The Importance of Reliable Pharmaceutical Logistics Practices

pharmaceuticals-resized-600.jpgWhile logistics is a most crucial matter to companies in any industry, getting pharmaceutical logistics solutions right can be a matter of life and death, depending on the situation. Hospitals, primary care physicians, urgent care facilities, pharmacies, and a number of other establishments need to have medicines readily available in order to care for their patients; sometimes for life threatening situations. Fortunately, the top pharmaceutical logistics companies have specific services tailored to the unique demands of this industry.

Shipping Checks and Balances:

Whether pharmaceutical logistics solutions involve goods that are being shipped by air, land or sea, the most reliable companies will take measures to ensure that cargo arrives promptly and in one piece by performing the following procedures:

  • Creating temperature controlled environments
  • Utilizing the correct padding, boxing and stacking methods to prevent jostling or breakage
  • Taking extra security measures to ensure the correct parties are handling and receiving the goods from when the cargo is picked up until it is delivered
  • Offering several transport methods to offer rush delivery if necessary

By offering such a broad range of shipping services, the most elite pharmaceutical logistics companies can help customers with even the most specific needs. This allows their patients to receive the medicine they will ultimately need for recovery. Even under strained circumstances, there are always pharmaceutical logistics choices that top providers can decide on to ease stress of those who need the product the most.  

Management Solutions:

Companies that offer all of the most reliable and trusted pharmaceutical logistics solutions are also experts at knowing how to manage even the most complicated of orders. These notions go far beyond getting the timing, packing and shipping methods correct. Customers in the pharmaceutical industry have specific demands that need to be met in a timely manner, and pharmaceutical logistics companies can respond successfully by offering the following:

  • Tracking with technology that allows up to the minute real-time reporting so that customers always know where their shipment is
  • Vast and far reaching distribution services to ship any freight just about anywhere in a specific time frame
  • White glove services that compliment courier, fulfillment, delivery and customer service solutions so that both the merchandise and customer are treated with respect

Pharmaceutical logistics companies are aware that there are not just lives, but a tremendous amount of money at stake with each shipment. One false move can cause a shipment of medicine to break, expire or end up lost and can result in a loss of tens or hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars. This is why the nature of the pharmaceutical logistics solutions that specialized companies offer is so vast.

The Importance of Building Trust with Your Logistics Provider:

When handling incredibly sensitive materials, there is nothing more important than facilitating an air of truth between customer and pharmaceutical logistics providers. While the act of trust may begin with promises, it always ends in the deeds of both parties involved in each transaction. This is why top pharmaceutical logistics companies go above and beyond the call of duty to ensure long and lasting relationships. Successful logistics companies dealing with the pharmaceutical industry pride themselves on building a series of connections with lifelong customers who trust many of the lives of their patients to the overall performance of the logistics company itself.

STC Logistics strives to continue to be a trusted partner for pharmaceutical logistics solutions, including air shipping and ground shipping. Contact us today to learn about all of the logistics solutions that we can provide for your pharmaceutical shipping needs.

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The Impact of White Glove Service for Logistics Solutions

blog picThere are many different types of freight being shipped every day across land, air, and sea channels. Some items tend to be far more fragile than others,thus require specialized attention in order to prevent an imminent disaster. The most ideal logistics solutions needed for cargo of the most delicate nature will come from carriers who embrace the concepts behind white glove service and understand its overall importance. As a result of such diligence, any business can feel secure knowing that their logistics affiliates are willing to take the time to carefully secure, handle and transport their cargo based on the unique physical attributes each shipment possesses, as well as the price tag of the items themselves and the time-sensitivity they require.

Countering Potential Shipping Issues:

Just as different types of freight require different levels of hands on attention, each unique shipping method offers its own challenges regarding the way that freight must be handled. Fortunately, the use of white glove service presents a measurable counter for any potential threat that may or may not occur during all steps of the shipping process. Direct line-haul service can be used to minimize transfers, while special attention can be given to pick up and delivery methods. Transit times are reduced and your freight is tracked consistently to ensure on-time deliveries of your most time-sensitive cargo.

By Land:

When moving shipments by truck, some of the preventable dangers that can be experienced on the road include:

  • Jostling of freight that could easily cause it to crack, break, or otherwise be damaged – remedied by packaging and securing the freight with the proper equipment
  • The ever present threat of getting into an accident while on road – accidents occur, but timeliness in recovering from them is determinant in completing the job.
  • Problems that could develop based on the temperature of the cab depending on the type of freight that is being shipped – temperature controlled equipment and temp tabs can regulate and monitor these issues
  • Theft or vandalism that could easily happen while a truck is parked at any location – inventory tracking technology, secure cross-docking facilities, locked trucks and video monitored loading docks are some precautions taken to minimize theft

By Sea:

Problems that could be encountered by sea are somewhat similar and include:

  • Waves from bad weather conditions that could easily cause the freight to be bounced around – contracting the correct size equipment and securing cargo is important in preventing slippage
  • Long travel times that could cause time sensitive freight to expire – by knowing anticipated transit times and the nature of the product, your logistics company can lead you to choose the best service based on your type of freight.
  • Temperature issues, especially if freight is being kept below deck – remedied just as any temperature sensitive situation

By Air:

The issues for freight moving by air are less serious, even though this is considered to be the safest means of transport:

  • Jostling that could take place during take-off and landing – packaging practices are crucial
  • Turbulence in the air – D-containers may be implemented to prevent moving inside the cargo space

The Solution:

Any business will find that logistics companies who pride themselves in offering white glove service can effectively combat each and every one of these issues. In doing so, such companies will assess if all items are neatly packed and secured with proper materials, all boxes are sealed correctly, delicate items are wrapped in the proper way, everything is loaded in the neatest order possible, and the correct type of shipping method used for particular types of freight. Packaging assessments should be made and solutions offered to your shippers so they can reinforce products prior to shipping. Without this level of service, there are too many potential disasters that could befall the freight in question which ultimately means lost time, lost money and unhappy customers.

By employing proper white glove service, logistics companies like STC Logistics are ensuring that those they work with will never have to fret in regards to even the most expensive or delicate types of freight. Because the top logistics outfits take their time to develop a unique solution, born in practices of white glove service and then custom tailor it for each and every item, it makes their service standards worth looking into. Because freight must ultimately be shipped in one manner or another, choosing the safest and most secure methods simply makes sense, which of course is precisely the aim of white glove service overall. Any company bold enough to embrace white glove service standards will be rewarded with personalized service, fewer pieces of damaged freight, faster shipping times, and happier customers overall.

To learn more about how you can safety ship the most delicate and high importance items from a trusted logistics provider, please click here.

Ocean Freight Service To Alaska, Hawaii & Puerto Rico

STC Ocean FreightSTC Logistics offers Ocean service to Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico via all major U.S. Ports.  In addition, as a licensed NVOCC, STC Logistics provides shipping capabilities to and from all international ports.

In conjunction with our excellent Air and Truck domestic services, our experts will create the most cost-effective route to ship your products by sea. We provide both LCL (less than container load) and FCL (full container load) ocean services.

There are many benefits for shipping your products by water:

•    Ideal for transporting heavy and bulky freight
•    Great option for products with long lead times
•    Volume advantages to pricing
•    Seasonal advantages to pricing

Click here for more information about our ocean services to Hawaii, Alaska and Puerto Rico or click here to contact us!

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Logistics Faceoff: Which Delivery Method is Better – Rail or Truck?

If you are planning on shipping your freight via ground shipping, you are probably choosing between rail or truckload shipping. There is no “wrong choice” per say, but there may be a more ideal choice for you depending on your company’s goals. Conserving energy, time and resources is no doubt important for your business and supply chain, so it’s important to weigh your delivery method options. Consider the pros and cons of both rail and truck shipping methods.

railRail
Pros: 

  • Very secure
  • Fuel efficient
  • Shipment size
    • Intermodal sizes and weight (including Tare)–
      • 20’ –    52,900 lbs max
      • 40’ –  67,200 lbs max
      • 45’ –   67,200 lbs. max
      • 40’ –    67,200 lbs max
      • 53’ –    67,200 lbs max

Cons: 

  • Transit time is longer
    • Average shipment time from California to New York is 8-10 days

Trains are superior in the realm of energy efficiency for shipments over land. A train’s steel wheels produce very little kinetic friction. On the other hand, a truck’s thick tires create heavy static friction. This means that a truck’s engine consumes more fuel. Trains also move at a slower pace, which greatly improves fuel consumption. The aerodynamic drag caused by moving a heavy freight at fast speeds is diminished via rail. Therefore, if your concerns for supply chain management heavily rely on the energy efficiency of your vehicles, and if your shipment is a medium to long distance route, rail shipments may be more ideal.
truckingTrucking
Pros: 

  • Quick transit time
    • Approximately 4-5 Days shipping time from California to New York.
  • Quicker availability

Cons: 

  • Higher fuel charges
  • Limited size,
    • 53’ FTL Van
      • 26 standard 48×40 pallets
      • max 45,000lbs
    • 48’ FTL Van
      • 24 standard 48×40
      • Max 45,000lbs

On the other hand, time is money. If your company is fast-paced, a train’s lag in time can make all the difference. Because trains move slower than trucks, those who rely on quicker delivery times may choose the faster truck. Trucks are also more flexible, because they are not reliant on railways. They can operate on any roadway throughout the continent.

In short, the answer to the question posed in the title of this article is: it depends.

Both shipment options have pros and cons. STC Logistics’ Intermodal Service combines Ocean, Rail and Truck to offer door-to-door transport in North America. If you choose Rail shipping, keep in mind that you will most likely implement Intermodal Shipping in order to transport your items to and from the rail yard. Weight plays a major factor in transporting goods. By utilizing more than one mode of transportation, you can experience the benefits of both modes of logistics. The team at STC Logistics can handle the drayage, rail negotiation and transport of your intermodal shipment.
For more information on Select Transportation Logistics’ Intermodal Service or to request a quote, contact us today at [email protected]

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Which Mode of Transport is Right For Your Freight Shipment?

The goal for business owners is to minimize transportation costs and meet customer demands demand for their products. Transportation costs are dependent on the distance between the source and the destination, the selected method of transport and both the quantity and size of the shipped product.

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The U.S. boasts four million miles of roads and a railroad network that could circle the globe several times. Our country’s complex transportation systems allows decision makers several options when shipping products. Choosing the best one requires knowing the pros and cons of them all:

Ground

The infrastructure of the roads in the US plays a major role in handling cargo across the nation. Shipping products via truck is the most common mode used in logistics in the US today.

Pros

  • Cost effective
  • Fast delivery
  • Great for short distances
  • Ideal for transporting temperature-controlled products like perishables or pharmaceuticals

Cons

  • Shipment subject to traffic delays
  • Trucks susceptible to bad weather and delays

 Ocean

Large volumes of trade can be imported/exported through ships on ocean vessels. Through waterways, ships transport cargo from one country to another. STC offers LCL (less than container load) and FCL (full container load) via ocean.

Pros

  • Ideal for transporting heavy and bulky freight
  • Great option for products with long lead times
  • Volume advantages to pricing
  • Seasonal advantages to pricing

Cons

  • Extended transport schedules
  • Difficult to monitor location of goods in transit
  • Shipments susceptible to Customs restrictions

Rail

Through rail shipping, large volumes of freight can be moved in a short period of time. Intermodal shipping is becoming a very popular service in recent years. Freight shipping is carried out on trains and then transferred to trucks and/or planes.

Pros

  • Only 1-3 additional transit days compared to truck service
  • Cost effective alternative to ground services
  • Safe and reliable

Cons

  • Suppliers and customers not always located near a freight rail depot
  • Intermodal shipment may be needed to accommodate the final delivery
  • Extended transit times when compared to truck schedules

Air

Flying your product to its destination provides a swift solution for your company. This method is commonly used by businesses with time sensitive shipping needs, and air is one of STC Logistics’ signature services.

Pros

  • Fast delivery, usually between 24 and 48 hours
  • Reduces lead time
  • Immediate recovery from airport for swift delivery

Cons –

  • Higher cost
  • Flight shipments susceptible to Customs restrictions

No matter which transportation method you choose for your company, STC Logistics’ extensive network ensures that your goods arrive promptly and safely, every time. If you still aren’t sure how you should ship your products, we can help. Our experts at STC Logistics are industry leading Commercial Freight Specialist and can help you decide the best shipping methods for your company. Contact us today for more information or to request a quote.

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