Lobster Shipping Tips with Styrofoam Shipping Box Kits and Gel Ice Packs

Whether you’re shipping fresh-caught lobster from the East Coast or frozen lobster tails from your seafood shop, getting it right means preserving taste, texture, and food safety. In this guide, we’ll walk through exactly how to ship lobster by mail — using industry-proven styrofoam shipping box kits and gel ice packs for safe, reliable delivery.

📦 2025 Best Practices for Lobster Shipping

The latest LoBoy guidelines (updated July 2025) emphasize three game-changers:

 • Pre-chill everything: Gel packs, cooler, and lobster should be in the same cold space for several hours before packing to slow spoilage.
 • Vacuum-seal or wrap tightly: Use vacuum sealing or double-bagging with heavy plastic to minimize leaks, air, and odor transfer.
 • Calibrated coolant amounts: Use ~1 lb gel per cubic foot per 24 hrs (e.g. 2 lbs gel in a 2 cu ft box for 48 hrs of cold time).

Why Styrofoam Shipping Boxes Are Best for Lobster

LoBoy EPS foam coolers are trusted by seafood shippers nationwide. When paired with gel packs or dry ice and sealed in a corrugated shipping box, they provide the ultimate insulation and protection for perishable seafood.

• ✅ Thick EPS walls protect against temperature swings
• ✅ Lightweight for lower shipping costs
• ✅ Carrier-approved for FedEx, UPS, USPS seafood shipments

LoBoy coolers are available in a wide range of sizes, including XL bulk containers for commercial seafood orders.

What You Need to Ship Lobster Safely

1. LoBoy Styrofoam Cooler – sized appropriately for your shipment
2. Gel Ice Packs or Dry Ice – depending on whether you’re shipping fresh or frozen
3. Absorbent Material – newspaper, paper towels, or moisture pads
4. Waterproof Liner – poly bag or liner for wet/iced product
5. Heavy-Duty Outer Box – corrugated and tightly fitted
6. Proper Labels – “Perishable,” “Keep Refrigerated,” and Dry Ice (if used)

Fresh vs. Frozen Lobster: Shipping Tips

🦞 Shipping Live or Fresh Lobster:

• Pack lobsters in a moist environment — damp newspaper or seaweed to maintain gill moisture
• Use gel ice packs, never dry ice (it can freeze live lobsters)
• Ship via overnight service and notify the recipient in advance

🚚 Power‑User Add‑Ons

 • Absorbent moisture pads: Ideal under gel packs to soak up any condensation.
 • Waterproof liners: A sealed poly liner protects the cooler’s foam walls.
 • Temperature strip/log: Add a color-change strip or data logger — great for high-value shipments or premium service.

❄️ Shipping Frozen Lobster:

• Wrap frozen lobster tails or meat in plastic and paper layers
• Use dry ice or large gel packs
• Ensure the box is vented when using dry ice (it sublimates into gas)
• Follow carrier rules for labeling dry ice (UN1845, net weight, etc.)

Lobster Shipping FAQ

How long will gel packs keep lobster cold?

With proper packing, LoBoy gel packs can keep fresh lobster cool for 24–48 hours depending on outside temperatures and quantity used.

Can I use dry ice for lobster shipping?

Yes — but only for frozen lobster. Dry ice is too cold for live seafood and can kill it. Always follow hazardous material regulations when shipping with dry ice.

What’s the best shipping method?

We recommend overnight or 2-day delivery with FedEx or UPS. USPS Priority Mail is not ideal for live lobster due to timing uncertainty.

What size cooler should I use?

Your cooler should fit the product snugly with room for coolant. Too much empty space can cause temperature loss. See our cooler size guide here.

Pro Tips for Reliable Lobster Shipping

• ✅ Ship early in the week to avoid weekend delays
• ✅ Always line with a poly bag if there’s ice or moisture
• ✅ Pre-chill your cooler before packing
• ✅ Label clearly with PERISHABLE and temperature warnings

🌟 Additional Pro Tips

 • Mid-week shipping: Send Monday through Wednesday to avoid weekend delivery delays.
 • Recipient notice: Always notify the recipient before delivery — fresh lobster should never sit on a porch.
 • Carrier-approved labeling:
  • Fresh: “Perishable – Keep Refrigerated.”
  • Frozen with dry ice: Add UN1845 label, dry ice weight, and ventilation holes for safety compliance.

🦞 Lobster Shipping FAQ – Fresh & Updated

How long does it stay cold?
 With proper gel-pack dosing, you can maintain a 34–50 °F range for up to 48 hours — even in outdoor summer temps.
Can I use household ice?
 Not recommended. Gel packs are cleaner, safer, and more reliable. Ice melts and often damages packaging.
Is dry ice allowed?
 Yes — but only for frozen lobster. You’ll need to label the box as containing dry ice (UN1845), state the weight, and allow for ventilation. Never use dry ice with live seafood.

Get the Right Supplies for Seafood Shipping

At LoBoy, we supply thousands of seafood businesses, restaurants, and home shippers with the EPS foam coolers, gel packs, and shipping kits they need for successful cold chain delivery.

📦 Explore our full line of styrofoam shipping coolers and gel ice packs — or contact our shipping specialists for bulk rates and recommendations.