Figure out how many gel packs you need per box, what they cost, and how your total cold chain cost stacks up against your box revenue — so frozen shipments don't eat your margin.
Select Gel Pack Size (Cryo Ice by Pelton Shepherd)
Rule of thumb: Use 1 lb of gel pack per 1–2 lbs of frozen meat. A 15 lb meat box typically needs 10–15 lbs of gel packs total. Prices shown are at the 4-pallet (case) discount tier.
12 oz$0.35/ea
16 oz$0.46/ea
24 oz$0.58/ea
32 oz$0.77/ea
48 oz$1.10/ea
64 oz$1.37/ea
Prices are Pelton Shepherd Cryo Ice at 4-pallet minimum. Contact Pelton Shepherd for current pricing at your volume.
Box & Shipment Setup
Lbs of product in each box
lbs
Auto-calculated or override
packs
Zones 1–3 = 1 day; 4–6 = 2 days
days
Other Cold Chain Costs per Box
Box + liner cost
$
Corrugated shipping box
$
Sealing, shipping label
$
Cold packs, inserts, etc.
$
Revenue per Box (for % calc)
What customer pays
$
For monthly cost projection
boxes
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Results are being finalized
We're validating the gel pack and cold chain methodology for this calculator. Check back soon — or get the Free Roadmap for the full shipping framework.
* Gel pack pricing is from Pelton Shepherd Cryo Ice at 4-pallet minimum tier (as of 2024). Prices may vary.
Show full methodology ▾
Gel pack rule: 1 lb of gel pack per 1–2 lbs of frozen meat is a standard starting point. A 15 lb meat box typically requires 10–15 lbs of gel packs (5–7 × 32 oz packs). Heavier gel pack loads improve safety margin for 2-day zones but increase cost and shipping weight.
Transit day consideration: For 1-day zones, you may be able to use fewer packs. For 3-day zones, increase pack weight or switch to dry ice. Always test with your specific product, box geometry, and season before committing to a configuration.
Dry ice comparison: Dry ice runs $12–18/box for typical 10 lb loads at small-volume retail (≈$1.25–1.50/lb). Dry ice requires SOP safety labeling under DOT regulations.