New packaging for shipping infectious and noninfectious specimens and samples


The right packaging can help your shipments arrive on time and in good condition. Beginning Nov. 10, 2008, two new packaging options, the FedEx® Clinical Pak and the FedEx® UN 3373 Pak, will be available for customers shipping noninfectious and infectious specimens, respectively.

These two new packaging options measure 18" x 13.5" (45.72 cm x 34.29 cm), — it is recommended that you use this new packaging when your outer packaging measures less than 7" x 4" x 2" (17.78 cm x 10.16 cm x 5.08 cm). To order these new paks, call FedEx Customer Service at 1.800.GoFedEx 1.800.463.3339. For additional details about preparing your shipments, click here.

For noninfectious clinical samples and environmental test samples of soil and water, use the FedEx Clinical Pak.

Please note the following important information:

  1. Other types of FedEx® packaging, including the FedEx UN 3373 Pak, may not be used as outer packaging for clinical samples and environmental test samples.

  2. The FedEx Clinical Pak should not be used to ship dried samples unless the dried samples are packed following the requirements for liquid samples.

  3. FedEx Clinical Pak shipments and packages with clinical and environmental test samples may not be dropped off in a FedEx Express® Drop Box.

  4. FedEx Office Print & Ship Centres™ and FedEx World Service Center® locations may accept FedEx Clinical Pak shipments. Use the online locator and filter the search by checking "Dangerous goods," or call prior to dropping off a shipment.

  5. FedEx Clinical Pak shipments may be picked up by FedEx Express couriers. If you don't have a regular scheduled pickup, schedule a pickup now.

  6. If you use the current FedEx Clinical Pak and don't ship infectious shipments (UN 3373), you can continue to use your existing inventory of the FedEx Clinical Pak. When your remaining inventory is depleted, call FedEx Customer Service to order your new paks.


For infectious shipments of UN 3373, Biological Substance Category B, use the FedEx UN 3373 Pak.

Please note the following important information:

  1. The FedEx UN 3373 Pak should be used only as an overwrap for Biological Substance, Category B (UN 3373) shipments.

  2. The FedEx UN 3373 Pak is now classified as a dangerous goods overwrap and any required dangerous goods markings required on the exterior packaging (with the exception of the word overwrap) must be replicated on the internal packaging one layer down by the customer. If you have questions on UN 3373 shipment preparation, contact FedEx Customer Service at 1.800.GoFedEx 800.463.3339 and ask to speak to a dangerous goods specialist.

  3. Biological Substance, Category B (UN 3373) shipments may not be dropped off in a FedEx Express Drop Box.

  4. FedEx Office Print & Ship Centres and FedEx World Service Center locations (other than those that do accept regular dangerous goods shipments) do not accept shipments classified as Biological Substance, Category B (UN 3373).

  5. Biological Substance, Category B (UN 3373) shipments may be picked up by FedEx Express couriers or dropped off at specific locations. If you don't have a regular scheduled pickup, schedule a FedEx Express® pickup or call 1.800.GoFedEx 1.800.463.3339 to be directed to a FedEx location that accepts these shipments.