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Quality,
timely and cost effective transport of study supplies and
specimens is a key factor in ensuring accurate test results
and sponsor satisfaction. At ICON Laboratories, we pay close
attention to logistics planning and management from the time
we prepare your proposal until the last specimen for your
study is processed.
During the proposal process
we make every effort to cost shipping services accurately,
based upon the information available at that time regarding
testing and site locations. During the study setup process,
as your requirements are further refined, we will work with
you to identify and confirm costs for the best shipping strategy
for each visit – same day shipping, batch shipping or
a combination.
The Global Logistics Department,
of ICON Central Laboratories selects the appropriate courier
for each country in the study, taking into account the sample
temperature requirements, door to door transit cost, courier
performance data, and transit times. Within North and South
America the primary couriers are Federal Express and World
Courier. In the Pacific Rim, we primarily use TNT, World Courier,
or Marken. In Europe, TNT, PDP, and Marken are the couriers
of choice.
Our laboratory has collaborated
with experts in the packaging and courier industries to research
and test shipping containers that maintain specimen temperatures
within an acceptable range. These qualified shippers are provided
to your investigator sites based upon your study requirements
and the geographic location of individual investigators.
Our Global Logistics Department
is available to work with each study sponsor to plan for study
needs and respond to any individual issues that may arise
during the course of the clinical trial. Additional features
of our logistics services include:.
- Dedicated logistics staff
for shipment monitoring;
- Tracking of all outbound
international kits and miscellaneous supplies until delivery
is achieved;
- Daily updates to your ICON
Central Laboratories Project Manager regarding any delays
or shipment;
- Support by dedicated courier
customer service representatives;
- Availability of inbound and
outbound status reports;
- Quarterly performance metrics
for couriers;
- Review of issue trends with
courier customer service representatives to initiate preventive
action plans.
- Dedicated staff responsible
for creating detailed outbound proforma/commercial invoices;
- Customized proforma/commercial
invoices for outbound shipments are available upon request;
- Direct interaction with
sponsor contacts when import/export permits are obtained
- sponsor PM or CRO/CRA;
- Guidance on import/export
regulations, upon request;
- Special planning that optimizes
costs by matching needed timeframes against various shipping
modes such as express, freight, etc.
- Logistics staff members are
IATA certified to all types of clinical trial specimens
and dry ice shipments.
- New York laboratory begins
receiving specimens at 6:00 am, and is onsite until 11 pm.
Deliveries are accepted 365 days a year;
- Dublin begins receiving
specimens at 08:00 am and accepts shipments 312 days a year;
- Testing facilities are located
near major international airports to maximize the availability
of direct flights and minimize transit times/costs;
- Preferred pricing agreements
with FedEx,
DHL,
TNT,
World Courier, Ocasa, PDP, Marken, and QuickStat;
- Logistics staff members
utilize the most cost effective service, based upon the
delivery date required.
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