Transport of medicines

Transport of pharmaceuticals is one of the most demanding types of transport. This is due to the specificity of the transported cargo, which requires maintaining precise thermal and air humidity conditions. Changing these conditions and any interference may cause changes that pose a threat to the health and life of patients. 

Requirements for the transport of medicines

Both pharmaceutical transport and international transport of medicines must meet a number of requirements that will ensure the safe transport of pharmaceuticals. These requirements are related to maintaining appropriate transport conditions (temperature and humidity), i.e. vehicle equipment, as well as the staff involved in the transport process and the quality management system. 

In the transport of pharmaceuticals, it is important to maintain appropriate thermal conditions and air humidity. Medicines are usually transported at temperatures of +15/25 degrees C or +2/8 degrees C. 

Every transport employee involved in the transport of pharmaceuticals must have appropriate qualifications. This applies to both drivers and administrative staff who organize the transport of medicines. A good solution is systematic training, thanks to which the carrier will be able to carry out transport strictly in accordance with the guidelines. 

At the same time, each carrier specializing in the transport of medicines must have a GDP certificate and an ISO9001:2015 quality management system. They indicate the guidelines and procedures that the carrier must follow when transporting medicines. 

International transport of medicines - rules

In the international transport of medicines, also within the EU, it is necessary to have a GDP certificate, which guarantees the maintenance of appropriate conditions for the transport of medicines. This certificate is issued for 3 years, and during its use, the certifying institution often conducts audits. 

What must the carrier ensure to ensure that the transport of medicines complies with the requirements of the GDP certificate? Each carrier must have a quality management system, maintain expected transport conditions and ensure appropriate training of the staff who will be involved in the transport of medicines. At the same time, the carrier must implement procedures related to the transport of medicines, driver hygiene, washing and disinfection of cold stores and supervision of documentation. It is also necessary to map cold stores in terms of temperature distribution and constant supervision of transport conditions. 

How must vehicles for transporting medicines be equipped?

Refrigerated semi-trailers are usually used to transport medicines. What equipment must such a vehicle have? A cold store for transporting medicines must have an ATP certificate, confirmation of the calibration of measurement sensors, mapping of the cold store in terms of temperature, as well as a document confirming that it has passed the technical inspection of the cold store and the unit, as well as a washing and disinfection book. 

At the same time, vehicles intended for transporting medicines must have appropriate security measures to protect the cargo against access by third parties, including door security, alarm buttons and GPS systems that allow for real-time vehicle tracking. 

Importantly, international transport of medicines can be carried out by both truck and air freight. Transporting medicines by plane is usually used over long distances or when the time of delivery of medicines to recipients is crucial. Of course, air transport of pharmaceuticals is subject to all the requirements applicable to road transport of medicines. 

It is worth entrusting the transport of medicines to proven carriers. Our company SYMLOG cooperates only with reliable transport companies, so we can guarantee the highest standards for all types of goods. If you are interested in transporting medicines in international transport, please contact us. We will offer solutions tailored to the needs of your company.