How to Safely Ship Laboratory Equipment & Medical Devices

Senders and receivers of cargo certainly never want their assets to be lost or damaged during shipping. 

Unfortunately, lost and damaged goods have already become a common occurrence for laboratory equipment manufacturers, labs, hospitals and others in this industry.

Therefore, efficient packaging and shipping methods are very important for laboratory equipment shipping, especially if the items are classified as dangerous goods.

This is why there are special rules to ensure laboratory equipment shipping runs as smoothly as possible. 

These are just some of the most important aspects to remember when handling laboratory equipment packaging and shipping.

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Types of Laboratory Equipment

Laboratories have a wide array of equipment used to conduct experiments and research. 

The purpose is to create various things ranging from chemicals and pharmaceuticals to science fiction items like meat-free burgers to human organs. 

To produce all of this, a sufficient amount of equipment is needed for the laboratory.

The types of laboratory instruments available are very many and not limited to the following list:

• Lab fume hoods
• Furniture such as desks and chairs
• Beakers
• Test tubes
• Safety equipment — goggles, gloves, apron/coat
• Volumetric flask
• Erlenmeyer flask
• Boiling flasks
• Florence flask
• Graduated cylinders
• Bunsen burners
• Balances
• Thermometers
• Tongs and forceps
• Spatulas and scoopulas
• Ring stands, rings and clamps
• Pipettes and burettes
• Droppers
• Funnels
• Crucibles

Depending on the work or research being conducted, there are also specialized equipment such as lasers and other machines that can assist during production and scientific research in laboratories. 

Lab fume hoods are an important part of any laboratory, as they function as local ventilation to limit human exposure to toxic or hazardous vapors, smoke, or dust.

On the other hand, knowing whether the lab is "wet" or "dry" is very important. 

A wet laboratory will require sinks, chemical-resistant surfaces, and even eyewash and/or shower stations. 

A dry laboratory will have fewer chemicals and may house a large amount of electronic equipment, so the requirements for furniture used will not be as stringent.

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Things to Consider When Shipping Laboratory Equipment

Fragile Materials

Laboratory equipment is often very fragile. Items such as beakers, graduated cylinders, flasks, and thermometers are usually made of glass, so it is important to place them safely and isolated from external pressure. 

If lab equipment is crushed together during shipping or the box being shipped does not have a strong exterior, the equipment can crack or break during transit. 

Use a case with a durable exterior and carefully insert foam inside the box to ensure the safety of fragile items within.

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Temperature

Sometimes laboratory equipment is shipped with alcohol or other liquids that will be used for experimentation or testing. 

The types of liquids used in laboratory environments are very sensitive to temperature, and if too hot or cold, they can become unusable. 

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Complex Parts

Some laboratory equipment consists of several complex parts. 

When shipping something like refrigerators, freezers, microscopes, or scales, it is important to remember that if even one part comes loose or is damaged, the entire item will arrive needing repairs. 

Consider using custom cases for each piece of equipment to keep parts of various sizes and shapes safe rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all solution.

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Cleanliness

Since laboratory equipment will often be used in sterile environments and/or may contain strong chemicals or other medical substances, it is important to ensure that the equipment is not exposed to contaminants during shipping. 

Use a secure box to close it tightly enough to prevent dirt and other external debris from entering.

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Read: 5 Safe Ways to Pack Fragile or Breakable Items

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OSHA and FDA Requirements for Laboratory Equipment

Laboratory equipment used in food or pharmaceutical production must comply with the Food & Drug Administration (FDA).

To date, the requirements given by the FDA are that such items be properly labeled if necessary and made of materials that will not cause any deterioration in drug quality in any way.

Although not explicitly bound only to equipment, OSHA ensures that all work, including that in laboratory environments, follows regulations so that health hazards or other safety issues are greatly reduced or eliminated altogether.

For example, OSHA Laboratory standards state that all fume hoods need to be maintained regularly to function properly to complete their duty.

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Safe Ways to Pack Laboratory Equipment for Shipping

Laboratory equipment has several universal characteristics. They are generally made of glass, metal, or ceramic and must be very durable against extreme temperatures.

More specialized equipment may be required to withstand the corrosive properties of chemicals or other elements as well. 

Therefore, preventive measures must be taken with safe and customized packaging depending on the type of equipment being shipped.

For example, flasks, beakers, and pipettes are all made of glass and must be covered with bubble wrap. Flasks and beakers must be placed in sturdy cardboard boxes with cardboard inserts to form partitions. The partitions will greatly reduce the impact of bottles colliding with each other during shipping.

Even robotic equipment is used in laboratories and must be packaged and transported in a manner befitting its high value. 

Specialized furniture for lab settings and lab fume hoods must be more carefully shipped. To prevent any damage, it may be good practice to wrap these items one by one with plastic and cardboard, or place them in cardboard boxes with internal packaging to protect them from unexpected shocks or impacts. 

For lab fume hoods, like robotic equipment or other large items with electrical components, special attention is required not only in packing but also during loading, unloading, and preparation.

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Best Ways to Ship Laboratory Equipment

There are only four ways to ship laboratory equipment in full load, by rail, truck, sea vessel, or air. 

Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, but cargo shipping companies should be able to help you determine which is best for you.

Air shipping is generally not the primary option as a transportation method due to its very high cost. However, air shipping will be the best option if laboratory items must arrive quickly and price is not a concern.

If ordering laboratory equipment from abroad, shipping will most likely be dominated by sea routes. 

Rail shipping is a widely used option because of its competitive pricing and is the most fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly long-distance transportation mode. However, like air and sea, its greatest weakness is that it cannot be used as a door-to-door shipping option.

And the last option is truck shipping. 

Although it may not be the cheapest option, its ability to provide door-to-door shipping is highly valued by customers. 

But only comparing four different transportation methods does not account for the fifth option: intermodal. 

This is the use of two or more transportation modes to complete the journey of one shipment. 

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Shipping Laboratory Equipment With ABC Express

When you need to ship laboratory equipment, it's time to contact the shipping experts at ABC Express to ensure the entire process is done safely and efficiently. We will make the process smooth and simple for you so you can focus your time and energy on other more crucial matters.

ABC Express is experienced in handling all aspects of lab relocation; from ground transportation to international shipping.

Our team also handles everything from arranging containers, arranging shipments with shipping lines, and all documentation for port permits.

Our diverse services and extensive experience mean you can rely on ABC Express to handle your entire shipping process without having to use multiple vendors.

You can order cargo shipping services from the ABC Express website, or ABC Express WhatsApp Center and our team will handle your package right to your doorstep without additional shipping charges.

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