A batch of autonomous refrigerated containers of AO “Russian Railways Logistics” has successfully passed validation for the transportation of medicines and medical devices. During this procedure, the quality and completeness of the refrigerated container equipment is evaluated, as well as its ability to maintain the necessary temperature conditions. The company has already carried out the first transportation of pharmaceutical goods, according to the press service of Russian Railways Logistics.
Validation was carried out in accordance with the principles of the international GDP standard (Good Distribution Practice) in force in the European Union and the Rules of Good Distribution Practice within the Eurasian Economic Union, which regulate the organization of drug transportation.
The test results confirmed that the refrigerated containers of Russian Railways Logistics support the temperature conditions necessary for the transportation of pharmaceutical products. This means that the products will be transported in the right conditions, which guarantees their safety for end users. The containers were qualified in three temperature modes: +2°C to +8°C, +8°C to +15°C and +15°C to +25°C.
“Despite the fact that the validation of refrigerated containers for medical goods transportation is voluntary, Russian Railways Logistics, as a responsible logistics partner, considers it important to achieve full compliance with current international practices. The current geopolitical situation has led to difficulties with the supply chains and rolling stock availability. This is especially critical in the case of the supply of socially significant medicines, which must be delivered in a timely manner and in the necessary quantity. The completed qualification allows Russian Railways Logistics to expand the possible use of its own refrigerated containers, increase their profitability, as well as attract new customers to use the company’s services, which now cover a new type of cargo (pharmaceuticals). Russian Railways Logistics is ready to transport medicines and medical devices in its autonomous 40-foot refrigerated containers by rail, road, and water routes, as well as offer multimodal delivery options both in domestic and international transportation,” said Dmitry Murev, General Director of Russian Railways Logistics.
Russian Railways Logistics’ refrigerated containers are autonomous: with their built-in fuel tank, they do not require connection to external power sources. This guarantees the continuity of the cold chain on multimodal routes.
The company has already transported more than 1,300 tons of pharmaceutical substances used in the production of medicines and dietary supplements for human and animal use from China to Russia by direct rail routes.
Validation of the second batch of autonomous refrigerated containers of AO “Russian Railways Logistics” is planned for 2023.
