Crating Medical Equipment
Shipping Medical Equipment
Some industries have exacting packaging, crating, and shipping requirements. The healthcare industry is a prime example. From sensitive devices to large imaging systems, shipping logistics for the medical industry demands special skills and experience. This includes the knowledge and methods to properly prepare valuable medical equipment such as:
- CT scanners
- MRI machines
- Lasers
- Surgical devices
- Lab equipment
- X-ray machines
- Computers and peripherals
- Hospital beds and treatment tables
- Medications
- This medical equipment is typically heavy and oversized. In addition, they are fragile and have components such as mirrors, lenses, or gauges.
- Medications and other supplies also have exacting requirements for crating and shipping.
Alliance Relocation Services has compiled a list of steps you should take to prepare your organization when relocating medical equipment is necessary. This will help to ensure your shipment arrives intact, on time, and undamaged.
Steps for Preparing Medical Equipment and Supplies for Shipping
1. Plan in advance of the move. It’s best if you can plan well in advance of the actual relocation of your medical equipment. In some circumstances, this may be impossible if not a significant challenge. A good example is a scenario in which the need for medical equipment is especially acute, like the FEMA shipments due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In such situations, it is crucial that you work with professionals such as Alliance Relocation Services. Without time to plan, you need their experience and skills.
2. Use packaging constructed specifically for your equipment. A new CT scanner can cost millions of dollars. You don’t want to risk any damage resulting in significant expenses and disruption to patient care. The crates and packaging should be constructed for each machine’s specific requirements. Your logistics provider should not simply put them on a pallet with a little packing material around them. You need custom blocking and bracing designed by professional packaging engineers.
3. Consider the environment requirements. If your sensitive, valuable medical assets will be shipped or stored in a humid environment, they will have different requirements. They may need protection from moisture damage. Medicines and other supplies frequently need to be kept at a constant cool temperature. This requires refrigerated transportation and storage.
4. Identify all hazardous materials. If your medical equipment has any materials that are toxic, radioactive, explosive, or even remotely dangerous, it is crucial that you identify those items for your packing and shipping provider. The items can be packed and shipped, but they will need special handling with prescribed precautions to ensure safe transportation.
5. Disassemble equipment when necessary. You may need to disassemble the fragile internal components of a valuable piece of medical equipment. This takes extra effort but may be worth the time and effort. If you decide to take this route, the empty space created inside the equipment needs protection during shipment to prevent jostling or dislocation.
6. Ensure your medical equipment for shipment. Review your current insurance policies and determine if you need to purchase additional coverage in case of damage during packing and transport.
7. Review regulations for overseas shipments. You will need to address ISPM 15 heat-treated and stamped crates, customs paperwork, and more. This makes working with a professional crating and shipping company even more important. If your medical equipment will be shipped by ocean freighter, you will need to consider vacuum moisture removal, vapor-barrier bagging, and desiccants.
8. Plan adequate time for installation. This is especially crucial if you have disassembled any of your medical machines. Factor in ample time for reassembly and installation.
9. Consider packaging that can be reused. For devices and supplies that you ship regularly, consider having a reusable custom crate constructed to protect your items. It can save you money as well. Custom crates can include hardware such as hinges and locking hasps so they close securely and can be opened without dismantling the crate. In addition, the crate can be stenciled with your logo and organization name.
Why Professional Crating is Necessary for Shipping Medical Equipment
No healthcare provider wants its expensive medical assets lost or damaged during transportation. For hospitals, medical equipment manufacturers, and other organizations, the stakes are particularly high. You must protect your assets. You have patients relying upon your machines and devices for accurate diagnosis and treatment. Delays or damage has a negative impact on patient care. Taking the extra steps to hire an experienced crate company means your equipment will arrive in the same condition they were in at packing.
The first step to packing and shipping valuable medical equipment, medications, supplies, or smaller devices is to contact Alliance Relocation Services. Call us today to learn more about our expert crating and packaging services for the healthcare industry.