Let’s say your uncle in Kansas has been dreaming of fresh Maine lobster since his last beach trip—or maybe you’re a small seafood business trying to expand your reach without turning your deliveries into mush. Either way, shipping seafood can be tricky. The good news? With dry ice, it’s totally doable. At Ice Maven, we help people and businesses keep things cold—really cold. Whether you’re mailing out fresh shrimp or a case of oysters, here’s what you need to know to ship seafood the right way using dry ice. 🐟❄️

Step 1: Choose the Right Container

Start with an insulated cooler or a sturdy Styrofoam box that fits snugly into a corrugated cardboard shipping box. You want the cold air to stay in and the warm air out—tight is right. Avoid just tossing everything into a cardboard box and hoping for the best. Seafood is perishable and sensitive to temperature swings. A high-quality insulated container gives you a fighting chance to get your goods to their destination in perfect shape.

Step 2: Wrap Your Seafood Well

Whether it’s fillets, crab legs, or scallops, make sure your seafood is vacuum-sealed or tightly wrapped in plastic. This helps prevent freezer burn and keeps things tidy in case any thawing happens en route. If you’re shipping live seafood like lobsters or clams, you’ll want to research best practices specific to their needs—they can be a bit finicky.

Step 3: Add Dry Ice (The Right Way)

Here’s the part people get nervous about—but don’t worry, it’s simple. Line the top of your seafood with dry ice, not the bottom. Cold air sinks, so placing the dry ice on top helps the cold trickle down and surround your shipment. How much dry ice? It depends on how far you’re shipping and how long it’ll be in transit. A general rule is 5–10 pounds for every 24-hour shipping period. Ice Maven can help you figure out the right amount for your package—we deliver dry ice straight to your door, so you don’t need to stress about last-minute pickups. ⚠️ Just a quick heads-up: Never seal dry ice in an airtight container. It releases carbon dioxide gas as it sublimates, and that gas needs somewhere to go. Leave a vent or small gap in your packaging.

Step 4: Label It Properly

Shipping with dry ice means you’ve got to follow the rules. Make sure the box is labeled with “Dry Ice” and lists the weight of the dry ice in kilograms (yep, metric—those are the rules). FedEx, UPS, and other carriers have specific guidelines, so double-check their dry ice shipping policies before you drop off your package.

Step 5: Ship It Fast

Seafood waits for no one. Always choose overnight or express shipping, especially in the summer. Even the best packaging won’t hold up forever. The faster it gets to the recipient, the fresher—and safer—it will be.

Shipping seafood with dry ice isn’t rocket science, but it does take some prep. Done right, your package will show up cold, fresh, and ready to eat—not swimming in disappointment. Need dry ice in a hurry? Ice Maven delivers straight to your door, whether you’re shipping one lobster or a whole pallet of fish. We work with individuals and businesses alike—so whether you’re sending a surprise gift or fulfilling wholesale orders, we’ve got your back. 📦🐠 Questions? We’re happy to help.