International Shipping of Business-Critical Medical Equipment
The Client
For many years, we have delivered international services to our client, a leading Contract Development and Manufacturing Organisation (CDMO). They collaborate with pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies to support time-sensitive drug development and production projects that demand exceptional expertise in global logistics.
The Challenges
On this occasion, the job came in at short notice without the usual pre-planning we often have with this particular client. We were first contacted at 10:30 am with a request to transport time-critical products from Belgium to one of their facilities in the Midlands, with a strict deadline requiring delivery by 9 am the following day.
A few challenges and key considerations arose early in the planning process:
Mode of Transport
Transporting the goods by air was deemed not the correct choice due to several factors. Airfreight carries less dedicated control over shipments, and customs procedures can present a risk of inspection, which may cause a delay of several hours. While many projects can tolerate occasional disruptions, and we allow for this in our planning, we concluded that, given the time-critical nature of this delivery, air transport didn’t present itself as the best method of transport in this instance.
Route Selection
We decided to proceed via the sea-crossing ferry route, as pre-checks carried out in advance ensure a smoother and more predictable journey between Belgium and the UK. Although there is always the chance of random spot checks, these rarely result in goods being held at the EU port to the extent that deadlines are missed.
Ferry Capacity
Ferry availability is another factor we assess early on when planning time-sensitive jobs to ensure that suitable crossings are available within the required time frame.
Vehicle Availability
Goods vehicle availability can often be a challenge; however, as a business that operates its own fleet and maintains strong, long-standing relationships with partners throughout the EU, this was not an issue for us on this occasion.
Weather Considerations
Finally, potential delays caused by adverse weather conditions are always taken into account. We closely monitor forecasts and manage this factor proactively, despite it being outside of our direct control.
The Solution
We secured a dedicated vehicle for this delivery.
By working closely with our trusted agent partners in the EU, we were able to produce the necessary customs documentation within one hour.
All paperwork was pre-checked and fully prepared for both export and import clearance.
While this process was underway, our driver successfully loaded the goods in Belgium at 2.40 pm as scheduled and proceeded to the ferry port.
With customs clearance secured, the vehicle was cleared to board the afternoon ferry, keeping the delivery fully on schedule.
The Conclusion
The ferry crossing went according to plan, and the goods were delivered to the customer’s facility precisely at 9am the following morning, as requested.
What does choosing a Dedicated Service mean for your business?
Opting for a dedicated service means your goods are collected and delivered directly from point A to point B by a vehicle carrying only your shipment. The load remains on the same vehicle throughout the journey, with no transfers or consolidations along the way. In essence, a dedicated delivery provides a level of control and service comparable to using your own fleet, but without the associated overheads and operational commitments.
To see if a Dedicated Shipping option may be right for you, please contact our team.