Shipping Cargo with Dry Ice: Rules and Mass Limitations

Dry Ice as a Specific Cargo in Aviation

When organizing international shipments of temperature-sensitive goods — from pharmaceuticals to high-end food products — dry ice (solid carbon dioxide) is frequently used. In air logistics, dry ice is classified as a Class 9 dangerous good (UN1845). This is due to its physical property: sublimation. When transitioning from a solid to a gas, carbon dioxide displaces oxygen, which in the confined space of a cargo hold can lead to a critical drop in oxygen levels and pose a threat to the crew or the aircraft's integrity due to pressure buildup. KAZLOGIST.KZ specialists take these risks into account when planning every shipment.

Mass Limitations on Board the Aircraft

The maximum allowable amount of dry ice on a single flight is not a fixed value for all of aviation. Limits are set by airlines individually for each aircraft type and depend on the performance of the cargo hold's ventilation system.

• Narrow-body aircraft: Usually have strict limitations because the air volume in the holds is small. Here, the limit can range from a few dozen to a couple of hundred kilograms for the entire aircraft.
• Wide-body and cargo aircraft: Allow for significantly larger volumes — up to several tons of dry ice, thanks to powerful air recirculation and exchange systems.

When booking space through KAZLOGIST.KZ, we request current quotas from the airline in advance. If your cargo requires a large volume of refrigerant, we select the appropriate aircraft type to avoid loading refusal at the departure airport.

Packaging and Ventilation Requirements

The main rule when using dry ice is that the packaging must never be airtight. The gas produced during evaporation must be able to escape freely. If a container is tightly sealed, internal pressure could lead to the packaging rupturing.

• Special isothermal containers made of expanded polystyrene or modern thermal boxes with vacuum panels are used.
• The outer packaging must be strong enough to withstand stacking and handling.
• KAZLOGIST.KZ recommends using proven packaging solutions to minimize the sublimation rate and maintain the temperature regime throughout the journey.

Documentation and Labeling

To transport cargo on dry ice by air, the shipper must prepare a set of documents. In addition to the standard invoice and packing list, the following are required:

• Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS): A document describing the properties of the substance and safety precautions.
• Air Waybill (AWB): It must include the words "Dry Ice", Class 9, UN1845, and the net weight of the dry ice in each package.
• Labeling: A special Class 9 label and text indicating the weight of the refrigerant in kilograms must be applied to each cargo piece.

The KAZLOGIST.KZ team verifies the correctness of labeling and documentation before the cargo reaches the airport terminal, eliminating delays during the export clearance stage.

How Shipping Costs are Calculated

The cost of shipping cargo with dry ice is higher than standard rates. This is due to dangerous goods handling fees (DGR fee) and the need for priority loading. When calculating, it is important to remember that the airline charges based on the greater of actual or volumetric weight. Dry ice adds to the actual mass but does not increase volume; however, its presence requires booking specific positions on board. Usually, shipping from Europe or China to Kazakhstan takes 3–6 days, and the ice quantity calculation should include a buffer for unforeseen delays at transit hubs.

If you require a professional calculation for the delivery of temperature-sensitive cargo using dry ice, please contact our specialists for a precise quote.