Pharma Supply Chain Enhanced by New Services

Two new and innovative services for U.S. pharma shippers using both air- and ocean-cargo modes were unveiled this week.

Sea Star Line, LLC, a major niche player in the reefer trade, announced the introduction of StarGuard Elite Service, providing pharma shippers full visibility of the refrigerated container’s progress at all times during transit.

Ocean shippers can now manage and monitor their refrigerated containers directly in real-time from any Internet-connected personal computer, tablet or mobile device. StarGuard Elite Service provides immediate up-to-date access to the trip progress and confirm that temperatures, as well as, onboard and environmental conditions were met throughout the entire journey anywhere in North America.

The new technology gives Sea Star Line wireless monitoring capacities on 100% of its refrigerated container fleet, marine terminals and vessels. This milestone has been achieved through the use of Mark-It Services’ WAM-R, advanced wireless device, which is mounted on every refrigerated container in the StarGuard Elite Service.

For air cargo shippers, the big news was delivered by Envirotainer, which has signed a strategic worldwide agreement with CHEP Aerospace Solutions to strengthen its ability to serve the active cold chain requirements of the pharmaceutical and healthcare industry.

Envirotainer will also establish four new fully Envirotainer-operated competence centers in Atlanta, Amsterdam, Singapore and Vienna to further strengthen its ability to serve the cold chain market with modern air cargo containers.

CHEP Aerospace Solutions, a leader in ULD maintenance and repair operations (MRO) solutions, will help Envirotainer’s ability to expand its active cold chain solutions network in Asia and other key, high growth markets, said spokesmen.

Brandon Fried, executive director of the Airforwarders Association, told Supply Chain Management Review that high-tech advances are especially welcome in the Asia Pacific.

“Most heavy shipments of any significant weight and volume use ocean carriers despite slower transit times and varying environmental factors,” he said. “However, for those consignments with time constraints, higher value and a need for tight inventory or temperature control, airfreight brings more value.”

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