Offering the service, called PharmaSafe, allows TNT to support biopharmaceutical companies that need to ship vaccines, insulin, and other biologics. In an attempt to minimise risk of products being damaged or spending time outside their temperature range TNT is handling many of the tasks.
“Our customers’ temperature sensitive shipments never change hands. TNT acts as one partner, using its own networks and operations from end-to-end”, Roland Schuetze, TNT Express director global industry healthcare, said.
TNT uses its own planes, handling stations, delivery networks, and customs clearance experts. By taking control of all aspects of the supply chain TNT claims it can cut the likelihood products will be damaged during shipping.
PharmaSafe is available for routes covered by TNT’s network that links Europe, the Middle East, Asia and the US. TNT lists Shanghai, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Dubai, Moscow, and New York among its 70 destinations.
Tracking shipments
Biopharmaceuticals are transported by TNT in a brand of passive containers, called va-Q-tainer, which can keep products in a steady temperature range for 96 hours in its standard configuration. Longer durations, for example the 120 hours TNT claims, are also achievable.
Sensors placed inside and outside the container monitor temperatures during transport. Information gathered by the sensors is transmitted to TNT which shares a report with clients after delivery.
“PharmaSafe comes with cutting edge packaging and real time temperature and location tracking to further secure the transport of temperature-controlled pharmaceutical products”, Gert de Gier, TNT Express global manager industry solutions healthcare, said.