How to Ship During the 2023 Dry Ice Shortage

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect global supply chains, there is a new challenge that is impacting businesses that ship perishable items: a dry ice shortage. Dry ice is used to keep perishable items at a consistent temperature during transportation, and with the increased demand for shipping vaccines and other medical supplies, the supply of dry ice has been stretched thin. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the dry ice shortage and how it may impact your business.

What is the dry ice shortage?

Dry ice is a solid form of carbon dioxide that is commonly used as a cooling agent for shipping perishable items such as food, medical supplies, and other temperature-sensitive products. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an increased demand for dry ice due to the distribution of vaccines and other medical supplies. This has resulted in a nationwide shortage of dry ice, which is expected to continue for the foreseeable future.

How does the dry ice shortage impact businesses?

For businesses that rely on shipping perishable items, the dry ice shortage can be a major challenge. Without access to sufficient dry ice, businesses may be forced to delay shipments or find alternative shipping methods that are more expensive. In addition, the shortage may cause prices for dry ice to increase, further impacting the bottom line for businesses.

What can businesses do to mitigate the impact of the dry ice shortage?

One potential solution for businesses that rely on dry ice is to explore alternative cooling methods. For example, some businesses may be able to use gel packs or other types of cooling agents that do not require dry ice. In addition, businesses can consider using a multi-carrier shipping solution, such as ShipStation, that can provide access to a variety of carriers and shipping methods, which can help mitigate the impact of the dry ice shortage.

Conclusion

The dry ice shortage is an unexpected challenge that has impacted businesses that rely on shipping perishable items. While the shortage is expected to continue for the foreseeable future, there are steps that businesses can take to mitigate the impact, such as exploring alternative cooling methods and using a multi-carrier shipping solution. By staying informed and being proactive, businesses can continue to meet their customers’ needs during this challenging time.