Chilled product
Start with the product’s required band and whether it is harmed by freezing. A qualified pack-out may use conditioned gel packs and insulation, with separation from the goods where required.
Understand the difference between gel packs for chilled parcels and dry ice for frozen goods. Follow the product’s temperature and packing instructions when choosing a coolant.
Request a ColdPod quoteA conditioned gel pack changes temperature as it absorbs heat inside an insulated container. Depending on its formulation and preparation, it may be used in a chilled shipping configuration. A frozen pack pressed directly against a freeze-sensitive product can make that product too cold. Use a separator and a packing arrangement appropriate to the product; do not infer an exact temperature or duration from the word “gel pack.”
Dry ice is solid carbon dioxide. As it warms, it changes directly into gas and can provide much colder conditions than a conventional water-based gel pack. This can be useful for some frozen goods, but it can also damage products that must remain chilled without freezing. Dry ice needs appropriate handling, packaging and carrier approval. Tell us that you intend to use it before booking; do not add it to a parcel on the assumption that it is equivalent to a gel pack.
Start with the product’s required band and whether it is harmed by freezing. A qualified pack-out may use conditioned gel packs and insulation, with separation from the goods where required.
Start with the temperature the product must maintain and the time between pack-out and handover. Dry ice may be considered for some configurations, but its quantity and acceptability must be confirmed.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and any applicable shipper procedures. Neither coolant by itself demonstrates a validated temperature range, monitoring record or compliance.
There is no universal number of hours. Performance changes with box size and insulation thickness, product mass and starting temperature, coolant quantity and conditioning, ambient conditions, transit time and how often the package is opened. A claim about hold time needs a suitable tested configuration and the product’s requirements. Use packaging tested for the expected journey and the product’s required temperature.
Measure the outside length, width and height of the packed parcel, and give its actual weight. Include the insulation and coolant in those measurements. ColdPod uses the greater of actual and volumetric weight, with a 30 kg chargeable weight maximum per parcel. If the declared dimensions are wrong, the parcel may be remeasured and the charge adjusted. Packaging and coolant costs are separate from a basic delivery estimate where applicable; confirm the final pack-out and price with the team.
For medicine, insulin, specimens or other healthcare items, request a suitability review before using a quote request. Do not share patient details through the general form.