From September 2025

Achieving Both Large-Scale Pharmaceutical
Transport and Strict Temperature Control

Challenging Strict Cold Chain
with Pharma Operational Excellence

In pharmaceutical transport, the most critical factors are the synergy between "Temperature and Time." Every shipment has a designated "requierd temperature" and "allowable exposure time" (the duration quality can be maintained while exposed to ambient air). Typically, cargo requiring such rigorous control is shipped in specialized temperature-controlled containers.

For this project, the need for high-volume transport led to a request for a solution that did not rely on active temperature-controlled containers. Building upon our "PRIO PHARMA-TempAssist" service, we established strict time limits for every stage--from acceptance at the origin airport to aircraft loading, during flight, and through to the transfer to the pharmaceutical room upon arrival in Japan. We optimized the operational flow and task design to ensure all processes were completed within the required timeframe.

Two Key Points of the Transport Operation

Point 1: Thorough Temperature Management
Origin Airport : To minimize exposure time, ULDs were brought out from the temperature-controlled room "one pallet at a time" and immediately loaded onto the aircraft.
In-Flight: The air conditioning system of the Boeing 777-F was operated throughout the flight to maintain the specified temperature.
Destination Airport (Narita): A temperature-controlled vehicle drove directly to the aircraft's parking spot. ULDs were transferred under the specified management temperature and transported across the ramp.
Warehouse Handling: After being transported to the warehouse, the ULDs were broken down inside a 15-25°C pharmaceutical storage area and stored within the designated temperature zone.

Point 2: Verification of Safety and Integrity
We conducted comprehensive trial shipments covering all anticipated transport patterns (including verification using mock cargo, ramp-side handovers, and breakdown operations within the warehouse). By allowing the client to directly verify our transport quality prior to the actual shipping, we secured their full confidence and trust, leading to a successful large-scale operation.

ANA Cargo offers the PRIO PHARMA series, a range of transport services specialized for pharmaceuticals. We are dedicated to providing tailored solutions that meet our customers' various requirements.

Please feel free to contact ANA Cargo for inquiries: PRIO PHARMA

Customer and Staff Voice

Chicago Airport Office Cargo Team

Our Chicago Airport Office Cargo team is dedicated to delivering critical pharmaceuticals through precise communication and a shared sense of mission. To address the extreme challenge of temperature shifts, we work hand-in-hand to ensure timely and accurate handling. Every second counts. While we operate with extreme care and focus, our true goal is always the health and happiness of the patients waiting for their medicine.

Mr. Ikko Watanabe

Narita Warehouse Operation Center Cargo Service Team
Person incharge of coordination in Narita

Pharmaceutical cargo often comes with extremely stringent transport requirements, demanding meticulous pre-coordination for both cold storage and transport planning. While aligning with various departments can be challenging, I approach my work with a strong sense of responsibility--designing optimal handling processes to ensure the reliable delivery of medicine every single day.

Mr. Kazuki Fujita

Narita Warehouse Operation Center Cargo Service Team
Person incharge of documntation

Implementing 'ramp-side refrigerated truck loading'--a first for us at Narita Airport--was a major challenge. To overcome customs-related hurdles, we collaborated closely with teams from Nagoya and Kansai Airports, who have extensive experience in specialized cargo. We also drew heavily on the handling expertise gained during past COVID-19 vaccine shipments. I am incredibly proud that by pooling our internal knowledge, we were able to deliver these pharmaceuticals to our customers safely and securely.

Mr. Kenichi Tsuhako

Narita Warehouse Operation Center Cargo Service Team
Person incharge of Warehouse handling

We manage a continuous flow of temperature control, logistics routing, and time-critical tasks. As the frontline 'fortress of quality,' it is important to verify the condition of the cargo at every step. Knowing that I play a part in delivering reliable quality to the many people who need these medicines is what motivates me every day.