01.01.2025 09:30

A Guide to Shipping Large Medical Equipment Safely and Successfully

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Hello!

Health facilities, including hospitals, clinics, diagnostic laboratories, rely on various types of medical equipment to provide their services.

These devices vary in size, but the most important ones are large, bulky ones, which include MRI machines, CT scanners, medical imaging equipment, and medical lasers.

When a health facility lacks these machines, its ability to provide suitable medical treatment will be hampered.

Obtaining new and replacing irreparable medical equipment in the shortest time possible is, therefore, crucial for health facilities that do not have these essential items. However, this can be a daunting task, particularly if the equipment can only come from another country or a far-off state.

Consequently, medical device manufacturers and suppliers also need to step up their game when shipping their products to ensure that their clients get medical equipment in pristine, fully functional condition.

Shipping Medical Equipment by Air Cargo Charter

Medical equipment companies can ensure they transport their valuable devices in the safest, most secure way by shipping these via air cargo charter.

Private jet companies that provide oversized cargo charter services can transport medical equipment needed by healthcare facilities faster and more efficiently. They do not have fixed flight schedules, which means they can deliver their shipment any time.

Moreover, private jets can fly nearly anywhere in the world. Because of this, medical equipment companies can send their machines into any country, which facilitates faster delivery.

Also, air charter companies that provide cargo transport services have modified cabins that allow them to hold large, bulky machines, such as specialized medical equipment.

The aircraft is also spacious enough to carry more load, which means clients can send more than one device at a time to get the most from the service.

Best Practices for Shipping Medical Equipment

Aside from timely shipment, medical companies should also prioritize shipping their specialized equipment to their clients in good condition.

This entails preparing the medical equipment properly for shipment.

For medical companies, below are the best practices and tips to follow for shipping equipment by air cargo charter:

1. Letting only experts handle the preparation and packing process.

Maintaining the pristine condition of all specialized medical equipment depends greatly on how well they are prepared and packed.

This is a step that can only be entrusted to specialists who have experience handling this part of the shipping process.

Medical machines vary in terms of size, shape, weight, and fragility. Because of this, all persons involved in preparing and packing them should be knowledgeable about the equipment and the care it requires.

Entrusting the entire endeavor to employees who do not understand the requirements of the equipment and the intricacy of the packing process can increase the risks of damage to the device while it is in transit.

2. Reinforcing the original packaging.

Medical devices have specially-designed packages that perfectly fit and protect the product. However, these still need additional protection to ensure the machines do not get damaged during the shipping process.

Working with packaging experts that can develop custom-engineered solutions, such as custom-built crates and other packaging options, is often the best answer.

With the help of these experts, all expensive, fragile, and specialized medical devices will be secure and completely protected while they are in transit. They provide impeccable security and protection.

Additionally, packaging experts can help with analyzing awkwardly shaped or extremely heavy medical equipment. As a result, they will be able to provide specially designed crates that protect the cargo from abrasion, vibration, shock, moisture, and temperature fluctuations.

3. Using good quality packing materials.

Although a machine may not require specialized packaging for air cargo shipping, it still needs sufficient protection. Because of this, it is best to invest only in high-quality packing materials.

It is important to use a box made of material strong enough to withstand the weight of the machine.

Cardboard boxes usually have an imprint showing their maximum weight capacity, thickness grade, and dimensions, meaning selecting the most appropriate one for the machine won’t be difficult.

It is also crucial to keep the machine secure while inside the box to minimize the risk of breakage. A small bump or vibration can cause the equipment to move or shift, which can lead to a variety of damages ranging from scratches and scuffs to actual broken parts.

To keep the medical equipment secure and prevent any component from getting damaged, it is also vital to use plenty of fillers.

4. Labeling all boxes or crates appropriately.

Whether the medical device is packed inside a specialized crate or heavy-duty box, it has to be labeled appropriately.

The label should contain details of the recipient and sender and what is inside the container.

Also, with large medical equipment, it is crucial to label it ‘FRAGILE’ and which side of the container should be up.

Additionally, it is important to indicate on the label if the device contains lithium-ion batteries. Machines that use this type of battery usually have specific storage requirements and need additional handling care.

5. Acquiring insurance.

Obtaining the right coverage is a crucial step in the entire process of preparing medical equipment for shipping and with its actual delivery.

No matter how well the team has prepared the machine, there is always a risk of unexpected accidents that can compromise the safety and quality of the equipment while it is in transit.

To have and give the client peace of mind, obtaining the right insurance is a must. It should provide reasonable compensation in case pieces of or the whole equipment gets damaged or destroyed on the way to its destination.

Time is a crucial element when shipping expensive, sensitive, and fragile medical equipment by air charter cargo.

Starting well in advance to prepare and pack medical or cosmetic machines can ensure they are protected and safe while they are being transported. Doing so also gives the experts time to evaluate all available options and reconsider some decisions before making them final.

If everyone involved understands how delicate the process of shipping medical machines is, they will know the importance of bringing all the potential difficulties to a minimum.

Additionally, it is essential to work with trusted professionals throughout the entire air shipping process. This means finding a reliable air charter cargo company and related providers that offer the necessary services needed for shipping medical equipment.

Thank you!


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