When it comes to getting sensitive materials and specimens to their destinations, you want to make sure that everything is handled with care. Regardless of the mode of transport you choose, it’s crucial that medical shipments get to their destinations safely and quickly. There are two distinctive types of medical couriers: ground and air. Before settling on the right method of transport, you need to know how to weigh their pros and cons. Here are some factors you should consider when choosing between ground and air transportation for your medical courier operations.
Cost
The obvious advantage of ground transportation is its low cost, especially when you factor in fuel prices. Because aviation fuel is much more expensive than conventional gas, flying can drive up your shipping costs.
However, there are some other considerations you should take into account alongside cost. For example, if you need shipment within 24 hours and your product isn’t temperature-sensitive, ground shipping may make more sense in terms of the overall cost. Conversely, if you need overnight delivery, such as human blood samples sent from one hospital to another, it might be worth investing in air courier services.
Turnaround Time
Time is always a significant factor, especially when you are delivering sensitive products that can only be handled by medical professionals. The prompt arrival of critical items could also mean saving someone’s life.
By using air transport, you are generally able to do deliveries faster than would be possible with ground shipping. While ground shipping can be cheaper, it can be effected by weather changes or road conditions such as traffic jams.
Nevertheless, at Medi-Ops, we have made our ground transportation system as fast as possible through the use of lights and siren couriers. Our AI technology also makes it easy for us to evaluate many different routes and settle on the most appropriate one, avoiding traffic and other potential pitfalls.
Ability to Track Shipment
The ability to track your shipment via GPS devices is critical when sending medical supplies. Any sort of tracking device, such as those found on airplanes, can be invaluable in preventing you from losing your shipment altogether.
If you’re carrying blood products, such as platelets and plasma proteins, you need tracking capabilities that will ensure their safety 24/7. Furthermore, if delivery is urgent and an ambulance must be called in an emergency, having at least some level of tracking capability makes it easier for responders to locate your shipment quickly.
In addition to airplane deliveries, ground couriers now offer smart shipping containers that come equipped with GPS-tracking technology. These units make shipping medical supplies even more reliable.
Regulations
The regulatory environment is changing rapidly across several industries. Government regulations that impact medical courier services include HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act), OSHA (Occupational Safety & Health Administration), FDCA (Food, Drug, & Cosmetic Act), PHMSA (Pipeline Hazardous Materials Safety Administration), and IMDG / IATA / RID (International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code).
It is important to determine if your items are classified as Hazardous Materials (HazMat). If they are, you will need an FAA license to transport them via air. However, most states require HazMat items to be transported by ground-only couriers.
Distance
If you’re only transporting your products across town, you’ll probably have a better experience with ground transportation. On the other hand, the big advantage of air transport is that it covers much larger distances faster than ground vehicles.
Safety
Whenever your medical courier operation involves specimens, sensitive pharmaceuticals, or highly regulated medical devices, you’ll want to choose a mode of transport that minimizes risk. Air carriers are regulated by multiple federal agencies and have strict safety standards in place. For instance, if something goes wrong with a flight transporting samples from an infectious disease lab, pilots must be specially trained on how to handle such situations. On average, ground transportation for these types of shipments isn’t subject to as many safety regulations.
Weather Considerations
In areas with a high rate of inclement weather, ground travel can be hazardous and risky. Regardless of how careful drivers can be, they could still hit icy patches on roads, causing vehicles to slide off-road. If you’re located in an area prone to snow, rain, and hurricanes, opt for air transport. It will guarantee you more safety, flexibility, and faster delivery time.
Condition of Item Being Shipped
Temperature-sensitive or otherwise fragile products need special handling. For such shipments, an air courier service is your best bet, particularly if you don’t have time to wait around on ground shipping. For less sensitive items, it’s better to choose ground services and avoid the high costs associated with airline travel.
An Appropriate Solution for Your Medical Courier
There are many factors that you should consider when choosing between ground and air transport for your medical courier operations. Each mode of transportation has its own benefits and limitations. You need to take into account many factors like cost, expected delivery times, distance, regulatory aspects, legal concerns, and more. At Medi-Ops, we provide you with the right ground and air transport services for all your medical needs. Regardless of how complicated your operation is, our team of medical courier professionals can help you take it from conception to completion. We rely on the best technology that includes AI and machine learning to find the right solution for your transportation needs. Contact us today if you have any questions about our courier services.