Pharmaceutical and medical industry
For manufacturers and exporters of pharmaceuticals who need a partner that understands GDP requirements and temperature-sensitive cargo.
Cartrag organises transport of medicines, medical devices and pharmaceutical raw materials - exports from Poland to Europe, Asia and both Americas, imports of APIs and production components. GDP requirement handling, temperature control and a dedicated forwarding contact on every shipment.
Typical pharmaceutical and medical cargo
| Cargo type | Characteristics | Sensitivity |
|---|---|---|
| Medicines and pharmaceutical preparations | FCL or LCL, high value | Temperature, light, moisture |
| Active substances (API) | Small lots, very high value | Temperature, ADR for some substances |
| Medical devices and equipment | FCL or LCL | Damage, moisture |
| Pharmaceutical raw materials | FCL or LCL | Temperature, contamination |
| Pharmaceutical machinery and equipment | OOG or FCL | Precision, securing |
| Vaccines and biologics | Reefer, very strict requirements | Temperature, cold chain continuity |
Logistics challenges in the pharmaceutical and medical industry
The pharmaceutical industry sets forwarding requirements beyond standard transport organisation:
- GDP requirements. Transport of medicines is subject to Good Distribution Practice (GDP) guidelines. Every link in the supply chain must meet documentation and temperature standards.
- Temperature control. Medicines and biologics require strict temperature control throughout transport - from loading to unloading. A break in the cold chain disqualifies the cargo.
- Regulatory documentation. Import and export of medicines requires GMP certificates, certificates of analysis and customs documentation matched to destination country requirements.
- High value and security. APIs and specialist medicines require cargo insurance tailored to pharmaceutical risks.
- ADR requirements. Some pharmaceutical substances are classified as dangerous goods, requiring carrier acceptance and ADR/IMDG documentation.
How Cartrag serves the pharmaceutical and medical industry
Cartrag organises transport of pharmaceuticals and medical devices comprehensively - from selecting a mode of transport meeting GDP requirements, through regulatory documentation and customs clearance in Gdynia, to delivery to the consignee's address. Every shipment is run by a dedicated forwarding contact.
- For medicines requiring temperature control: reefer containers with monitoring throughout the voyage.
- For ADR substances: classification verification, ADR/IMDG documentation, carrier selection.
- For medical equipment and pharmaceutical machinery: professional packing and securing as part of the Container Packing service.
Transport services for the pharmaceutical and medical industry
| Service | When in the pharma industry |
|---|---|
| FCL | Large lots of medicines, medical devices, pharmaceutical raw materials |
| LCL | Small lots of APIs, samples, top-ups - for cargo approved for consolidation |
| FCL Reefer | Medicines, biologics and vaccines requiring temperature control |
| Container Packing | Professional packing of medical equipment and pharmaceutical machinery |
Certificates and requirements in pharmaceutical transport
| Requirement | Scope of Cartrag's handling |
|---|---|
| GDP documentation | Coordination of documentation compliant with Good Distribution Practice |
| GMP certificates | Verification of destination country requirements for medicine imports |
| ADR/IMDG documentation | Coordination for substances classified as dangerous goods |
| Import permits | Coordination of customs documentation for destination country requirements |
| Pharmaceutical cargo insurance | Policy matched to temperature-sensitive and high-value cargo risks |
Pharmaceutical and medical transport - frequently asked questions
Yes, in reefer containers with temperature monitoring. Parameters and scope are set for each specific enquiry.
GMP certificates, certificates of analysis, export permits and customs documentation matched to destination country requirements. Cartrag coordinates documentation for every shipment.
Yes, transport of medicines is subject to GDP guidelines. Cartrag organises transport with GDP documentation and temperature requirements in mind.
Yes, the scope depends on the ADR class and carrier acceptance. The scope is confirmed for each specific enquiry.
Yes, with no minimum volume and no long-term contract required to start.
YOUR CONTACT
Kasia | forwarding at Cartrag
"If something changes, the client should hear it from us - not find out by accident."