5 Best Temperature-Controlled Shipping Containers
General
5 Best Temperature-Controlled Shipping Containers
Need to ship vaccines, biologics, or pharmaceuticals safely? Here are the 5 best temperature-controlled shipping containers to protect healthcare products during transit. These containers maintain strict temperature ranges, comply with regulations, and ensure product integrity.
Key Features to Look For:
Temperature Accuracy: Keeps products like vaccines between 2°C–8°C (35.6°F–46.4°F).
Regulatory Compliance: Meets FDA, IATA, and DSCSA standards.
Stability: Reliable for up to 156 hours in extreme conditions.
Monitoring: Real-time tracking and data logging.
Usability: Reusable options and easy handling.
Quick Comparison:
Model | Temp Range | Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
2°C–8°C | 96+ hours | High-value pharmaceuticals, long transit | |
2°C–8°C | 156 hours | Routine shipments, reusable option | |
2°C–8°C | 48 hours | Short-distance deliveries | |
Below -60°C | 72 hours | Deep-frozen biologics | |
2°C–30°C | 72 hours | Budget-friendly, regional use |
Why it matters: With over 31% of healthcare shipments requiring refrigeration, choosing the right container ensures safety, compliance, and cost efficiency. Let’s dive into the details of each option.
How We Selected These Containers
To address the cold chain challenges previously discussed, we analyzed containers based on five key factors: industry standards, regulatory compliance, temperature accuracy, stability, monitoring capabilities, and practical usability.
Temperature Control Accuracy
We evaluated how well each container maintained the necessary temperature range for vaccines and biologics, ensuring product safety throughout transport.
Regulatory Compliance
Containers were reviewed for compliance with critical healthcare regulations, including:
IATA temperature control guidelines
FDA's current good manufacturing practices
Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA) standards
U.S. Department of Transportation requirements
"The continued rollout of the DSCSA is perhaps the most critical piece at the moment, as the U.S. changes the way we identify pharmaceuticals."
– Scott Mooney, Vice President of Distribution Operations at McKesson U.S. Pharmaceutical[1]
Duration and Stability
We assessed the length of time each container could reliably maintain the required temperature range. This stability is vital for preserving the integrity of shipments.
Monitoring and Validation
Features like real-time tracking, data logging, alert systems, and validation documentation were carefully examined to ensure thorough monitoring during shipment.
Practical Usability
Finally, we considered factors such as ease of loading and unloading, weight when fully loaded, reusability, long-term cost efficiency, and durability under various shipping conditions.
These five factors served as the foundation for our evaluations. Each container was rigorously tested under real-world conditions to ensure reliability and performance.
1. CCT Advanced™ SU96 (VIP)
The CCT Advanced™ SU96 (VIP) is designed specifically for healthcare logistics. This container combines vacuum insulated panels (VIPs) with shape-stable PCM gels to ensure precise temperature control for sensitive medical products.
Its design significantly reduces size and weight - up to 50% smaller and lighter than traditional single-use containers - without sacrificing performance. The SU96 excels at maintaining strict temperature consistency, even during long transit times.
Key Features
Temperature Stability: Advanced PCM gels and VIP technology work together to keep temperatures steady.
Extended Performance: Meets ISTA 7D standards, delivering over three days of temperature stability.
Hibernation Capability: Handles planned or unexpected delays without compromising product integrity.
Applications
The SU96 is versatile and reliable for critical shipping needs, including:
Air Freight
Suitable for both international and domestic shipments.
Handles extreme temperature fluctuations.
Ideal for routes with potential transit delays.
Land Transport
First-mile delivery of high-value therapies.
Distribution of clinical trial materials.
Transport of temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals.
The SU96 is built with recyclable materials, including corrugate and chipboard components, aligning with industry standards for healthcare cold chain logistics.
The SU96 offers dependable temperature control and meets stringent requirements for stability and regulatory compliance. It’s an excellent choice for safeguarding high-value pharmaceutical products.
2. Crēdo Cube™ Series 4 (2°C–8°C)
The Crēdo Cube™ Series 4 is a reusable container designed to maintain temperatures between 2°C and 8°C. Using VIP insulation and PCM technology, it offers reliable temperature control to protect sensitive healthcare products.
Temperature Performance
Maintains up to 96 hours at 30°C (86°F) ambient
Holds up to 156 hours at 20°C (68°F) ambient
These durations are backed by ISTA 7D testing, ensuring consistent performance during extended transit.
Design Features
This container combines reliable performance with user-friendly features to improve efficiency:
Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
Simple TIC™ Assembly | Reduces errors during the packing process |
VIP Insulation | Keeps temperatures steady |
PCM Technology | Ensures stable cooling |
Multiple Size Options | Ranges from 3L to 96L capacities |
Durable Construction | Built for a minimum 5-year service life |
These size options are ideal for a variety of shipments, including pharmaceuticals and clinical supplies.
Environmental Advantages
The Crēdo Cube™ Series 4 offers a reusable design that helps reduce environmental impact:
Cuts down landfill waste compared to single-use containers
Lowers transportation-related CO2 emissions due to reduced volumetric weight
Aligns with circular economy goals thanks to its 5+ year lifespan
This container delivers dependable temperature control and long-term cost savings. Its easy conditioning process and simple assembly make it a great choice for routine shipments of high-value pharmaceutical and clinical materials.
3. NanoCool™ Cooling 2°C–8°C
The NanoCool™ Cooling container is built to keep temperatures steady between 2°C and 8°C (35.6°F to 46.4°F), making it perfect for healthcare shipments. It offers a solid balance between cost and performance.
Temperature Control Features
This container ensures consistent temperature control within the 2°C to 8°C (35.6°F to 46.4°F) range.
User-Friendly Design
The NanoCool™ is easy to set up and lightweight, helping to lower shipping costs. It also includes temperature monitoring features, allowing users to track internal conditions throughout the journey. These design elements ensure reliable performance for healthcare needs.
Common Uses
The NanoCool™ is a dependable choice for transporting:
Clinical trial materials
Blood samples
Diagnostic specimens
Temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals
Biological substances
Affordable and Reliable
With its straightforward operation and dependable performance, this container is a cost-effective solution for healthcare organizations.
4. Crēdo Cube™ Dry Ice (-60°C and Cooler)
The Crēdo Cube™ Dry Ice container is designed for ultra-low temperature shipping in healthcare. It keeps contents below -60°C (-76°F), making it ideal for transporting sensitive medical materials.
This container uses advanced Phase Change Material (PCM) and Vacuum Insulated Panel (VIP) technologies to maintain ultra-low temperatures for long durations - up to 156 hours at 20°C (68°F) and 96 hours at 30°C (86°F).
Container Specifications
Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
Temperature Range | Below -60°C (-76°F) |
Duration | 96-156 hours |
Size Options | 3L to 96L |
Expected Lifespan | Minimum 5 years |
Certification | ISO 9001:2015 |
Smart Design Features
The Crēdo Cube™ ensures consistent performance with fail-safe assembly and standardized coolant sizing. Its design adheres to ISTA 7D testing profiles, ensuring dependable results for every shipment.
Asset Management
The integrated Credo ProEnvision software offers:
Quality tracking throughout the shipping process
Real-time temperature monitoring for precise control
Lifecycle management for efficient use of assets
Performance analytics to optimize operations
Reusable and Cost-Effective
The container’s reusable design minimizes waste and environmental impact. With proper care, it can last 5-10 years, offering a long-term, eco-friendly alternative to disposable options.
5. KoolTemp® GTS Rx Shipper
The KoolTemp® GTS Rx Shipper is designed to meet the demands of healthcare shipments, offering dependable temperature control for sensitive products.
Temperature Control Options
This container ensures precise temperature management across several ranges:
35.6°F to 46.4°F (2°C–8°C)
59°F to 77°F (15°C–25°C)
35.6°F to 86°F (2°C–30°C)
Below -4°F (-20°C)
Key Specifications
Feature | Details |
|---|---|
Volume Options | 6L, 12L, 28L, 52L |
Duration | 48–72 hours |
Transport Compatibility | Air and ground freight |
Temperature Monitoring | Built-in indicators |
Payload Protection | Proprietary PCM gel technology |
Advanced Engineering
The KoolTemp® GTS Rx Shipper utilizes proprietary PCM gel and thermal modeling to maintain consistent temperatures during transit. This technology is essential for preserving the quality of temperature-sensitive medical products.
Notable Benefits
This container offers several standout features:
Thermal Reliability: Keeps contents within the required temperature range for up to 72 hours.
Size Options: Available in four sizes to suit different shipment needs.
Proven Performance: Validated for both commercial and clinical use.
Cost-Effective: A practical choice for single-use shipping.
Ideal Applications
The KoolTemp® GTS Rx Shipper is perfect for transporting:
Clinical trial materials
Research and development samples
Temperature-sensitive vaccines
High-value pharmaceuticals
Its design makes it a great choice for short-term shipments requiring strict temperature control.
Container Features at a Glance
Here’s a quick comparison of seven temperature-controlled shipping containers, focusing on essential performance metrics and practical uses:
Container Model | Temperature Range | Max Duration | Reusability | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
+35.6°F to +46.4°F (+2°C to +8°C) | 96 hours | Single-use | High-value pharmaceuticals with long transit times | |
+35.6°F to +46.4°F (+2°C to +8°C) | 120 hours | Reusable | Routine pharmaceutical shipments with varying transit durations | |
+35.6°F to +46.4°F (+2°C to +8°C) | 48 hours | Single-use | Short-distance pharmaceutical deliveries | |
Below -76°F (-60°C) | 72 hours* | Reusable | Deep-frozen biologics and specimens | |
+35.6°F to +46.4°F (+2°C to +8°C) | 72 hours | Single-use | Budget-friendly regional deliveries |
*Note: Dry ice duration can vary based on external temperatures and packaging, with sublimation rates of 5–10 pounds per day [2].
Important Considerations
Several factors can influence the performance of these containers:
Pre-conditioning Requirements: Phase-change materials (PCMs) often need 24–48 hours of precise refrigeration before use [2].
Customs Delays: Prolonged customs processing can impact temperature stability [2].
Temperature Monitoring: All containers include tracking options, ranging from basic indicators to advanced real-time systems.
For controlled room temperature (CRT) shipments (+59°F to +77°F or +15°C to +25°C), proper insulation is critical, even if the container lacks active cooling. When choosing a container, think about your current needs and any future requirements to ensure a cost-effective and dependable solution for your healthcare shipments.
Using Temperature-Controlled Containers Correctly
To maintain product integrity during transit, it's essential to use temperature-controlled containers properly. Below is a practical guide to ensure sensitive medical items stay within required temperature ranges.
Pre-Shipping Preparation
Accurate preparation is key for temperature-controlled shipping. Choose containers from a trusted medical supply company that meet your specific needs.
For shipments using cool packs:
Pre-condition and store cool packs at the temperature specified by the manufacturer.
Use only the cooling elements recommended by the manufacturer to avoid product damage.
Proper Packing Technique
Product Placement: Ensure products don’t directly touch cooling elements by creating a buffer zone. This prevents freezing or damage.
Secure Packaging: Use cushioning materials to protect items from breakage during transit.
Documentation: Attach shipping labels and provide clear temperature monitoring instructions.
Once packed, monitoring the temperature throughout the journey is crucial to maintaining product quality.
Temperature Monitoring Requirements
Shipping Temperature Range | Monitoring Device | Checking Frequency |
|---|---|---|
2°C to 8°C (35.6°F to 46.4°F) | Calibrated data logger | Continuous |
15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F) | Min/max thermometer | At key checkpoints |
Below -60°C (-76°F) | Specialized logger | Throughout transit |
Quality Assurance Measures
To ensure temperature stability, follow these quality control steps:
Container Validation: Regularly re-validate containers according to manufacturer guidelines.
Transit Planning: Select shipping methods that match the required duration and temperature conditions.
Chain of Custody: Maintain detailed records of temperature data throughout the journey.
Contingency Planning: Have clear procedures in place to address any temperature excursions.
For controlled room temperature shipments (59°F to 77°F / 15°C to 25°C), expedited shipping with validated thermal containers can help protect against temperature changes [2].
Healthcare Compliance
When shipping temperature-sensitive healthcare products:
Keep comprehensive temperature monitoring documentation.
Use logistics providers specializing in healthcare shipments.
Clearly label packages with temperature requirements.
Provide detailed handling instructions to all involved.
Maintain thorough audit trails.
Exposure to temperatures below 32°F (0°C) can cause irreversible damage to most medicines [3]. Always confirm that your containers and monitoring devices meet current regulations and product standards.
Summary
Selecting the right temperature-controlled container is crucial for protecting healthcare products. With 31% of temperature-sensitive shipments requiring refrigeration and 17% needing frozen conditions [4], making an informed choice is essential for maintaining product integrity.
Key Considerations for Temperature-Controlled Shipping
Temperature Requirements [4]
Frozen/Dry Ice: –60°C/–76°F and below
Refrigerated: 2°C to 8°C (35.6°F to 46.4°F)
Controlled Room Temperature: 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F)
Container Selection Factors [4]
Shipment size and duration
Environmental conditions
Product value
Regulatory compliance
Why It Matters
The rise of complex biologics has increased the demand for strict temperature control. Over half of the top 32 counterfeited drugs require precise temperature management during shipping [4]. Validated thermal containers play a key role in ensuring product safety and maintaining efficacy.
Ensuring Shipment Success
Effective temperature-controlled shipping depends on continuous monitoring and thorough documentation. Steps like regular container validation, proper coolant preparation, and clear handling instructions are critical. Partnering with specialized healthcare logistics providers adds an extra layer of protection for sensitive products.
Investing in high-quality temperature-controlled containers is not just about compliance - it's about safeguarding patient safety and preserving the integrity of healthcare products.
Discover how Mercury can streamline your temperature-controlled packaging needs and help you focus on what matters most. Contact us today to learn more about our customized shipping solutions.
