Ohio-based cold chain packaging provider CSafe Global has implemented track-and-trace technology into its active air cargo containers following a flawless commercial pilot shipment with DHL.
 
The DHL pilot saw RKN containers loaded with temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals and flown from Puerto Rico to Kentucky and then transported by lorry to their destination in Chicago.
 
The shipment began when CSafe engineers integrated tracking devices into the RKN containers. These tracking devices provide real-time location, container temperature, ambient temperature, container tilt, container shock, door opening and closing events, and humidity data.
 
“This technology will bring the insight into shipment status and product condition that customers expect,” said Tom Weir, CSafe’s chief operating officer. “The tracking devices continually collect data and deliver them in real time to a cloud-based platform. From there, customers and CSafe support staff will have 24-7 access to monitor every shipment and intervene if necessary. It’s this ability to intervene that will give CSafe customers additional peace of mind that their products will arrive in perfect condition for patients. Being first to market with this type of innovation demonstrates CSafe’s commitment to best-in-class products and continuous improvement across our product portfolio.”
 
With this commercial pilot now finished, CSafe will move on with additional commercial test shipments during the next few months and incorporate customer feedback into their custom visibility platform. The platform will be device agnostic and able to track additional, commercially available telemetry devices. This flexibility is essential for CSafe as it implements the technology across its entire portfolio of air cargo, parcel and cell and gene offerings.
 
As a partner focused heavily on its Strategy 2025 of digitalisation, DHL has been supportive of CSafe’s efforts on this project.
 
“We at DHL appreciate partners who are dedicated to innovation that not only meets the current need, but goes well beyond to anticipate the future needs of our customers,” said Patricia Cole, global head of temperature management for DHL Global Forwarding. “This technology will revolutionise the cold chain and we are thrilled to be involved.”
 
CSafe’s CEO Patrick Schafer was not at all surprised that the team delivered in spite of the challenges 2020 has brought with it.
 
“Tom and his entire team have been researching, planning, testing and retesting every aspect of this project for months to ensure we provide the best possible hardware, software and experience to our customers,” he said. “They enlisted help and insight from our partners and customers and the result is once again something we are all very proud to offer. While others may have delayed or cancelled innovation efforts due to Covid-19, we saw it as an opportunity to truly test the equipment and software. As always, the CSafe team, our partners at DHL and our active containers performed exceptionally well.”