Cryogenic transport is the safe movement of biological or industrial material at cryogenic temperatures from one location to another, whether between rooms within a facility, between buildings on the same site, or between cities and countries by road, rail, or air. Each transport scenario presents different technical and regulatory challenges that require specific equipment and documented procedures.
Within a facility, the primary cryogenic transport challenge is moving liquid nitrogen storage dewars safely between storage areas, filling stations, and laboratory spaces. Dewars containing LN2 must be moved on purpose-designed trolleys or carts that provide stability and reduce the risk of tipping, spillage, and the associated asphyxiation and cold burn hazards.
Between facilities, the safe transport of cryopreserved biological samples requires dry shipper technology. A dry shipper is a purpose-designed cryogenic transport vessel in which liquid nitrogen is absorbed into a porous internal matrix. The absorbed LN2 provides cryogenic temperature to the sample compartment without free liquid being present. This is critical for air transport compliance: IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations classify free liquid nitrogen as a hazardous material with specific packaging, labelling, and quantity restrictions. A properly charged dry shipper with no free liquid is the standard solution for international biological sample transport.
Dry shippers must be properly charged before use, which involves a specific filling and absorption cycle to ensure maximum LN2 uptake and minimum free liquid. An improperly charged dry shipper will not maintain cryogenic temperature for the duration of the journey, which is the primary cause of sample loss during transport.
Holding time is the critical specification for cryogenic transport planning. Dry shippers are rated for holding times typically ranging from 24 hours to over 10 days depending on size and design. The holding time must exceed the total transit time plus a safety margin for delays.
Cryoport announced in March 2025 a strategic partnership with a leading biopharmaceutical company to expand end-to-end cold-chain logistics and storage solutions for biologics, enhancing global capacity to support accelerated clinical development and commercialisation.
Cryolab supplies dry shippers for safe cryogenic transport of biological samples. View the dry shipper range or contact the Cryolab team for transport planning guidance.
