An airfreight-focused logistics solution

By Martin Svantesson

Geodis Wilson is continuously developing its scope for the distribution of temperature-controlled shipments for the modes of transport: airfreight with the ability of securing the correct temperature and compliant with GDP-approved procedures at all times. This is an ongoing process between pharmaceutical companies, manufacturers of materials and logistics providers when operating a successful supply chain.

Pharmaceutical companies require the right type of transport mode and equipment used for a specific product required for a specific market against the right price. Temperature management is a crucial area for the distribution of pharmaceuticals. It is important to be able to monitor the temperature throughout the complete supply chain. Today, the most common used solution for ambient transportation between 2°C and 25°C is the shipper-purchase insulated pallet box. The disadvantage is that this way of transportation can become expensive.

The challenge
As pharmaceuticals are considered as high value goods, they demand a safe, well-monitored and GDP-approved process throughout the complete supply chain. The distribution of pharmaceutical products with a demand for door-to-door consistent 2° C - 25° C ambient transportation versus a competitive price is a huge challenge for many airlines and logistics providers.

The solution
The Geodis Wilson G-Box was developed to provide stability and protection for 2°C-25° C ambient shipments. The G-Box provides the correct insulation qualities against various temperature variations. The G-Box is strong, flexible and water repellent 0.3 percent absorption by volume, with thermal conductivity properties of 0.030 W/mk. It has a vapor resistivity of 480 MNs/gm.

Due to its enormous flexibility, the G-Box can be used with AMA (main deck containers), AAP (lower deck containers) or even down to AKE units. In addition, we have recently developed the G 2 Box, an independent free standing version of the G-Box, which allows shippers greater freedom of choice of carrier, as the G 2 Box fits directly on to the airline pallet. (Lower deck and main deck versions available). The shipments are loaded in a secure and ambient temperature environment and can be measured by the customer’s temperature monitor or the Geodis Wilson developed temperature monitors throughout the whole door-to-door transportation.

The benefits
In developing the G-Box we are able to offer a price competitive solution for ambient cargo. The price competitiveness is based on lower packaging costs on insulated pallet boxes through using the Geodis Wilson Custom Made G-Boxes or G 2 Boxes to airline specifications; less handling charges for the shipper; and cargo optimization and freedom to choose any airline due to the high flexibility of the G-Boxes. Our innovative product has successfully been monitored, tested and used by several customers within the pharmaceutical industry.

Due to strong relationships with our preferred global operating airlines and local trucking companies, we’re able to utilize direct carriers, reducing transshipment points and additional handling and risk to the product. Geodis Wilson is very much focused on clear procedures for changes of transport mode: a thorough route risk analysis is completed to ensure quality compliance, as this has been recognised as one of the challenge areas for a time effective and secured solution. 

The customer uses Geodis Wilson’s freight monitor and a document management system to locate shipping information, wherever the cargo may be. This doesn’t just provide increased control over the shipping process – it also guarantees that the customer knows exactly when their shipments are going to arrive.

For more information about the G-Box, please send an e-mail to: g-box@hq.geodiswilson.com.

Geodis Wilson makes customers more competitive by delivering its cargo across five continents by sea and air and by making its supply chain transparent and easy to manage. Geodis Wilson, the freight management division of Geodis Group, has more than 5000 employees in more than 50 countries. The Geodis Group is a global logistics provider with 26,000 employees in a network covering 120 countries. As part of the French railway company SNCF, Geodis offers a wide range of sustainable, innovative and cost saving multimodal solutions. Visit Geodis Wilson online: www.geodiswilson.com.

Martin Svantesson is Vertical Market Director of Geodis Wilson Pharmaceuticals. He has 15 years’ experience in global distribution and holds a Master’s degree in Supply Chain Management. Svantesson’s role is to develop Geodis Wilson’s pharmaceutical distribution solution/proposal for existing and potential pharmaceutical customers.