Key Considerations For Managing Cold Chain Shipments

Key Considerations For Managing Cold Chain Shipments

Establishing reliable partners and suppliers is crucial now more than ever because of the instability in global supply chains. Knowing where to begin and who to trust for your cold chain transportation needs might be challenging, given how quickly the bio-pharma industry is changing.

A Significant Supply Chain Difficulty Is The Logistics Of The Cold Pharmaceutical Chain:

Distributors depend on dependable cold chain solutions, from packaging options to highly sophisticated refrigeration devices. The complexity of pharmaceutical supply chains has increased significantly over the past few decades, and temperature-sensitive products leave pharmaceutical companies to be shipped worldwide.

Principal Temperature Ranges Should Be Taken Into Account In Supply Chains:

As detailed below, two more significant temperature ranges are used to establish storage settings for temperature-sensitive medications under temperature control, aside from the ultra-cold environment typical of a freezer for lab usage (typically -40°C to -80°C).

Ambient Temperature:

A temperature range between 15°C and 25°C is typically referred to as the ambient temperature. However, this does not imply that items kept at these temperatures are immune to temperature changes or that temperature management is not required.

Refrigerator Temperature:

A chilled environment, such as one found in a refrigerator, is one with temperatures between 2°C and 8°C suitable for goods that need to be kept cool but not fully frozen.

Cryogenic Temperature:

Storage of products at cryogenic temperatures necessitates an atmosphere with low to extremely low sub-zero temperatures. Temperatures as low as -150°C can be reached during the cryogenic freezing process, necessitating specialised cooling and storage solutions significantly superior to those in a standard freezer.

Technology And Storage Solutions For Cold Chain Logistics Management:

When developing a cold chain, shippers must consider their budget, timeline, and medical needs. Refrigerated trucks (sometimes known as “reefer trucks” or “reefer trailers”) and climate-controlled vehicles are frequently used for domestic pharmaceutical transportation.

One of two approaches can be used to distribute pharmaceutical products internationally using a variety of shipping methods:

Active Shipping Solutions:

Active shipping systems are generally the first-choice method for international highly sensitive pharmaceutical shipments. These solutions include putting the pharmaceutical items in a portable refrigeration unit (such as a RAP or RKN unit), which may or may not have a built-in electric motor. Although there is a chance that the power sources may fail, active shipping systems are usually more dependable and can keep the temperature constant throughout the majority of shipment delays.

Passive Shipping Solutions:

Insulated containers preconditioned to fulfil temperature requirements using gel packs or other phase change materials/coolants are typical examples of passive shipping solutions. These choices are merely rated to maintain temperature ranges for 48–120 hours or two-five days and don’t need electricity or active temperature monitoring. These options, nevertheless, are less expensive and can be sufficient for faster transportation without interruptions.

Conclusion:

If you are looking for the best cold chain shipping companies, welcome to Cold Chain Packing & Logistics. To guarantee that our customers receive the highest level of efficiency and attention throughout the life cycle of their shipments, we offer professional and tailored supply chain solutions.