There are many complex regulations and compliance issues to follow in logistics, and each industry and commodity has its own set of standards. Transporting pharmaceuticals, for example, takes extra care as environmental management, proper coding, monitoring, and special handling are all critical.
When shipping pharmaceutical products, it is essential to work with a logistics partner that has experience with all related procedures and can provide you with the services, equipment, and features necessary to ensure a seamless process from end to end.
What to Look for When Partnering with A Pharmaceutical 3PL
Here are four vital criteria your 3PL must offer for reliable pharmaceutical transport.
1. Experience in the pharmaceutical industry
Transporting pharmaceuticals is not like shipping other commodities. Ambient temperature, humidity, and light must be monitored at all times to ensure the integrity of the product. Secure containers and accurate paperwork help to mitigate security concerns and maintain timelines. You need to be 100% confident that your products are in safe hands and that they will arrive at their destination, and working with an experienced 3PL is the best way to ensure these needs are met.
2. An extensive network within the field
These days, disruption is common in the supply chain. Your logistics partner should have their fingers on the pulse of the industry and be able to anticipate any issues and get ahead of them before they impact your shipment. At DTS, we maintain an extensive network of similarly-skilled carriers to help us solve problems quickly and avoid delays, ensuring your vital cargo arrives at its destination as expected.
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3. Transparent communication
Communication is the foundation of any strong relationship. When transporting sensitive goods, this capability takes on even greater importance as there is a lot at stake. Choose a 3PL that prioritizes clear and open communication, so you always know where your goods are and precisely what to expect at all times. It’s their job to put your mind at ease, so do not settle for anything less.
4. A playbook to guide their decisions
Logistics success is not a matter of luck; it’s a highly orchestrated process informed by experience and deep industry insight. In the case of pharmaceuticals, each type of shipment or commodity has specific handling and packaging requirements. Your 3PL partner should understand these needs and offer experience with all kinds of materials and goods to ensure your products receive proper treatment and handling. A playbook provides consistency, ensuring that processes are repeatable, reliable, and sustainable. Technology is essential to guide these processes. It eliminates administrative errors, enabling real-time visibility into every process and linking the chain from the laboratory to your shipment’s final destination.
How DTS Helps
At DTS World Cargo, we aim to be a trusted link between your laboratory and your clients. We provide next-generation logistics for pharmaceutical transportation, powered by industry-leading technology and informed by decades of success.
Tell us your transportation needs, and we will deliver practical and safe solutions you can rely on. Request a quote today, or set up a call to learn more.
