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Pharmaceutical Logistics Solutions

Pharmaceutical logistics management is challenging due to the difficulties of shipping highly sensitive, valuable medication and vaccines. Learn how to manage your pharmaceutical logistics better and how FreightCenter can help streamline your operations.

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Pharmaceutical Logistics Management

The pharmaceutical industry is a cornerstone of modern medicine. Pharmacies, drug stores, hospitals, doctors’ offices, and other medical facilities rely on medications, vaccines, and various treatments to care for their patients.

This reliance underscores the importance of pharmaceutical logistics as a crucial component of the supply chain. Unlike other products, pharmaceutical goods are subject to strict laws and regulations due to their sensitive nature. Shippers must ensure that these products are transported safely and securely while adhering to both domestic and international regulations.

To streamline the shipping of medications and vaccines, partnering with a top-tier third-party logistics provider (3PL) like FreightCenter can greatly simplify pharmaceutical logistics management. Discover how FreightCenter can assist in managing your pharmaceutical shipping needs, making the entire process straightforward and efficient.

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Why Choose FreightCenter for Pharmaceutical Logistics Management?

 

Expertise in Freight Shipping: With over 25 years in the logistics industry, FreightCenter is dedicated to guiding you through the entire pharmaceutical logistics process, from beginning to end. Our goal is to make freight shipping easy to understand and book. Don’t waste time researching and receiving quotes from individual carriers- FreightCenter’s got your back!

Competitive Rates with Tailored Solutions: We prioritize high-quality customer service without breaking your wallet. We utilize our relationships with regional and national carriers to offer you competitive, affordable rates while providing personalized solutions to your needs. Need cold chain services? We got you! Want to expedite your order? Leave it to us! We’re ready to provide tailored solutions that don’t compromise your freight shipment.

Personalized Customer Support: FreightCenter is committed to satisfying our customers. Our friendly customer support team is here to help you every step of the way, from initial inquiries to post-shipment concerns. We handle all aspects of pharmaceutical logistics, including tracking, paperwork, and communication with carriers, so you can focus on your business while we manage your shipment. Choose us for our reliable service and affordable quotes!

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General vs. Pharmaceutical Logistics

The primary distinction between standard logistics and pharmaceutical logistics lies in the level of security and protocols necessary for both domestic and international shipping. This difference arises from the nature of the shipments; medications and vaccines are both costly and delicate, making them susceptible to damage, theft, and counterfeiting.

Additionally, some pharmaceuticals are temperature-sensitive, necessitating the use of temperature-controlled vehicles and storage units, as well as heat-resistant packaging and other equipment to maintain the required temperature for these sensitive products.

Many pharmaceutical products are also controlled substances, requiring extensive security, documentation, and stringent quality assurance tests. These types of products are targets for illicit drug trafficking, which is why they must be securely handled and shipped.

Pharmaceutical logistics is a highly regulated industry, which is why so much care and effort must be taken to ensure your pharmaceutical products are successfully shipped. Some of the key elements that make pharmaceutical logistics successful include:

  • Strategically procuring and managing inventory
  • Supplying temperature-controlled storage and transportation
  • Monitoring and tracking pharmaceutical shipments in real-time
  • Complying with domestic and international regulations and quality assurance
  • Packaging shipments to ensure product quality and safety
  • Handling and transporting shipments securely to prevent theft and counterfeiting

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Cold Chain’s Role in Pharmaceutical Logistics

Some vaccines, medications, and other pharmaceutical products must be kept refrigerated at all times. These products cannot be used correctly if they aren’t at a consistent temperature. For example, influenza (flu) vaccines should be refrigerated between 36° to 46° F (2° to 8° C) and cannot be used if they go below 36° F. Insulin also needs to be kept at this temperature and must be kept out of direct sunlight and heat.

Cold chain logistics are essential for pharmaceuticals that rely on specific temperature conditions. This system helps prevent spoilage and degradation caused by exposure to heat by employing cold chain technology, including refrigerated vehicles, temperature-controlled warehouses, and temperature monitoring systems. By investing in these technologies, businesses can ensure the integrity and safety of their products.

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Pharmaceutical Logistics Regulations and Certifications

Pharmaceutical logistics is complex due to the amount of regulations, laws, and rules that must be obeyed.

Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMPs): These are strict rules for all facets of pharma shipping, including quality management, facilities, equipment, packaging, labeling, records, reports, organization, production, and returns.

Country-Specific Regulations: Each country has a pharma regulatory body that dictates pharma policies, including importing/exporting, testing, manufacturing, and distribution. A logistics partner working with an international business must adhere to each nation’s rules.

Controlled substance laws: Logistics providers must comply with controlled substance laws that set out rules for storing, documenting, transporting, and securing controlled substances like opioids, stimulants, depressants, and anabolic steroids.

WHO Good Distribution Practices (GDP) Certification: The World Health Organization (WHO) requires pharmaceutical distributors to follow set protocols. A third party can issue a certificate verifying your business is following GDP standards for safety and security. While the certification isn’t required for all nations, it is a requirement for EU pharmaceutical companies and their logistics partners.

ISO Certification: This certificate is issued by an independent organization, which verifies that your company complies with the international standards set by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). By obtaining this certification, you are ensuring that your products or services are safe, reliable, and of high quality while also demonstrating that your business adheres to ethical and sustainable practices.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Pharmaceutical Logistics Management

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Q. Why is pharmaceutical logistics so heavily regulated?

A.

Pharmaceuticals are vital for medical offices and hospitals but are also lucrative for illegal drug trafficking and counterfeiters, making them easy targets for theft and loss. Some medications and vaccines also must be kept consistently chilled; if they are not, the medicine will not be as effective. Because of both of these reasons, regulatory bodies from domestic and international countries enforce strict regulations regarding the shipment of pharmaceuticals.

Q. When do I need to order cold chain services for my medication or vaccine shipment?

A.

It depends on the pharmaceuticals you are shipping. Some do not need refrigeration; they can be stored at room temperature. However, other medications and vaccines, like insulin and the flu vaccine, need to be kept at a consistent, cold temperature lest the medication’s efficacy be lessened. Ensure that you check with the manufacturing and production team to determine whether cold chain services are necessary for your pharmaceutical shipment.

Q. How can I find out what regulations and certifications I will need to ship pharmaceutical products internationally?

A.

Proper research will be necessary to find out what regulations, certifications, and other factors you’ll need to be aware of when shipping medications abroad. The US Food and Drug Administration has a guide on human drug exports.

If you’re shipping abroad, search for the destination country’s rules on importing or exporting drugs. For example, the United Kingdom has the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) as its pharmaceutical regulatory body.

Finally, if you are using a 3PL, your booking agent will have information on international safety regulations and customs clearance regarding pharmaceuticals, including essential paperwork that must be completed.

3 Advantages of Using FreightCenter for Supply Chain Optimization

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25+ Years of Service

We have over 25 years of experience, as evidenced by our large network of professional carriers. Our knowledgeable team of shipping experts is ready to help you optimize your shipping experience.

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Customizable Shipping Options

Need a liftgate? No problem! Need to ship your products quickly? We got you covered! Our FreightCenter agents can offer tailored solutions for your specific shipping needs while offering affordable rates you can’t find anywhere else.

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Friendly Customer Support

Our customer support team has the answers to many of your shipping questions and concerns. We’re here to help you through every step of the shipping process, from initial inquiries to post-shipment issues.

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