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Shipping Medical Devices and Equipment Delivery Services

Joe McDevitt • Oct 30, 2024

Choosing the Right Transport for Medical Device Shipping

When shipping a medical device, you’re in the right place! We can handle and route your shipment, and provide you tracking through a Transportation Management System. The first step is deciding the transport mode. Are you shipping a single unit, pallets, a full container, or setting up ongoing distribution? Determining this is critical to establishing the best method for transport and any required handling procedures.

Domestic or International Shipping?

Consider whether your shipment is domestic or international. For international routes, it’s crucial to ensure the right customs paperwork and to advise us of any temperature control requirements. You can choose between active containers, which have electronic temperature controls, or passive containers, which use insulation to maintain a consistent temperature. Our experienced team, along with vendor recommendations, can help you select the ideal container and method for transporting your medical devices safely across borders.

Medical Equipment Delivery: Specialized Care for Delicate Cargo

Shipping medical equipment requires specialized handling. Medical equipment, from lab testing devices to diagnostic scanners, is often highly sensitive, containing fragile components like lenses, gauges, and computer chips. Any damage during transit can compromise equipment functionality and even pose a risk to patient safety. Working with a reliable freight broker ensures your equipment arrives in excellent condition.

Regulatory Requirements for Medical Device Shipping

Shipping Medical Equipment and Healthcare Devices

Medical devices are subject to strict regulatory standards, especially when connected to patient health. In the United States, the FDA oversees the shipping requirements for medical devices, including packaging, labeling, and customs clearance. It is critical that as a shipper you comply with all regulatory requirements.

For international shipments, staying informed about regulations from agencies like the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Commission (EC) is essential.

Proper classification is key, as the FDA organizes devices by risk class (Class I, II, or III). As device class increases from Class I, to Class II to Class III, the regulatory controls also increase. The regulatory controls for each device class include:

Class I (low to moderate risk): general controls
Class II (moderate to high risk): general controls and Special Controls
Class III (high risk): general controls and Premarket Approval (PMA)

Consult the FDA’s classification database to identify your product's specific requirements.

Classify Your Medical Device

Types of Medical Equipment and Shipping Considerations

Medical equipment includes many categories, each with unique functions and handling needs:

Consumer Use: Items like inhalers, pregnancy tests, and glucose monitors require safe, efficient delivery to reach consumers on time.
Diagnostic Equipment: X-ray machines, MRI scanners, and ultrasound devices play essential roles in healthcare diagnostics. Their sensitive components require precise packaging and monitoring.
Therapeutic Equipment: Devices like ventilators, defibrillators, and infusion pumps aid in patient treatment. These must arrive on schedule to support patient care.

No matter the device type, all shipments benefit from careful attention, secure handling, and proper documentation.

Packaging for Medical Equipment: Safe Transport Essentials

Proper packaging is critical when shipping medical devices. Foam inserts, bubble wrap, and shock-absorbent materials are used to protect sensitive equipment from vibration and impact. Labeling is just as important—clear handling instructions help logistics personnel manage delicate medical equipment with care.

For larger shipments, devices such as shock watches and “tip and tell” indicators track for any movement that could affect product integrity.

For certain medical supplies, temperature control is a must. Active containers with electric cooling systems are perfect for shipments that need strict temperature regulation, while passive containers, which use insulation, are best for products needing moderate control. Discuss your product’s temperature needs to ensure the most suitable transport option. Likewise, when routing temperature controlled healthcare devices be sure to have damage indicators associated with freeze protection, humidity protection or h eat protection.

Traceability: Real-Time Tracking and Shipment BOL/POD Documentation

High standards in the medical industry mean tracking and documentation are critical. Many medical companies require traceability in shipping records—think RFQs for global shipping where comprehensive records are a must. Our logistics services can deliver POD and BOL archives along with, shipment transit times to delivery logs. Should any issues arise, you’ll have a historical record of temperature and handling data, ensuring accountability and peace of mind. If routing a dedicated load we can also acquire Macropoint GPS tracking to gather real time tracking visibility.

White-Glove Services for Large Healthcare Equipment

When it comes to large medical devices, white-glove service is often required. An example of this is when TLI is routing compressors and medical devices to dentistry offices. The dentists typically does not have a dock, nor are they equipped to break down the pallet, and its contents. Our team of motor carrier partners provide threshold delivery, debris removal, and careful packaging to maintain product safety. Whether it’s blanket-wrapped transport for a diagnostic scanner or a carefully packed pallet for distribution, we’ve got you covered.

Partner Together with TLI Today

A strategic shipper delegates load planning and routing to TLI, trusting us to provide reliable, secure, and efficient shipping solutions for medical devices. From start to finish, we’re here to ensure safe, expertly managed delivery every step of the way.

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TLI Insights

For the latest insights, tips and commentary surrounding the logistics industry, look no further. Shippers will find thoughts from the award-winning team at Translogistics covering everything related to your transportation processes and plans. If you have a question we are readily available at marketing@tli.email