You can send perishable foods from one place to another through FedEx; you simply have to take extra precautions before shipping them. If you do not, the food will spoil before arriving at its destination. Shipped food may face high temperatures or humidity while en route, and insulation and refrigeration will keep those perishable foods fresh until they arrive.

Keeping Perishables Refrigerated

1. Freeze Gel Packs

Freeze gel packs according to the package guidelines.

2. Cool the Insulated Container

Cool the insulated container that you are using by placing it in the freezer or refrigerator.

3. Insert a Liner Bag

Place a liner bag inside the insulated container.

4. Place Food and Coolants in Liner Bag

Place the food in the liner bag along with the coolants. Put the coolants on the bottom, in the middle with the food and on top of the food.

5. Place Packing Peanuts

Place packing peanuts in the liner bag to fill in the spaces.

6. Close Liner Bag

Close the liner bag securely.

7. Place Container in Box

Put the lid on the container, and place the container inside a corrugated cardboard box.

8. Close Box Securely

Close the box securely with pressure-sensitive tape. Tape all the box flaps and seams.

9. Use Overnight Shipping

Ship the perishable food by FedEx First Overnight, Priority Overnight, 1Day Freight or Standard Overnight. Use 1Day Freight if the package is more than 150 pounds.

Keeping Perishables Frozen

1. Freeze the Perishable Foods

Freeze the perishable foods before packing them.

2. Cool the Insulated Container

Cool the insulated container.

3. Line the Container

Line the container with a watertight plastic bag if the food contains a liquid that can melt.

4. Place Frozen Food in Container

Place frozen food products in the container, leaving room for dry ice.

5. Put Dry Ice in Container

Put the dry ice in the container, around and on top of the food.

6. Fill Spaces with Packing Peanuts

Fill the spaces with packing peanuts.

7. Close Liner Bag

Close the liner bag, but don't seal it. The carbon dioxide from the dry ice needs a place to escape.

8. Place Container in Cardboard Box

Put the lid on the container, and place it in a corrugated cardboard box.

9. Close and Tape the Box

Close and tape the box, using-pressure sensitive tape. Tape down all the seams and flaps.

10. Complete all Paperwork

Complete all required paperwork for shipping as well as correctly marking the box, since FedEx considers dry ice to be a dangerous material.

11. Use Overnight Shipping

Ship the perishable food by FedEx First Overnight, Priority Overnight, 1Day Freight or Standard Overnight. Use 1Day Freight if the package is more than 150 pounds.

Things You Will Need

  • Insulated container

  • Gel packs

  • Dry ice

  • Perishable food

  • Pressure-sensitive tape

  • Packing peanuts

Tip

Package the perishables to last for 30 hours, even if you pick an overnight service. It may take a few hours longer than you expect, or the package may not be picked up on time on the other end of the shipment.

Do not ship your items over a weekend or holiday when they may sit in transit for longer periods.

Warning

Never put dry ice in an airtight container because the carbon dioxide pressure could make the container burst.