04/02/2025

Pharma Logistics Case Study: Temperature Control

GEODIS safely manages 100,000+ temperature-sensitive pharmaceutical pallets annually with precise temperature control.

A global pharmaceutical manufacturer specializing in prescription medicines worked with GEODIS to create an end-to-end temperature-controlled logistics solution for their medications shipped from Europe and Asia to destinations worldwide.

Key takeaways

20+ year business collaboration with GEODIS
100,000+ temperature-sensitive pallets shipped annually through the GEODIS network
Specialized temperature-controlled containers maintain required temperature ranges (15°C-25°C and 2°C-8°C)
Comprehensive service covering transport from manufacturing facilities to final destinations

Facts about our pharmaceutical client

Global manufacturer of prescription medicines specializing in oncology, cardiovascular, renal and metabolism, respiratory and immunology, and rare diseases
Operations spanning multiple continents with key manufacturing sites across Europe and Asia

Background with our pharmaceutical client

GEODIS has worked with our pharmaceutical client for over 20 years, and we have held global account status with them for over a decade. Their products require specialized temperature-controlled transportation, with most requiring 15°C to 25°C range and some needing 2°C to 8°C range.

Challenges for our pharmaceutical client

The client needed specialized solutions for their temperature-sensitive pharmaceutical products:

Strict temperature requirements: 90% of their products require a temperature range of 15°C to 25°C, while 10% need more stringent 2°C to 8°C control, with a trend toward more products requiring the colder range
Global supply chain complexity: Managing shipments from multiple origin sites in Europe and Korea to destinations worldwide

Healthcare logistics solutions

GEODIS introduced several comprehensive, end-to-end temperature-controlled logistics solutions to address their challenges.

Origin services

Full temperature-controlled truck pickup from manufacturing facilities
Transport to GEODIS cross-dock locations with maintained temperature control
Temperature-controlled storage and precise loading into specialized RKN & RAP containers
Secure transfer to airport terminals ready for export with continuous temperature monitoring

Destination Services

Prompt retrieval from destination airports
Temperature-maintained storage with container plug-in capabilities at GEODIS facilities
Coordination of delivery slots with final destination locations
Careful transfer of pallets from specialized containers to temperature-controlled trucks
Final-mile delivery to client facilities under strict temperature control

Advanced container technology

To maintain the required temperature specifications, GEODIS uses specialized temperature-controlled containers:

Active temperature control systems that provide compressor-driven cooling technologies
Advanced insulation to eliminate thermal risks to cargo traveling through extreme ambient conditions
User-selectable temperature settings with precision control (±1°C at +5°C)
Extended battery runtime exceeding 120 hours for typical shipments
Operating capability in extreme ambient conditions from -30°C to +54°C

Value-added services

Online booking and tracking (IRIS): Single platform for booking management, shipment milestones/deviations, invoice tracking, and notification management
Control Tower: Enhanced supply chain integration with comprehensive visibility on orders, products, and inventory
Distribution and Cross-Docking: Strategic facilities to ensure the efficient movement of goods
Temperature-Controlled Forwarding: Fully controlled cold chain solutions

How GEODIS can help

GEODIS is one of the leading healthcare logistics providers in the U.S. and around the world. Here's what you can expect when you partner with us for your pharmaceutical supply chain:

End-to-end temperature-controlled transportation solutions
Temperature-controlled truck pickup and delivery
Cross-dock services with temperature-controlled storage
Specialized container handling for temperature-sensitive products
Online booking and tracking through our IRIS platform
Control Tower services for supply chain integration

Discover how we can provide reliable healthcare logistics solutions for your temperature-sensitive products. Get in touch with GEODIS to discuss your pharmaceutical supply chain needs.

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