Cold chain products require specialised shipping to maintain quality and viability.
Temperature requirements by product type:
Ultra-low (-80°C to -20°C):
Frozen cell lines
Certain enzymes and proteins
Some reagents
Refrigerated (2-8°C):
Some growth factors
Ready-to-use media
Certain supplements
Shipping methods:
Frozen shipments:
Pack in validated insulated containers
Use sufficient dry ice (typically 2-5 kg per day of transit plus 24-hour buffer)
Include temperature indicator cards or data loggers
Mark as "Dry Ice - Frozen Biological Material"
Ship via express service (24-48 hour delivery)
Coordinate delivery timing with buyer
Refrigerated shipments:
Use insulated containers with gel packs
Include temperature indicators
Ship via express or priority service
Avoid weekend delivery when possible
Documentation requirements:
Include with cold chain shipments:
Certificate of Analysis with storage temperature
Temperature indicator status guide
Immediate handling instructions
Viability guarantee terms
Your contact information for immediate temperature excursion reporting
Validation:
Maintain documentation showing:
Shipping container validation data
Temperature stability during typical transit times
Seasonal adjustments to packaging
Delivery coordination:
For high-value or critical cell lines:
Email buyer with expected ship date
Provide tracking information immediately
Request confirmation of receipt
Be available to troubleshoot temperature issues
Temperature excursion protocol:
If buyer reports temperature indicator showing excursion:
Request photo of temperature indicator
Review shipment timeline
Assess likely impact on product
Offer replacement if quality is compromised
Investigate cause to prevent recurrence
Quality guarantee:
Standard practice for cell line suppliers:
Guarantee viability if:
Temperature indicator shows acceptable range
Product opened and used within specifications
Handling followed instructions
Replace at no charge if:
Temperature compromised during shipping
Product defective as shipped
Viability below specified percentage