Expert guidance for shipping finished pharmaceuticals, temperature-sensitive goods, and more
Understanding the life sciences supply chain
Efficient, safe, and compliant transportation is essential for life sciences commodities. Shipments of biologics, pharmaceuticals, and medical equipment require seamless logistics, particularly in emergency situations where quality, speed, and temperature integrity are paramount.
Life sciences and pharmaceutical logistics involve careful handling, which medical facilities, laboratories, and other healthcare institutions rely on for their daily operations.
Shippers must navigate a variety of ambient temperature and packaging requirements, adhere to strict schedules, and utilize different modes of transportation to safely and securely deliver life sciences products.
When every patient outcome is important, choosing the right logistics partner becomes even more crucial. Effective and compliant life sciences logistics reduces the risk of product loss and benefits both the shipper and the patient.
Three things you need from life sciences logistics providers
Partnering with an experienced logistics provider is essential for managing the diverse, time-sensitive, and often temperature-sensitive requirements of your life sciences shipments. In addition to industry expertise, look for a life sciences logistics provider that possesses the following capabilities:
Versatile and compliant solutions
The life sciences industry encompasses a diverse range of products, including pharmaceuticals, biologics, and medical devices. This field has numerous logistical needs, such as temperature monitoring, GPS tracking and monitoring, reefer trucks and containers, and may involve temperature-controlled facilities, cross-docks. To ensure successful shipments, it is essential to start with well-equipped and compliant providers.
Dedicated customer service
Customer service and communication from the logistics partner are critical components of life sciences supply chain operations. Companies that provide extensive value-added services (such as white-glove delivery and product repackaging), 24/7 control tower supervision and expertise, high-tech shipment monitoring, and dedicated inventory management stand out as ideal partners for challenging life sciences shipments.
Accreditations that matter
When partnering with a logistics provider for life sciences shipments, ensure they are experienced, familiar, and trained to handle these highly regulated products. While specific compliance and federal requirements depend on geographies, important credentials include:
- C-TPAT, IATA and TAPA certifications, including IATA CEIV, enable effective customs brokerage management and efficient, wheels-up cargo clearance for life sciences imports into the U.S.
- Registration with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
- TSA-approved Certified Cargo Screening Facilities
- Good Distribution Practices (GDP) certification
- Compliance system (QMS) and accreditation
How can AIT help me with life sciences logistics?
AIT offers decades of expertise in life sciences logistics, combining a dedicated global team, in-depth compliance knowledge (including customs brokerage and FDA and USDA regulation) along with a quality management approach and cutting-edge technology to securely transport your products.
From pharmaceuticals and healthcare products, we have extensive experience across all sectors of the life sciences industry, ranging from product development and pharmaceutical product launches to large-scale distribution.
We prioritize the requirements and integrity of your shipments across the supply chain, ensuring dependable delivery of your products. With constant monitoring, extensive, dedicated global resources, and specialized life sciences expertise, we collaborate with you to provide efficient, compliant, and successful deliveries.