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As pharmaceuticals, medical devices and other products make their way through the healthcare supply chain, the quality, integrity and safety of those products is of utmost importance. A set of guidelines that ensures the quality and safety of pharmaceutical products during storage, transport and distribution, good distribution practices (GDP) covers all activities from the time a product leaves the manufacturing site until it reaches the patient.
DB Schenker understands the critical link between GDP and the healthcare supply chain and always keeps the end patient at the center of its efforts. As part of this commitment, the logistics provider now has 129 GDP-compliant locations worldwide. The locations include the physical air, ocean and land transport facilities plus the related processes used for each of those modes.
Fulfilling a Critical Need
DB Schenker’s GDP initiative was launched in 2020 in response to the healthcare industry’s specific needs for GDP-compliant freight forwarding and logistics services. In the Americas, DB Schenker has 28 different GDP-compliant locations and plans to add more in the coming year. The certification is being handled by Bureau Veritas, a global leader in testing, inspection and certification services.
DB Schenker’s broad suite of freight forwarding solutions covers the entire spectrum – from ocean and land freight to air transportation. For its healthcare customers, the company develops customized strategies that include (but aren’t limited to) customized contract logistics, customs brokerage, trade solutions and reefer capabilities.
“In every country where DB Schenker does business, we offer capabilities that address the healthcare industry’s needs,” said Lorant Kovacs, Regional Head of Vertical Market Healthcare, Americas Region at DB Schenker. “Through our GDP-compliant facilities and freight modes, we’re transporting life-saving drugs, medical devices and other products that patients need.”
Bringing Products to Life on a Global Scale
Knowing that lengthy transit times are a major concern for healthcare companies that use ocean freight, and that more organizations are using ocean for their shipments, DB Schenker is well prepared to manage the quality, integrity and temperatures of those healthcare goods shipped by ocean.
For example, the company can handle any medical devices that may be sensitive to humidity—even on longer ocean voyages. “We not only offer the temperature-controlled reefer containers, but we also have the facilities to manage those goods on land via the DB Schenker network,” said Kovacs.
DB Schenker now has its eye on getting more than 200 locations GDP-certified. Right now, for example, DB Schenker is building a dedicated, GDP-compliant temperature-controlled facility in Miami. Once operational in early-2024, the facility will serve as a gateway to Latin America.
“At DB Schenker, we understand that our customers’ products are the result of dedication, innovation and hard work. That’s why we are here—to be their partner on this journey, bringing products to life on a global scale,” said Kovacs. “For us, it’s not just about transporting goods; it’s about creating a bridge of trust and excellence.”
Learn more about DB SCHENKER Dock to Door Services here.
