What Are Life Science Logistics?

Solving Life Sciences Logistics Challenges

Temperature-Controlled Supply Chain Services

Life science logistics usually refers to logistics in the medical industry. Medical devices, prescription drugs, and materials for clinical trials require specialized care. They often also require temperature-controlled services, also called cold-chained logistics. This industry has special needs, due to the importance of the products in the shipments. In many cases, they are life-saving.

These shipments are also often time-sensitive. Medications and vaccines can have strict expiration dates, and people need to receive medical products by a certain time. Some extra-sensitive shipments may require white-glove service, even going as far as hand-carrying important deliveries.

The Importance of Trustworthy Cold Chain Services

If there are significant changes in temperature during temperature-controlled service, you could lose big time. Not only will you lose products and money, but your customers may miss out on their treatment. That’s why you need to go with a dedicated provider that has a good reputation. We have the ability to provide these services whether through trucking, shipping containers on boats and trains, or international air freight.

Customized Cold Chain Pharma Logistics

No matter the industry, each of our logistics solutions is unique. This is especially true with medical shipments. For example, when running a clinical trial, you need everything to be exactly as it should be. We can help by taking extra precautions to prevent any shipping delays, accounting for weather, customs delays, and other important factors to consider so your trial runs smoothly.

Additionally, some medical devices and equipment are incredibly delicate or expensive. We can work with your team to come up with the right solution for these items. White-glove service, hand delivery, and customized set up of new devices, and removal of old ones can be arranged. We can do this in doctor’s offices, hospitals, clinics, and patients’ homes.

Many medical shipments also require a clear chain of custody. That requires an accountable partner who you can trust to perform that extra step accurately.

Real-Life Applications

In the past year, cold chain logistics services have made the news due to the COVID-19 vaccines. Most of the vaccines available need to be chilled at a low temperature between -130 and -76 degrees Fahrenheit, requiring specific solutions for shipment. This requires special attention to detail and making sure that each part of the logistics chain is completely protected. It needs special containers and trained delivery drivers and staff who need to make sure that each section of the supply chain is at the proper temperature.

Components of Cold Chain Supply Logistics

Keeping the whole chain temperature-controlled is more than just refrigerated trucks. It also requires:

Cold storage: Items need to be kept at the proper temperature even when being stored. Refrigerated medical and food products may also have expiration dates that need to be tracked.

Cold processing facilities: The places where the products are packaged, processed, and sorted need to be at the proper temperature. The workers there need to be trained how to work in such an environment and need to have proper protective equipment to maintain a sanitary environment while working with medical products.

Cold distribution centers: A distribution center is a place where shipments usually get organized and placed on trucks for final mile deliveries. These facilities also need to have cold temperature capabilities.

Cold transportation: Transportation in this realm is more than delivery trucks with refrigeration capabilities. It may involve international shipments via air, train, or container ship. They all need cooling systems and capabilities to maintain not only the proper temperature but also the proper humidity levels.

How do we keep things cool? There are many tools we can use to protect your shipment depending on the temperatures required including:

• Gel cold packs
• Dry ice
• Liquid nitrogen
• Cold plates
• Reefer (a refrigerated vehicle)
• Insulation quilts in the vehicle

We would love to solve your cold chain logistics challenges. Come to us with your questions, we are waiting to help you. If we can’t solve it, we will point you in the direction of someone who can.