There are many things to consider when shipping pharmaceutical products using a cold chain logistics process. These range from complying with regulatory standards set by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), Department of Transportation (DOT), Transportation Security Administration (TSA), and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), to including the correct domestic or international documentation to accompany a shipment on its journey. It is important to take the necessary steps to ensure that the pharmaceutical products arrive safely and intact to its final destination.
The considerations below will help you understand the cold chain logistics process:
- Temperature Control: A primary concern when shipping pharmaceuticals. Products must be shipped in containers that are well insulated. Temperature-controlled shipments ensure that delicate pharmaceuticals are kept in optimal conditions.
- Security: Data loggers have been used for assurance and evidence that the shipment arrived at its destination. The quality and validity of these data loggers are checked to ensure they function properly and have the capability to provide information in an easy fashion.
- Proper License: Verification of proper licenses and equipment must be met to ship pharmaceuticals.
- Package Labeling: A critical step in the cold chain logistics process is making sure that your product’s printed package label complies with regulatory standards (IATA, DOT, TSA, CPB) and accurately depicts the package’s contents. The label is used as a means to understand the type of product being handled, the precautions that should be taken, and the risk that may be associated with that product.
Med-Ray has been the largest supplier of radio-pharmaceutical shipping containers since 1974. We offer a comprehensive line of lead shipping containers to meet all your DOT compliance and transportation safety needs with a wide variety of proprietary coatings, plastic encasements and specialized linings in numerous shapes and sizes.