Preventing the catastrophic from becoming disastrous

How intelligent design and product robustness protects life-saving cargo in even the most extreme circumstances?

Although rare, logistics accidents do happen. When the cargo involved is temperature-sensitive, life-saving pharmaceutical products heading to patients, shipping container failures can result in devastating losses. But this doesn’t have to happen when you select a shipping solution partner who designs for the unexpected.?

Earlier this year, this CSafe RKN active temperature control unit was dropped on the runway during unloading at an airport, due to faulty rollers on the back of the loading truck.

Thankfully no one was hurt. And the cargo? It was in perfect condition for the recipient – and crucially, at the right temperature. Our robust unit continued to function, despite the external damage from the dramatic impact – and thanks to the swift reaction of CSafe and airport teams, it was replaced and the cargo was ready for transport within 12 hours.?

“Accidents like this are not ideal for anyone. But we were so pleased to report no product spoilage, despite the rather ‘beat up’ appearance of our unit. The incident could have resulted in far worse damage to both the cargo and the unit, had our RKN not been so robustly designed and built,” commented Tom Weir, CSafe Chief Operating Officer.

“The incident could have resulted in far worse damage to both the cargo and the unit – had our RKN not been so robustly designed and built.”

In this case, the ambient temperature on the runway was around 14°C. Had the interruption been in an extreme temperature scenario, this RKN unit would have maintained efficient operational capability – in anything from -30°C to +49°C.

CSafe’s RKN unit withstood this impact thanks to years of design refinements and best-in-class performance and quality. Had the batteries been damaged, the advanced VIP insulation would have enabled a passive protection time for the cargo within. Automated data logging meant the quick assessment of the pharmaceutical temperature history, enabling all involved had reassurance and visibility of the cargo’s state, and 130+ hours of battery life meant reduced risk from delays and disruption.

With the recent acquisition of Softbox Systems, CSafe now offers the industry’s most comprehensive range of active and passive cold chain shipping solutions such as bulk air cargo, parcel, cell & gene packaging and thermal covers, together with an extensive global customer and technical service team, who can advise on the best temperature controlled solutions for your scenario, and support in an emergency, wherever you are, and whatever surprises your shipping lane might have in store.