How Ocean Shipping is the Right Solution for Pharma Supply Chain

1. How Ocean Shipping is the Right Solution for Pharma Supply Chain The global pharma supply chain is a complex network of producers, pharma companies, regulators, logistics solutions, and healthcare service providers. Starting from the production and ending in the hands of a consumer pharma supply chain is highly regulated and sensitive. Cold chain logistics and a combination of LCL, FCL, and air freight shipping form the link between manufacturers and distributors across the globe. The sensitive nature of the pharma shipments, whether finished or raw material, requires a fine balancing act between business needs and regulations. Components of the Global Pharma Supply Chain The global pharma supply chain consists of multiple stakeholders. Logistical services are that part of the supply chain which connects all the links. Raw Material Suppliers Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Contract Manufacturing Organizations (CMOs) Healthcare Providers & Distributors (Wholesalers & Retail Pharmacies) Regulatory Authorities Logistics and Transportation Providers

2. Different suppliers and FCL shipping What is FCL Shipping? FCL or full container load is the standard of shipping where your cargo fills a 20feet or 40feet container in full. So, a single container carries your cargo exclusively. FCL shipping requires a minimum cargo volume before shipping to reach economies of scale. Unlike LCL shipping where each container carries cargo from multiple shippers, FCL shipping simplifies cargo handling with the entire container traveling from the shipper’s location to the buyer. FCL shipping in pharma often uses temperature-controlled or refrigerated containers of 20 feet or 40 feet volumes. These containers can be actively cooled or passively cooled. Challenges in the Global Pharma Supply Chain The global pharma supply chain faces several challenges. Some of the unique challenges force pharma companies and producers to rely on pharma-specific supply chain solutions. Some of these challenges are: Quality Assurance Maintaining the safety, and efficacy of pharmaceutical products is critical during shipping. This requires pharma suppliers for both raw materials and finished products to ensure storage within a controlled environment during shipment. Regulatory Compliance Regulatory compliance requires pharma suppliers to use appropriate shipment methods based on the freight class. For instance, APIs must be transported in reefers or active temperature-controlled pellets to ensure the internal temperature stays within a tight range. Europe’s GDP and FDA for the US are some of the most stringent quality controls shippers and their logistics partners must adhere to with pharma shipments. Supply Chain Security Safeguarding the supplies from theft, diversion, and unauthorized access during transit is a challenge for long-distance shipping. It is also important to address to prevent counterfeit drugs from entering the market. Cold Chain Tracking & Monitoring A large portion of pharmaceutical shipments, particularly vaccines, biological tissues, and certain medications, require strict temperature control throughout the supply chain. While shippers like to use actively cooled reefer containers for shipping the containers’ conditions during shipment are hard to monitor.

3. All pharma shippers including suppliers of raw materials, research and study samples, and manufacturers face these challenges somewhere in their supply chain. This is why a majority of the most critical pharma shipments take to air freight services. While air freight offers quality standards with time, loading, and handling of the cargo, it can be an insanely expensive mode to transport large quantities. However, the freight which is not as time- sensitive can be transported via ocean routes. Ocean shipping offers LCL and FCL modes of shipping. While LCL is a popular mode for e-commerce and OEMs, FCL can offer a better solution for pharma suppliers. Why FCL Shipping for Pharma? FCL shipping means filling up at least a 20 feet container for the exclusive transport of your goods. The 20-foot reefer container has a volume of 27 cubic meters. FCL shipping can resolve several issues for pharma shippers: Enhanced Security FCL shipments make it easier to ensure safety for pharmaceutical shipments since the entire container is dedicated to a single shipper. The items in the container face less handling and transfers.Thus, you can maximize container integrity and minimize the risk of contamination, tampering, or theft during transit. Safety from Contamination The exclusive feature of FCL shipping means you have complete control over the type of cargo you transport in a container. You can ensure that two pharmaceutical items which can affect each other are not mixed or shipped in the same container. If you are shipping APIs or radiological drugs they will not be exposed to other cargo during transit. Thus, FCL shipping minimizes the risk of cross-contamination or damage. Efficient Loading & Unloading It also allows for efficient loading and unloading procedures, reducing handling time and potential disruptions. Thus, FCL shipping allows you air freight level handling efficiency and quality. Simplified Documentation Since FCL shipments will generally carry one type of cargo under the control of a single shipper, documentation can be less complex. This also makes customs clearance and regulatory compliance easier at the port of entry. Faster Transit Times

4. FCL containers can move directly from the origin to the destination without the need for intermediate stops or transfers. Thus, FCL freight usually takes less time to reach the destination port and then the buyer’s hub. This can be advantageous for time-sensitive pharmaceutical shipments or when maintaining product shelf life is critical. Bulk Shipment Cost Savings Since FCL shipments do not need additional handling like LCL cargo, the shipping charges will not include overheads like handling fees. Thus, you can save on shipping costs while shipping large amounts of cargo. Tracking Your Pharmaceutical Cargo Tracking pharmaceutical cargo is another big challenge for shipping companies. Often freight forwarders' and consolidators’ cargo tracking facilities are not equipped to meet the specific needs of pharma shipments. The need for active temperature control throughout the journey means the freights must be monitored for internal temperature variance. On long sea voyages, the containers also need to be supplied with electricity from the vessel. The best way to ensure adequate tracking and monitoring features are available, you can choose freight forwarding platforms like CargoDirect which specialize in pharma shipments. Platforms like CargoDirect connect you to container providers and shipping companies using GSM or satellite-monitored containers. These containers relay the container sensor data regularly so you can be sure of the container environment. They are also equipped with alarm systems to warn the handlers and the trackers about any issue needing attention.