DHL expands coldchain options for healthcare shippers

DHL Global Forwarding has entered into an agreement to make use of temperature-control containers from US company CSafe LLC. The company said the lease deal will provide more flexibility and service options for its customers to ship temperature-sensitive products.

Ohio-based CSafe launched its AcuTemp RKN heat-and-cool container system in 2008, with more than 100 now in service.

Powered by rechargeable batteries, the system can maintain shipment temperatures during a flight within a range of +4 to + 25 degrees centigrade, while outside temperatures might vary between -30 degrees and +49 degrees.

DHL Global Forwarding, the air and ocean freight unit of Deutsche Post DHL, said the new containers were one of a number of options for its healthcare customers to maintain quality and security of their shipments.

Laura Ackerman, global head of life sciences operations for air freight at DHL Global, said: “We are the first European-based freight forwarder to sign this type of leasing agreement with CSafe, thus expanding our services for Life Sciences customers and leveraging our leadership role in the market.”

CSafe president Brian Kohr said: “Thanks to their integration of the CSafe AcuTemp RKN, life science companies have a great new partner option to our solutions worldwide.”