Temperature controlled logistics play a critical role in the transportation of pharmaceutical products. There can be serious implications should medicine spoil in transit, impacting patient health and wellbeing across the globe. Emerald Freight has the experience and global network of partners that provides you with safe passage for pharmaceutical products, ensuring the correct type of temperature controlled logistics at every stage of the journey.

What is temperature controlled logistics?

Temperature controlled logistics is the framework that supports the storage, preservation, and transportation of pharmaceuticals and other types of cargo that must be maintained at a certain temperature range. For medicinal products especially, any deviation from the required cold storage can result in spoiled drugs that lose their efficacy or become dangerous for patients. There are robust and stringent requirements from regulators regarding the temperature controlled transit of pharma products, and there must be a proven supply chain route that provides cold storage.

Pharmaceutical products are sensitive to temperature. Any variation in the temperature it is stored at can easily cause damage. For most pharma products the ideal temperature range of between 15°C and 25°C (59°F to 77°F). This isn’t always the case though, so both pharma companies and the freight forwarding companies must be aware of the specific requirements for each product when planning its transportation.

Standards and regulations for temperature controlled logistics

Any company working within the cold chain of pharmaceutical products must have full knowledge and working practice of the latest regulation and industry standards. Transporting drugs globally comes with complex regulations, including different customs clearance protocols in different countries (an example would be where some countries require the opening and inspection of cargo whereas others do not). Regulations belonging to the following groups are regularly updated:

  • European Union
  • World Health Organization
  • International Air Transport Association
  • Pharmacopeia
  • Parenteral Drug Association

Challenges in Pharmaceutical Shipping

Any form of logistics is complex and evolving, so it is important to be aware of the specific challenges of pharmaceutical shipping and the need for temperature control. Some of the challenges include:

Preparation before the shipment

Even if the primary method of transportation has temperature controlled units to store pharma, does the warehouse on land where the goods are stored before transit?

Transportation to the shipper location

Similarly, vehicles with refrigeration units or passive cooling systems must be sourced to ensure the drugs are not compromised in transit to the shipper location. It’s important to minimise the amount of time that pharma products are stored in ambient temperatures.

Specific logistics for specific medicines

Different pharma products will have unique specifications and temperature ranges that need to be adhered to in transit to maintain quality control and safety. This can be challenging logistically if there are multiple types of pharma within one shipment.

Manual handling

It’s vital that manual handling of the pharma product is conducted with great care, and that any electrical connections that are required for cooling are fully tested and accounted for, including the appropriate wattage at every touch point.

In transit

Once the pharma cargo has been loaded to the vessel or aircraft, the positioning of the cold storage unit is critical, as pharma should not be stored near other cargo or exit/entry points. Cooling systems must also remain active for the duration of the travel.

Types of temperature controlled logistics

Below are some of the different types of temperature controlled logistics that are used to transport pharmaceutical goods:

Refrigerated vehicles

Small vans and trucks, as well as larger vehicles on the road can be used to transport goods within refrigeration compartments to store cargo in transit. Electric control systems are installed to assist with managing temperatures (this system has an independent power unit in larger vehicles and electrical backups).

Passive shipping containers

Insulating materials and electronic systems are used to maintain the correct temperature range for specific pharma in transit. Passive shipping containers are ideal for shorter journeys, as without any human or external input the temperature range can only be maintained for a short period of time.

Active shipping systems

Larger in scope than passive shipping systems, active shipping systems are used in both air freight and ocean freight. They are large cargo containers controlled with a thermostat with an external electrical source or internal batteries. Large cooling fans and heating mechanisms control the temperature range.

Air freight or sea freight?

Choosing between air freight and an ocean freight forwarder service will depend on the speed that is required for the pharma being shipped. Some pharma products are in high demand, have high value, or are required in an emergency, and in those cases, air freight will always be more desirable. Where there isn’t the need for speed, ocean freight services can transport pharma over the course of a few weeks depending where in the world it is being shipped to.

Choosing the Right Carrier

It’s important that you choose the correct carrier for your specific pharmaceutical shipping needs. It’s important to choose a carrier that has experience with cold chain and healthcare logistics, understands the need for accurate live data for tracking and monitoring purposes, and validated reefer equipment and maintenance records. For high value stock such as pharmaceutical shipments, your carrier must ensure that all personnel are fully trained and familiar with protocols for handling pharma safely, as well as the logistical challenges that must be overcome. Insurance and security are also key for high-value goods of any kind in shipment.

If you are looking for a freight forwarder in Ireland with the experience of assisting in the temperature controlled logistics of sending pharmaceutical products to international destinations, we can help. Connect with us today and we’ll be happy to discuss your pharmaceutical transit needs and match you with the correct route and transportation method based on our global network of partners.