What Is The Role Of Refrigerated Trucking In Shipping Pharmaceutical Goods?

• Mar 24- 2021
• Trucking Company

Shipping pharmaceuticals is a difficult and specialized process, and it’s extremely vital that it always be done correctly. Pharmaceuticals are often delicate, time-sensitive, and expensive, so knowing how to handle them is important for anyone in refrigerated trucking services. It’s especially important to do things the right way because pharmaceuticals are highly regulated, so the rules for hauling them are both very specific and strongly enforced. If you have a refrigerated trucking company, chances are you’re going to do a lot of work for the pharmaceutical industry, so knowing and following the rules is a must.

The Cold Chain

Temperature control is one of the most important things to consider when shipping pharmaceuticals. A change of even 2 degrees can spoil a whole batch of medication, so there’s very little room for error. Cold pharmaceuticals are shipped as part of something called the cold chain, which refers to a continuous state of refrigeration from the supply, to transportation, to storage, and finally to the market. Because the cold chain can never be broken or the pharmaceuticals might be ruined, there are some very specific rules that LTL refrigerated trucking companies have to follow. These rules can vary by province as well as by product, so make sure you understand everything about what you’re hauling before you get started.

Reefer Trucks

Most pharmaceuticals are shipped in special refrigerated trucks called reefer trucks. Reefer trucks are designed to hold an exact temperature for the entirety of the journey, even if it’s scorching hot outside. They feature their own refrigeration units and power sources and are used not only for pharmaceuticals but also for fresh produce, flowers, and even ice cream. Unsurprisingly, these trucks can be pretty pricey, so it’s important to make sure your employees are well trained in how to drive and maintain the vehicles.

Rules and Regulations

The rules for shipping pharmaceuticals are set by Health Canada in this country and the Food and Drug Administration in the US. They can vary based on the type of pharmaceutical being shipped, but they’re meant to ensure a few important things – that the pharma products are being kept safe and unspoiled, and that drugs are being shipped to patients as they need them. Anyone offering refrigerated trucking services should be well-versed in these rules and has a duty to uphold them in their business. Failure to follow the rules can result in some pretty hefty fines, so make sure you’re always on top of things. Besides, those rules are there for a reason, and even the smallest deviation can result in a ruined batch

Shipping pharmaceuticals might seem like a difficult task, but as long as you know and follow the rules, you should have no problem with your refrigerated trucking company. Please feel free to contact us by filling out our online form or calling us at (844) 334-0039.