South Florida’s life-sciences sector, from university labs to diagnostic start-ups and medical distributors, relies on fast and compliant shipping. A single package might contain a flammable buffer, a small amount of dry ice, and a patient specimen. Each element carries its own rules, and getting the combination right is the difference between a delivered sample and a ruined experiment.
Reagents are chemicals first
Many reagents are hazardous materials: flammable solvents, corrosive acids and bases, oxidizers or toxic compounds. Kits often contain several small bottles with different hazards, and the SDS for each component tells you how to classify them. When reagent volumes are small, limited quantity provisions may be available; read limited quantity vs excepted quantity to see if you qualify.
Specimens and infectious substances
Biological samples fall under categories that depend on risk. Category B infectious substances, for example, are shipped as UN3373 with triple packaging and specific markings, while higher-risk Category A materials have much stricter requirements. The classification is a professional judgment about the material, so involve your biosafety officer. For more detail, see our articles on Class 6 toxic and infectious substances and safely handling infectious substances.
Cold chain with dry ice
Temperature-sensitive diagnostics are often packed with dry ice (UN1845), which is regulated in its own right and has specific marking and ventilation requirements. Our guide to shipping dry ice explains the rules, and the dry ice service page shows how we support it. Warm weather makes sublimation faster, so plan quantities for transit delays.
Air versus ground
Many lab shipments go by air through Miami. Airlines enforce the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations strictly, and missing details lead to refusal. Review the common errors on IATA shipper’s declarations and the MIA hazmat air freight guide.
Packaging and labeling
- Use packaging tested and marked for the material.
- Include absorbent material for liquids.
- Mark and label every hazard present, including dry ice.
- Keep paperwork inside and outside as required.
Training is required
The person who classifies, packs and signs the paperwork needs current dangerous goods training for the mode of transport. Explore hazmat training and IATA certification in South Florida.
Plan the whole route
Share the details of the contents, quantities and timing at the start. We can help with compliance, documentation and time-critical delivery. Send a request through the quote page.
Frequently asked questions
Is UN3373 the same as dry ice?
No. UN3373 is Biological Substance, Category B, while dry ice is UN1845. A shipment can include both and must meet both sets of requirements.
Are lab reagents always hazardous materials?
Not always, but many are. Check each component’s SDS and classify the shipment accordingly.
Do I need training to ship biological specimens?
Yes. Anyone preparing these shipments must be trained for the applicable mode of transport.