The shipment of pharmaceutical products requires special knowledge, in which logistics plays a critical and vital role. Many pharmaceuticals are exceedingly delicate and must be delivered on schedule in order to guarantee and assure their quality. In addition, medicines can also be expensive. The pharmaceutical industry is a big business, influencing the global economy, employment opportunities, and the well-being of many people.
The freight forwarding sector has a responsibility and liability when they aim to ship these types of products. While maintaining the highest quality standards, they have to make sure to send safely and timely and offer their services competitively.
It should not be surprising that such a sensitive matter comes with challenges and requires specific knowledge and special precautions.
Let’s look at ways to transport pharmaceuticals, their logistics that are part of the cold chain process, and the complexities and challenges associated with Shipping Pharmaceuticals.
Although the handling and transporting of medicines by road and sea carry high risks, which we will inform you about later, it is the best way to control the cargo. This is due to the use of refrigerated containers called reefers. These containers offer perfect control over the conditions in which the pharmaceuticals are stored and transported.
The transportation of pharmaceuticals requires unique temperature ranges, management, and strict regulation codes to ensure they are delivered safely without losing their potency and quality.
Air transport is the fastest option for transporting pharmaceuticals due to the lower risk of delays and the chance to redirect a route within a few hours. Transportation by air brings some benefits, especially for long distances and pharmaceutical products with a short shelf life.
Something to keep in mind, though, is that air transport has limited equipment and comes with a higher cost. In contrast, sea transport can easily organize logistics and control cargo conditions using reefers.
Pharmaceutical transportations are temperature-controlled shipments, making them part of cold chain logistics. The cold chain is almost like a gold chain that must never be broken since the slightest temperature change can ruin the product.
The cold chain process works with phases, such as;
Supply
This phase involves the manufacturing and packaging of pharmaceutical products.
Transportation
Pharmaceutical products from the manufacturer or warehouse should be collected and transported in refrigerated or insulated containers. During the journey, the technology in the container will document time and temperature changes.
Storage
This phase is about keeping the pharmaceutical products in cold storage in a refrigerated warehouse before being distributed to their final destination.
Market
The last phase of the process is the delivery of pharmaceutical products. Logistics focus on getting them to their final destination, where they are sold or administered.
Transportation of sensitive Medical Supplies (as well as other time-sensitive, risky materials) poses many challenges, starting with the biggest one:
Maintaining the right temperature
Temperature control management should be managed throughout the whole chain to ensure quality and safety and prevent them from becoming useless or even dangerous. Many handover points within the pharmaceutical chain can weaken or damage the cargo.
Besides the importance of temperature-controlled transportation, there are other challenges in the complexity of pharmaceutical transportation;
Transit time
Pharmaceuticals are loaded and shipped at a higher priority than other cargo. While working with external factors such as airline carriers, there are chances of delay, overbooking, or loading without priority due to express services.
A consequence could be that the pharmaceuticals will not be loaded and shipped in time, with the risk of cargo going outside acceptable temperature ranges. One can choose express shipping, which comes with extra costs to ensure the shipping of medications. Shipping pharmaceuticals comes with knowing possible scenarios and weighing the options before making a choice.
Proper protection
Protecting pharmaceuticals can come and be done in many forms. The special cargo should be protected against external contamination, temperature fluctuations, harmful sunlight, humidity, and more. Being stored and packed under suitable conditions will preserve the product.
As some pharmaceuticals can be of great value, they are prone to be stolen. Theft protection should be another serious concern on the list.
It is important to secure the contents of pharmaceutical packages with the correct labels and ensure they arrive with unbroken seals at their destination. Freight forwarders are required to prevent theft and implement special precautions in transit.
Documentation and record-keeping
Undoubtedly, proper documentation is the key to smooth pharmaceutical shipping and is crucial in the pharmaceutical chain. Documents and records should be completed correctly and shared with the right people, such as the Food and Drug Administration and possibly Narcotics, who request special permitting. Part of proper documentation and recordkeeping; includes the registration of possible deficiencies since improperly protected products can negatively affect people’s well-being.
And last but not least…
Expertise
Keeping in mind the strict regulations, complexity, risks, and challenges that the shipment of pharmaceuticals entails, choose a freight forwarder with a lot of experience and expertise in this field.
Parcelhook is a leading, international, and specialized cargo freight forwarding company based in Rotterdam – the Netherlands.
Having been in the industry for nearly three decades, we have the expertise, network, and resources to ensure all your pharmaceutical cargo reaches its destination safely and on time.
SUMMARY
Many pharmaceuticals are exceedingly delicate and must be delivered on schedule in order to guarantee and assure their quality. These types of transportation are temperature-controlled shipments, making them part of cold chain logistics.
Transportation of sensitive pharmaceuticals poses many challenges, such as; maintaining and controlling temperatures, working with strict regulations codes, right and tight record keeping and documentation, proper protection, and suitable transportation and transit time.
The freight forwarding sector has the responsibility and liability. It must have the right expertise to ensure pharmaceuticals are delivered timely and safely without losing their potency and quality.
Parcelhook is a leading, international and specialized cargo freight forwarding company based in Rotterdam – the Netherlands. Having been in the industry for nearly three decades, we are equipped with the expertise, network, and resources to ensure all your pharmaceutical cargo reaches its destination safely and on time.
We all understand that goods do not magically go from one place to another. There are logistical processes behind every shipment. A seamless, integrated logistics applies to every successful and smooth end-to-end shipment.
It sounds great, but what does it mean, and how can this be achieved?
Let’s dive into the world of integrated logistics.
Integrated logistics can be described as a unique delivery management process that transfers services, materials, information, and goods from one point to another.
In a proper end-to-end process, the process is tailor-made, wholly appropriate, and adapted to the goals and needs of the company in question. An end-to-end process (E2E) is like a puzzle, where all logistics pieces fit together seamlessly.
First, you need to be aware of obstacles and alternatives in logistics. Second, you need to understand all the logistics processes, people, and goods involved and be capable of making real-time decisions.
Collaboration of different sections and phases
Every section within the company lets all employees work together to keep logistics operations running smoothly, providing fast, accurate and flexible shipments. To achieve this, the employees should know about the product and the associated phases and be capable of evaluating internal resources and processes.
Consider the external factors
The market of retail, lifestyle, and consumer goods is continually changing. In order to maintain a competitive advantage, flexibility and speed of delivery are essential. Possible crisis scenarios, strategies, and alternatives should be designed and formulated to achieve the expected and desired results.
As you read, there is a lot to consider serving different companies and their supply and demand well. All human and material resources are deployed for a very efficient and high-quality service.
Those involved must be and remain aware of changes and take the right decisions and actions immediately, called real-time decision-making. This must be done in every block of the chain and at every location.
Real-time decision-making
Let’s take a closer look at real-time decision-making and the importance of this. An example of real-time decision-making is choosing the correct mode of transport at the right time. Choosing and using suitable means of transportation within a network offers integrated solutions to the customer.
It also ensures optimal, sustainable, and flexible use of transportation modes, which can come with advantages such as; having fewer trucks on the road, saving costs for the company, and timely replenishment of stocks.
Real-time decisions are business possibilities and opportunities which cannot be taken lightly since every action or lack of action leads to a reaction. A delay in the delivery of items can have significant consequences for a company.
Making quick decisions will lead to minimal company disruptions and as few consequences as possible. Reliable and fast processes are essential for successful businesses; a quick reaction leads to immediate action.
Within worldwide distribution, there are many resources, such as the extensive, well-distributed infrastructure and reliable, robust technology to trace goods during the delivery process. Tailor-made end-to-end solutions that help your market grow require investment not only in having the right resources but also include the right expertise and an investment of time and money.
It is possible to use the expertise of an external logistics partner at no extra cost on top of their fixed costs. As much as your wallet may appreciate this idea, it’s good to know that outside specialists depend on collaborations with others at every stage. This can make the supply chain less effective and reliable, impacting your business.
Doing business comes with risks, also in the supply chain. Doing it yourself without the proper knowledge can cause you more harm than bargained for. Looking for the right partner for your seamlessly integrated logistics is advisable.
Parcelhook is a leading international freight forwarding company. We possess expertise in a range of shipping operations and strive to enhance our customers’ business growth by offering the highest quality seamlessly integrated logistics solutions.
We bring over 25 years of experience, strong local expertise, and excellent knowledge of products, combined with a strategically placed global presence via our partners.
SUMMARY
We all understand good is not magically going from one place to another. There are logistical processes behind every shipment.
A seamless, integrated logistics applies to every successful and smooth end-to-end shipment.
In a proper end-to-end process, the process is tailor-made, wholly appropriate, and adapted to the goals and needs of the company in question.
To make your logistic puzzle fit seamlessly, you need to be aware of obstacles and alternatives in logistics. Furthermore, you need to understand all the logistics processes, people, and goods involved and be capable of real-time decision-making.
Parcelhook is a leading international freight forwarding company that can combine logistic pieces to ensure a seamless end-to-end process. We possess expertise in a range of shipping operations and strive to enhance our customers’ business growth by offering the highest quality seamlessly integrated logistics solutions.
There is a lot involved in transporting and shipping goods worldwide. Whether a small package or a large load, it doesn’t just arrive at its destination.
To know who carries what responsibilities between the actual shipper/supplier & receiver/buyer you need to make arrangements. After all, the shipper does not necessarily own the goods immediately. It is helpful to have agreements between the shipper and the customer/buyer to clarify who is responsible for the risks, costs, and liability during each shipping phase.
These agreements are called Incoterms and are established by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), which you can see as a set of rules and conditions agreed upon internationally. Read here all about what they mean.
In total, two groups of Incoterms can be divided into two groups:
This group includes EXW, FCA, CPT, CIP, DAT, DAP, and DDP.
This group comprises FAS, FOB, CFR, and CIF.
Let’s take a look at the first group.
Delivering goods Ex Works means that all responsibilities, risks, and costs are for the buyer. The seller is only responsible for having the goods available at the time and location specified in the delivery terms.
According to this Incoterm, the delivery of goods means that the buyer arranges everything, such as packaging, loading, and transporting the goods from the collection point to the final destination. This also includes customs clearance in the country of origin and country of destination. The latter is one of the reasons why EXW is not recommended for international shipments.
The meaning of this Incoterm is -> freight free for the carrier. The seller is responsible for delivering and pre-transporting the goods to an agreed delivery point, including costs, export formalities, and any export documents.
Once the goods have been handed over and accepted, the risks and costs are transferred to the buyer.
The seller is liable for the transport costs to an agreed delivery point. The risks and responsibilities pass to the buyer when the goods are delivered to the first carrier.
Concerning customs matters;
When Terminal Handling Charges (THC) are levied, the buyer must contact the seller to check if the charges are included in the transport price.
The seller delivers the goods to an agreed location chosen by the seller. The seller arranges the freight insurance and pays for it, and you can select possible additional insurance during consultation.
The risks and responsibilities pass from the seller to the buyer when the goods are transferred to the carrier.
The seller ships and delivers the goods to a terminal (shipping port or agreed-on place) and is responsible for the costs and risks of bringing the goods.
The responsibility for the risks and costs is transferred to the buyer when the goods arrive at the agreed place or port.
The seller is obliged to take care of the export customs clearance. From the delivery point, the buyer must take care of the import customs clearance and all other costs.
This Incoterm is very similar to DAT. The seller ships and delivers the goods to a terminal (shipping port or agreed-on place) and is responsible for the costs and risks of bringing the goods. The seller takes care of the export customs clearance.
Once the transport has arrived at the agreed destination, all responsibilities are passed to the buyer. This includes taking care of import clearance, taxes, and all other costs.
DAP entails an additional responsibility for the buyer because, with this Incoterm, the delivery ends when the means of transport come to a standstill before the goods are unloaded. The buyer is responsible for unloading the goods.
DAP is commonly applied to road transport or when several means of transport are used.
With DDP, the seller is responsible for transporting and delivering the goods until the buyer receives them at the agreed destination.
Those responsibilities include the risks and costs for pre-transport, export and import duties, customs and import/export documents, insurance, and all other costs associated with the shipment to the agreed destination.
The risk transfers to the buyer as soon as the unloaded goods are made available to the buyer.
As mentioned before, the above Incoterms are part of the first group, used for each mode of transport. The second group contains incoterms, which are used for transport by sea and inland waterways.
Let’s examine the Incoterms FAS, FOB, CFR, and CIF.
When using this Incoterm, the seller takes care of the delivery of the goods, which must be placed next to the ship at the agreed port dock. The seller is responsible for all costs and risks until the goods are docked, including preparation for export. Once the goods have been anchored, the buyer bears the responsibilities, fees, and risks of the shipping.
The seller delivers and loads the goods on board the transport vessel at the pre-arranged port of departure. The buyer assumes the responsibilities, risks, and costs as soon as the goods are loaded onto the transport vessel at the port of departure.
These responsibilities, risks, and costs include customs clearance and import duties.
FAB is used for container transport and inland waterway transport.
The seller arranges and pays for transport to the agreed port. Once there, the seller ensures that the goods, cleared for export, are loaded on board the ship.
The risks are transferred to the buyer when the goods are loaded on board. This includes the insurance of the goods and before the main transport takes place.
CFR is only used for goods transported by sea or inland waterways. Good to know; the buyer has little control over the shipping process and associated costs.
This Incoterm is similar to CIF, where the risk transfer occurs after the goods have been loaded onboard the ship at the port of shipment.
However, with CIF, there is an insurance obligation for the seller. The seller takes out insurance for the goods, which covers possible damage or loss from the port of shipment to at least the destination port.
Good to know; the goods only need to be covered as a minimum. Buyer and seller may negotiate coverage.
Are you looking for guidance in the Incoterms field or want your goods shipped under the right conditions?
Parcelhook is a leading, international and specialized cargo freight forwarding company based in Rotterdam – the Netherlands. Having been in the industry for nearly three decades, we have the expertise, network, and resources to ship your goods under suitable conditions and with the proper coverage.
SUMMARY
When you ship goods, it is helpful to know in advance where you stand and who is responsible for what. Therefore, it is beneficial to have agreements between the shipper and the customer/buyer to clarify who is accountable for the risks, costs, and liability during each phase of the shipping.
These agreements are called Incoterms, which you can see as a set of rules and conditions agreed upon internationally.
The Incoterms can be divided into two groups:
Group I is for each mode of transport (road, rail, air, and multimodal)
Group 2 is for transport by sea and inland waterways.
Transporting goods means getting your cargo from A to B as quickly and efficiently as possible, without hassle or delay. After all, successful shipments help to grow the market and contribute to a thriving business and satisfied customers.
Transporting goods from one part of the world to another can come with many challenges. In addition to navigating the complexities of logistics, there is the customer’s demand for guaranteed loads, faster unloading, and guaranteed transit times at the best possible rates and most favorable terms.
Many companies, therefore, enlist the help of an end-to-end expert who can provide seamless and uninterrupted end-to-end shipments tailored to the provider and recipient’s needs and preferences.
Let’s take a closer look at end-to-end shipping experts, their services, and five reasons to work with them.
Freight shipping involves much more than arranging transportation, loading, and unloading. Taking care of the logistics in global trade includes providing inventory management, warehousing, distribution, order planning, inventory, monitoring, loading, transportation, and delivery, preferably flexible and cost-effective.
Shipping is an incredibly complicated process, which costs a lot of time and money if you were to arrange it yourself. Just think of the hours it takes to sort out all the details around shipments and the costs of managing and developing an in-house logistics team.
Add to that that shipping freight can come with customs issues and potential complications that could cost you more money than you would spend on an expert freight forwarder. An investment you may want to make in what you are good at; running and growing your business.
Logistics experts are well trained, understand working with tight schedules, have a strong network, and know how to prevent and deal with possible complications as they do this daily. With their service comes a reputation that they want to uphold so that you are assured of the correct handling of your logistics from beginning to end.
Investing in the service of an end-to-end expert is definitely more efficient and saves time and money.
In a customary import, the shipping process begins when an importer orders goods from a supplier—often followed by a quote accompanied by a ProForma invoice and one of several Incoterms that determines who is responsible for shipping costs and risks.
After these first steps, a freight forwarder expert can arrange and manage the transport of the goods from A to B, including the documentation accompanying a shipment. These documents, such as waybills, packing lists, invoices, customs papers, and insurance documents, must be provided and submitted as they are part of specific requirements, such as customs clearance.
All these documents are necessary to have a smooth and hassle-free process. Incorrect documentation or missing data can cause long delays, which contains a risk since this can cost a lot of money and/or damaged goods.
Providing the correct documentation is, therefore, an important task. An end-to-end expert has the knowledge and experience to achieve this task and is beneficial if you require an efficient, hassle-free, and successful shipping process.
Shipping cargo involves many rules. Your end-to-end expert can deal with this efficiently and know various regulations.
Regulations are, amongst others, about the environmental impact of the shipping industry. Your freight forwarder needs to consider ecological taxes and emission-free zones for trucks in cities.
New regulations require creating new resources, solutions, strategies, and plans. Logistics experts must stay abreast of future projects and changes and be flexible. In addition, they need to be able to make real-time decisions, which go hand in hand with the following reason for bringing in an end-to-end expert.
Every market has trends, counter-trends, supply, and demand. These may also apply to shipping companies and freight forwarders and, therefore, affect the rates of their services.
To meet the challenges associated with dynamic markets, end-to-end experts need to be flexible and know things like scalability. What about the ability to switch, increase or decrease resources, capacity, performances, and costs in response to changes?
With that, they can strengthen your business growth, providing quality logistics solutions based on strong local expertise and deep product knowledge, combined with using globally placed partners.
As mentioned above, globally placed partners can offer high-quality logistics solutions.
The number of partners and providers to work with must be low because; ‘The more players in the game, the greater the chance of gaps and obstacles in the chain.’
Choosing one source expert to handle all end-to-end processes reduces the number of providers (players) you have to deal with. To ‘play’ in this market, an end-to-end expert can connect with major freight forwarders and their global, extensive networks, ensuring efficient collaboration across warehousing, foreign trade zones, outbound distribution, etc. This can yield cost and give you the competitive advantages needed to contribute to fast product deliveries and maximum efficiency.
Parcelhook is a leading international freight forwarding company with the expertise, knowledge, and experience to provide successful end-to-end solutions.
We are your ‘architect’ for bridging challenges, offering tailor-made services, and collaborating with our official partners.
Take your end-to-end shipments to the next level, and contact us now for a personalized quote.
SUMMARY
Transporting goods from one part of the world to another is a complex business with many challenges. In addition to navigating the complexities of logistics, there is the customer’s demand for guaranteed loads, faster unloading, and guaranteed transit times at the best possible rates and the most favorable terms.
Logistic experts often use end-to-end solutions to meet this transport requirement and ensure successful shipments and deliveries.
This blog gives you 5 reasons to engage end-to-end shipping experts and how they can provide seamless, tailor-made, uninterrupted end-to-end shipments.
If you intend to ship goods, the correct documents are essential. Whether it concerns import or export, each shipment requires proper documentation and cargo information to ensure it reaches its destination.
Based on these papers, customs will check whether goods can enter or leave the country and determine which taxes and duties apply.
How this is handled usually depends on the type of goods, country of origin, and destination. However, some standard documents are required for a successful shipment.
In this blog, you discover the shipping documents required for export.
The Pro Forma Invoice is similar to a Purchase Order, which is provided before the completion of the sales transaction, making it the first agreement between a buyer, seller/exporter, and importer.
Key because
The Prof Forma Invoice /Purchase Order is a contract between buyer and seller and specifies which and how many goods have been ordered and must be delivered. It also contains the costs and the conditions agreed upon by both parties.
This document is the official proof of the sales transaction issued by the seller/sender of the goods. It contains all the details of the goods, such as description, price, quantity, packing costs, weight/volume, freight insurance, and terms of payment and shipment.
Key because
This document is mandatory for any export trade and a requirement for clearing goods. Customs uses the information in this document to match it with the cargo and decide whether to release it for shipment.
This list includes detailed and specific information about the shipment, such as:
This list is provided to the parties involved in the shipment to ensure that goods can be properly stored, handled, and shipped.
Key because
The export packing list ensures that all parties know exactly what is being shipped and can process and handle the goods correctly, minimizing risks.
With this certificate, an exporter declares and confirms that the goods to be shipped have been fully acquired, produced, and manufactured or processed in a specific country.
Key because
This certificate must be issued following the laws and regulations of the country of destination and is necessary to ensure that the goods are eligible for export.
Some countries do not ask for this document or have a free trade agreement, meaning that there are certain taxes and duties on goods. To guarantee this, this document is deciding.
The Bill of Lading (BoL) is the most crucial shipping document and is an official contract and legal export trade document between the shipper/owner of the goods and the freight forwarder.
This document contains everything the carrier needs to know to handle the goods correctly and to get them to the correct destination in the best possible way. This document confirms receipt of the goods before and after shipment, after which they can release the load.
Key because
The detailed document ensures that the shipment is legally confirmed, verified, and sent and received by all parties. This can prevent asset theft and can be used to take legal action if what is on the BoL is incorrect.
This letter contains the details and information necessary to ship and track goods internationally by air. This is a non-negotiable agreement between the forwarder/shipper and the airline.
Key because
The airline needs to have details of the shipment/goods, making this an important document.
This document guarantees the payment of the goods and is issued by a creditworthy bank. The bank will pay the remaining amount if the buyer cannot.
Key because
It provides security and assurance for transactions within the complex world of international sales, goods export, and related regulations.
This license or certificate is required for export to officially demonstrate that goods have been approved by the authorities of the country of origin and can be legally marketed/ distributed.
Some countries require this document, while other countries require this document under certain conditions.
Key because
Some countries require this document as a condition for the export of certain products.
The word insurance certificate says it all; this allows an exporter to show that the goods are insured for loss and liability.
Key because
The shipment of goods entails risks. With this document, an exporter can cover himself against possible financial loss.
This document contains all vital information about goods and is closely related to the consignment note. However, this agreement covers storage rather than transportation and can be used to prove that goods have been received.
Key because
It serves as proof of the quality and quantity of the goods and their receipt in a particular facility such as a warehouse.
This document is only necessary if the goods to be shipped are considered dangerous, such as medical treatment products, gases, acids/acid solutions, batteries, flammable liquids, etc.
Key because
It certifies that the goods are adequately packed, labeled, and documented in the proper condition for shipment.
Parcelhook is a specialized and experienced cargo freight forwarding company that offers personal customization and support for worldwide shipments. We take conventional cargo shipping to the next level by providing our clients with complete backing—from customs documentation to clearance, commercial invoicing, and export licenses—we assist our clients throughout the process.
Contact us now for a personalized quote
SUMMARY
Bill of Lading, export license, packing list – all documentation you need when you intend to ship goods. Whether it concerns import or export, each shipment requires proper documentation and cargo information to ensure it reaches its destination.
Based on these papers, customs will check whether goods can enter or leave the country and determine which taxes and duties apply. How this is handled usually depends on the type of goods, country of origin, and destination. However, some standard documents are required for successful shipment, which we inform you about in our blog.
Safe and timely cargo delivery is the ultimate goal of all parties involved in the shipping industry. It doesn’t matter if the shipment’s final destination is just across Europe or on the other side of the world. Unforeseeable events during transit can come up despite the best planning efforts.
Events like a road-side collision, cargo theft at the warehouse, or even a natural event can lead you to file an insurance claim. This is why, if you want to protect against loss of freight or damage to the consignment, it’s best to invest in insurance.
In case of potentially costly cargo loss or damage, freight insurance can offer a safety net. According to the National Cargo Security Council, global financial loss due to damaged freight is over $50 billion. This issue can significantly impact the bottom line of businesses. Carrier liability covers only $2.00 per pound of lost cargo in most cases. This means that if an incident occurs, you will regain just $2,000 worth of freight out of 1000 pounds of cargo.
Although unforeseen events don’t happen frequently, it’s comforting to know that you’ll be compensated more than the amount the carrier is legally responsible for. A full-value cargo insurance policy requires no deductibles for customers.
Full-value insurance is typically required for a few shipments. Shippers can benefit from this when shipping high-value or fragile items. A freight broker can manage the claims process for you by a freight broker to save time and resources.
Once an insurance claim has been filed, there’s a limited amount of time for it to be acknowledged by the carrier. It’s recommended to file the claim as soon as possible. Remember that each country has slightly different insurance laws.
A Dutch sea-going vessel with a gross registered tonnage of 300 requires indemnity insurance coverage. This means that in case of an accident, the weight of the goods will become the basis of the coverage, not the value of goods. A limitation of refunding can also be placed on the damages. It should be specified if your shipping company is absolved of insurance liability.
Just like cargo insurance is essential, choosing the right freight forwarder is also crucial. Cargo Shipping International is an international freight forwarding company based in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
We offer seamless global shipping via container, RoRo, and air freight to transport shipments to all corners of the world.
Reach out to us today to learn more about our services.
