temperature-sensitive goods

Shipping temperature-sensitive freight not only depends on safe and secure shipping but also ensures that the temperature is controlled. Pharmaceuticals or perishable products can spoil much faster when exposed to extreme temperatures.

Most biological and medical products have strict temperatures requirements. A slight change in temperature may render them ineffective. Here are 7 steps you can follow to maintain the right temperature:

Understand the rules and regulations

Temperature-sensitive medical products may be subject to DEA and FDA regulations. They include pharmaceuticals, biological substances, and diagnostic specimens. Chemical shipments may be subject to federal hazardous materials restrictions.

Dry ice is also considered a hazardous material. Any non-medical consignment exceeding 2.5 kilograms (5.5 pounds) of dry ice, must meet Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (49 CFR) or comply with International Air Transportation Association (IATA) rules.

Choose a carrier experienced in the type of goods you're shipping

If you want to minimize the risk of spoilage, choose a carrier that’s well-equipped to handle your shipment. No matter how well your items may be packed, if you choose a carrier that is not experienced in handling temperature-sensitive goods, they will go bad.

Specialized expertise is highly required in handling temperature-controlled products like pharmaceuticals and other medical products. Many lives depend on the safe shipment of vaccines, pharmaceuticals, and other biological substances. To ensure your consignment maintains accurate temperature requirements, choose an experienced carrier with international access to temperature-controlled, consumer-oriented healthcare facilities to ensure safe shipment throughout transit and storage.

Choose the right packaging

If you want to maintain a constant temperature, ensure the inside of your packaging is cool and keep the heat out. This can only be achieved by proper insulation and refrigeration. Foods and products that require to be kept frozen need strong insulated foam containers.

For temperature-sensitive healthcare shipments, use pre-qualified temperature-controlled packaging (TCP). More complex systems have an in-built thermostat-controlled refrigerated container.

Monitor temperature-sensitive goods in transit

To ensure your healthcare shipment maintains the required temperature range, you need a temperature-monitoring device. For sensitive consignments, a high-tech monitoring device is recommended. It will track the condition of medical products around the clock and alert you in case there is temperature fluctuation.

Choose the right coolant

Gel packs and dry ice are ideal for items that require to be frozen. They are better options, unlike traditional ice which will melt. However, dry ice will eventually convert to gaseous carbon dioxide. In this case, ensure your packaging allows the gas to escape. Gel packs are ideal for goods that need to be kept between 32 and 60° Fahrenheit. Never let dry ice come into direct contact with any food items, seafood or flowers.

Select a fast shipping option

If you want to ship perishable products and other temperature-sensitive goods safely, you need to transport them quickly to reduce the shipment period. You can use a service that offers specific delivery and overnight shipping with a maximum shipment time of 30 hours.

Shipment tracking and delivery options

Some carriers provide shipment tracking and proactive delivery alerts. This helps recipients know the exact time to expect delivery. They provide flexible management and excellent customer service.

At Amplify Logistics, we will help your business grow by providing you with valuable advice from our in-depth knowledge and experience on how to ship temperature-sensitive items.

Are you looking for a shipping method that is best for your temperature-sensitive products? Contact us today so we can get started.