How to Safely Ship Pharmaceuticals: An In-depth Guide

Written by Mark Scanlon

29 August 2024

In the pharmaceutical industry, ensuring the safe and compliant transport of products is crucial. From vaccines and medical devices to controlled substances and PPE, the logistics involved require precision and expertise. If you’re wondering how to safely ship pharmaceuticals while adhering to industry standards, this guide will walk you through the key considerations and explain how Scanlon Freight can help.

Why Is GDP Compliance Important in Pharmaceutical Shipping?

Good Distribution Practice (GDP) is a set of guidelines that govern the proper distribution of pharmaceutical products. Compliance with GDP ensures that your products maintain their quality and integrity throughout the supply chain. This is crucial for protecting patient safety and meeting regulatory requirements. At Scanlon Freight, our team is fully trained in GDP and works closely with carriers that adhere to these standards, ensuring your shipments are handled with the utmost care.

How to Maintain Temperature Control During Transit

One of the biggest challenges in pharmaceutical logistics is maintaining the correct temperature for sensitive products. Whether you’re shipping frozen, chilled, or ambient pharmaceuticals, keeping them within the required temperature range is essential to prevent spoilage. Scanlon Freight offers specialised temperature-controlled logistics solutions, including:

  • Temperature-Mapped Vehicles: Our fleet includes a range of temperature-mapped vehicles, from small vans to 44-ton articulated trucks, ensuring your goods are kept at the right temperature from start to finish.
  • Cold Chain Storage: Our fully temperature-controlled warehouse can store products at +2 to +8°C and +15 to +25°C, providing a secure environment for your goods before they are shipped.
  • Specialist Packaging: We provide various temperature-controlled packaging solutions to protect your products during transit, tailored to meet your specific needs.

What Are the Options for Time-Critical Pharmaceutical Shipments?

In the pharmaceutical industry, some shipments simply can’t wait. When you need to get your products to their destination quickly, Scanlon Freight offers several time-critical solutions, including:

  • Next Flight Out: For urgent shipments, we arrange the next available flight to get your products to their destination as quickly as possible.
  • On-Board Courier Services: For high-priority shipments that require extra care, our on-board courier service ensures your package is personally escorted and delivered directly.
  • Aircraft Charter Services: For large, urgent consignments, we can arrange dedicated aircraft charters to transport your products on time.

These services are designed to meet tight deadlines while ensuring that your pharmaceutical products remain compliant with GDP guidelines.

How to Ensure Visibility and Control Over Your Pharmaceutical Shipments

Transparency is key when shipping pharmaceuticals. Knowing where your products are at all times and having access to real-time updates is vital for compliance and peace of mind. Scanlon Freight’s BoxTrax system offers a web-based portal that provides full visibility and document control over your shipments. This allows you to monitor your products’ journey from start to finish, ensuring they reach their destination safely and on time.

Why Choose Scanlon Freight for Pharmaceutical Logistics?

With over 20 years of experience in pharmaceutical logistics, Scanlon Freight is your trusted partner for safe, compliant, and reliable shipping solutions. We understand the complexities of the industry and offer tailored services that ensure your products are handled with care. Here’s what sets us apart:

  • Experienced Team: Our team is fully trained in GDP and understands the specific needs of pharmaceutical shipments.
  • Global Network: We have a worldwide network of trusted partners who ensure that GDP standards are maintained throughout the entire supply chain.
  • Customer-Centric Approach: We prioritise your needs and work closely with you to create bespoke logistics solutions that meet your specific requirements.

Get It Right with Scanlon Freight

Shipping pharmaceuticals is a complex process that requires expert handling, strict compliance with regulations, and a deep understanding of the industry’s needs. Whether you need temperature-controlled transport, time-critical delivery, or full visibility over your shipments, Scanlon Freight has the experience and expertise to ensure your products are delivered safely and on time.

If you’re ready to learn more about how we can support your pharmaceutical logistics needs, contact us today or request a quick quote. With Scanlon Freight, you can trust that your products are in safe hands from start to finish.

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