United Cargo has signed a global partnership agreement with temperature-sensitive packaging company Sonoco ThermoSafe.
The US belly carrier will lease the PharmaPort 360 temperature controlled bulk shipping container. The agreement enables pharmaceutical shippers to rent the containers directly from United.
The PharmaPort 360 is a smart active container, distinguished as the only active temperature controlled container in the industry that contains a fully integrated, FAA-approved telemetry system, providing real-time, cloud-based data on payload and ambient temperature and key mechanical components, precisely synchronised with GPS location.
Additionally, the container utilises proprietary thermal technology to provide extremely precise, long duration +5 degrees Celsius temperature control for transporting high value cargo for biopharmaceutical companies.
United Cargo president, Jan Krems said: “We are proud to be the first North American carrier to sign a direct leasing agreement with Sonoco ThermoSafe.
“Along with our relentless focus on speed, reliability and quality, TempControl customers appreciate our drive to ensure our service remains relevant and valuable to the evolving pharmaceutical marketplace.
“We are excited to offer customers the ability to lease the PharmaPort 360, a smart active packaging option, for the safe transport of health care material on our TempControl network of 68 certified locations.”
Sonoco ThermoSafe’s Leasing Services division director of global business development, Christopher Day said: “Given the extensive scope of United Cargo’s TempControl network, this partnership enables the pharmaceutical supply chain to cost-effectively ship across the Americas, Europe and Asia-Pacific regions.
“Additionally, Sonoco’s 300+ global locations allow the Sonoco ThermoSafe division to quickly and efficiently expand the depot network for leasing PharmaPort units across the globe.”
