A good rule of thumb is to keep the product as cold as it was when you acquired it. Oranges and apples typically don’t need refrigeration if they’re being shipped via one of our FedEx Express services with 1–2-day delivery. If you’re shipping fruits that require refrigeration, follow the steps for shipping cold items and ensure that your packaging protects fruits prone to bruising.
Can I ship baked goods?
Cookies and other shelf-stable baked goods are fine to ship without insulation or refrigerants. Cakes, pies, and similar baked goods should be shipped frozen.
Can perishables be shipped internationally?
If you’re a consumer, we don’t recommend it. If you have a business, check out our global prohibited and restricted items lists and explore temperature-control options to learn more.
What kind of perishable shipping boxes do I need?
You’ll need a sturdy corrugated cardboard box with enough room to hold the insulated foam container that contains your perishables. Read our packing tips and a get a list of packing and shipping supplies.
What is the cheapest way to ship frozen food?
It depends on what you’re shipping, its size and weight, and how fast you need it delivered. Get rates and delivery options.
Where can I buy dry ice for shipping?
Many grocery stores sell dry ice. Be aware, though, that it’s considered a dangerous good and hazardous material, and you must mark and label your box accordingly. Follow these requirements for using and shipping dry ice.
How do I protect my items from freezing during shipping?
If you need to protect your item from low temperatures and keep it from freezing, you can use gel coolants as “heat sinks.” Allow the gel coolants to reach room temperature (about 72ºF). Then place them around your item to help prevent freezing.
Does cooked meat need to be shipped a different way than raw meat?
The important thing is to maintain the temperature of the product. If you’re shipping frozen meat like steaks, you’ll want to keep them frozen. If you’re shipping refrigerated cooked meat, like barbecue ribs, follow the steps for shipping cold items.
Does chocolate need to be packed on ice?
You don’t necessarily need ice, but because chocolate melts at 80ºF, it’s a good idea to include a gel pack. Get tips from Phillip Ashley Rix, owner of Phillip Ashley Chocolates and FedEx Small Business Grant Contest finalist.
Can oranges, apples, and other fruits be shipped without refrigeration?
A good rule of thumb is to keep the product as cold as it was when you acquired it. Oranges and apples typically don’t need refrigeration if they’re being shipped via one of our FedEx Express services with 1–2-day delivery. If you’re shipping fruits that require refrigeration, follow the steps for shipping cold items and ensure that your packaging protects fruits prone to bruising.
Can I ship baked goods?
Cookies and other shelf-stable baked goods are fine to ship without insulation or refrigerants. Cakes, pies, and similar baked goods should be shipped frozen.
Can perishables be shipped internationally?
If you’re a consumer, we don’t recommend it. If you have a business, check out our global prohibited and restricted items lists and explore temperature-control options to learn more.