Start with what you are trying to keep cold
A seller can give better advice if you explain the job. Be ready to describe the size of your cooler or shipment, what is inside it, how long it must stay cold and how far you have to travel.
Choose blocks for time, pellets for coverage
Blocks expose less surface area and usually last longer in a cooler. They are a common choice for power outages, camping and keeping frozen food cold. Pellets or nuggets fit around packages and fill open space more evenly. Pellet size can matter for shipping, laboratory work and dry ice equipment, so ask what sizes the seller carries.
There is no one-size-fits-all quantity
Cooler size, insulation, outside temperature, how often the lid opens and the length of use all affect how much you need. Ask the seller to size the order for your situation and buy as close as practical to the time you will use it.
Ask these questions before leaving home
- Do you have dry ice in stock right now?
- Do you sell to walk-in customers?
- Are blocks, pellets or both available?
- Is there a minimum purchase?
- What time does dry ice pickup end?
- Do I need to bring my own cooler?
Bring a safe way to carry it
Use an insulated cooler that can release gas, not a tightly sealed container. Bring insulated gloves or tongs, secure the cooler so it cannot tip and ventilate the vehicle during the drive.