TABLE OF CONTENTS

• What is Cold Chain Shipping?
• Temperature-Controlled Solutions We Offer
• Active vs. Passive Cold Chain Shipping
• How to Ship Temperature-Controlled Cargo Using UFH

What is Cold Chain Shipping?

Cold chain also referred to as temperature-controlled solutions are specialized logistics services designed to maintain cold environments throughout the transportation of freight. These solutions are critical for industries like healthcare and pharmaceuticals, where the safe transport of temperature-sensitive products such as vaccines, biologics, and other medical supplies is essential. By preserving the required conditions from origin to destination, cold chain services ensure the efficacy and quality of these sensitive goods.

A robust cold chain solution in healthcare incorporates advanced technologies. This includes temperature monitoring systems, thermal packaging, and refrigerated transportation, all calibrated to ensure compliance with stringent regulatory standards. For businesses reliant on freight forwarding, cold chain logistics extend these safeguards to the global scale, allowing for the safe and efficient movement of perishable goods via air, ocean, or ground transportation.

Partnering with a reliable provider of cold chain solutions, such as UPS Healthcare and the UPS Forwarding Hub, can significantly enhance supply chain efficiency and reduce risk. Our specialized expertise ensures seamless operations, offering peace of mind to companies and organizations that depend on the integrity of their shipments. Whether delivering life-saving medical supplies or managing temperature-sensitive freight, cold chain solutions are vital for industries where precision and quality truly matter.

Temperature-Controlled Solutions We Offer

UPS Cold Chain+ solutions play a critical role in ensuring that temperature-sensitive products are transported with precision and care. This is especially important in the healthcare industry, where certain medications and vaccines require specific temperature conditions to maintain their efficacy. Without proper cold chain logistics, these products may become less effective or even unusable.

To help you choose the best product to meet your freight forwarding needs, here is a easy to read summary of our cold chain solutions by temperature profiles, along with the types of products each solution is best suited for:

CONTROLLED ROOM TEMPERATURE (15°C to 25°C)  

• Ideal for products like generic/non-sterile pharmaceuticals and other items requiring ambient protection.

REFRIGERATED (2°C to 8°C)  

• Designed for temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals, specialty medications, vaccines, and insulin.

FROZEN (-15°C to -25°C)  

• Perfect for products like plasma, tissue samples, vaccines, and other items that require freezing conditions.

ULTRA FROZEN (-70°C to -80°C)  

• Made specifically for ultra-cold storage needs, such as COVID-19 vaccines and similar products.

CRYO (-196°C)  

• Supports the transportation of advanced therapies, including cell and gene therapies, which require cryogenic conditions.

Along with handling end-to-end transportation we also offer advanced cold chain packaging, storage and thermal monitoring technologies to ensure your shipments maintain the required conditions throughout the entire supply chain. Rest assured that your temperature-controlled shipping needs are met with the highest standards of reliability and efficiency.

Active vs. Passive Cold Chain Shipping

When it comes to UPS cold chain solutions for freight, we typically have two main approaches to choose, active and passive.

Active

Involves the use of temperature-controlled containers or refrigeration units powered by electricity or batteries. These systems maintain a consistent temperature throughout the shipping journey of freight without relying heavily on external cooling elements. This option is ideal for long-haul or sensitive shipments requiring precise temperature control over extended periods.

Passive 

Utilizes insulated packaging combined with cooling materials such as gel packs, dry ice, or phase change materials. These systems are often more cost-effective and simpler to handle, making them a popular choice for shorter shipments or those with less stringent temperature requirements. However, passive solutions are limited by their cooling duration and may not be suitable for extended transportation of highly sensitive goods.

By understanding the key differences between active and passive cold chain solutions, you can select the most appropriate option to ensure the integrity and safety of your temperature-sensitive cargo.

How to Ship Temperature-Controlled Cargo Using UFH

Follow these steps in the UPS Forwarding Hub (UFH) to get a quote when shipping temperature-controlled cargo.  

From the navigation panel (leftside), select 'Quote'

Select which 'Mode of Transporation' you want to get rates for

Input the 'Origin' and 'Destination' information

Select the 'Payment Term' for your shipment

Update your 'Cargo Details'

Note: Commodity type should be authorized to ship and within temperature control measures.

Select 'Special Considerations'

Select 'Temperature Control'

If your cargo is considered hazardous material, you can select the HAZMAT option too

Select 'Active' to use temperature-controlled containers or refrigeration units to move your cargo

or

Select 'Passive' to use insulated packaging combined with cooling materials to move your cargo

Click 'Submit'

The system will begin to search for available instant rates.  

• Available instant rates -- options will display on the screen for you to choose the best rate

• Rates not available -- submit a customized quote form to our pricing experts

If rates are not available 'Review' and 'Complete' the custom quote form displayed on the screen

Click 'Submit Request'

Information: Customized quote request can take up to 48 business hours to get rates depending on the mode of transportation requested. Also, additional information may be requested depending on the commodity, size, or additional requirement for cargo. 

LEARN MORE

• UPS Healthcare Logistics
• UPS Cold Chain Logistics Solutions