DHL’s Toronto station using temperature-controlled containers

MIAMI: DHL’s Toronto station is one of three in North America that has been accredited as qualified Envirotainer providers (QEP). Along with Chicago and San Juan, Toronto has met requirements of a five-step process to earn the Envirotainer accreditation, DHL said. Over 60 employees in the three stations combined, received professional Envirotainer training, required for accreditation.

Envirotainer, which makes active temperature-controlled air cargo containers, launched its QEP/CEP Training and Quality Program at the request of shippers of healthcare products and in response to industry guidance. The program works with service providers equipped to properly manage shipments using Envirotainer containers. By doing so, providers meet the requirements defined in the current Good Distribution Practices (GDP) guidance documents, which include the requirements of the Parenteral Drug Association (PDA) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

“This accreditation provides customers with a high degree of assurance that their shipments are being transported following the policies, processes, procedures and instructions required under the QEP Program,” said Brian Lindholm, CEO of DHL Global Forwarding North America. “This is a very exciting time planning, in a phased approach, the addition of state-of-the-art equipment and procedures that will help continue to deliver the excellent customer service this sector requires.”

With close to 40 years serving the Life Sciences industry, the Toronto station is the first station in Canada to receive QEP accreditation. Having been previously accredited, the station is receiving re-accreditation under the QEP’s new criteria. The station is currently working on special customer standard operating procedure (SOP) tools to further develop its life sciences program.

“With our established systems and team of trained professionals, we are equipped to serve pharmaceutical companies both importing and exporting to some of the largest markets including: Europe, China, Latin America, Australia and New Zealand,” said Laura Ackermann global head of life sciences operations for DHL Global Forwarding.