When it comes to shipping pharmaceuticals, transport companies in Calgary understand that complying with the necessary regulations is one of the biggest details you need to consider. These goods are so crucial that restrictions must be taken seriously. The requirements start at manufacturing plants and extend through the process until the drugs get into store shelves.
When releasing a new drug to the public, FDA regulators will check for consistency throughout all stages of production. The first set of guidelines comes from Current Good Manufacturing Practices (CGMP). Although they were established in 1969 and updated again just last year, these rules are constantly being revised based on changing legislation such as that outlined by the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) which was enacted in 2015.
A typical day at an FDA-regulated pharmaceutical company might start with line inspectors performing physical checks before work begins. Afterwards, factory workers produce or assemble drugs according to detailed instructions using approved ingredients. Workers must follow strict safety protocols, including wearing gloves and masks when handling potentially hazardous materials and packaging personnel pack items into cartons labeled appropriately. Once medical goods are ready for transportation, there are many things to consider to keep these products safe.
Temperature-controlled transportation
The vehicle transporting medical goods must be designed with specific temperature control. Additionally, security measures need to be put in place for the cargo, the transporter needs adequate cleaning of their trailer before loading it up again, and heating devices need routine checks to ensure they’re functioning properly.
Proper equipment
Transportation professionals must ensure that all vehicles used for pharmaceutical transportation have the necessary design and equipment. This includes ensuring trailers are equipped with temperature control, security measures, and cleaning devices designed to prevent cross-contamination in cargo areas. Temperature monitoring systems should also be regularly checked or serviced to make sure they work as intended.
Proper training to handle medical goods
Freight companies are obligated to make sure that their employees have proper training before they handle pharmaceuticals. In addition to the regulations on carriers moving pharmaceuticals listed above, any employee who comes in contact with medicines must be well trained and documented for their duties. A freight company should keep a good record of these training sessions so there is documentation if/when it’s needed!
Labelling standards
While it is the freight company’s responsibility to maintain the FDA’s transportation requirements, they are also responsible for rules related to labeling. This includes enforcing what information needs to be included on labels and establishing standards before you can ship any products at all. If you fail to meet these regulations, there not only will there be consequences with transporting drugs but could cause a lot of problems when it gets to their final destination.
The label should have:
- Warnings
- Purpose/use of the product
- Active ingredients and inactive ingredients, including side effects (if any)
Potential for damage
Transporting medical goods is a balance between taking care of the pharmaceuticals and packing them safely for shipping. They need to be packed in a way that minimizes the risk of damage and withstand temperature changes. It’s important to remember this when assembling items into boxes because it could either make or break the process if the right precautions aren’t taken.
Refrigerated trucks are important in the cold supply chain – these same trucks are specially built to make sure that our food stays fresh. The trailers have their own power source and independent cooling unit so they can keep everything cool no matter where it is going.
The pharma industry is a multi-billion dollar, a global business where every second counts. The clock starts ticking as soon as the product leaves the production line and it only stops when that medicine reaches its destination without being compromised in any way.