The FDA, CBP, and individual state agencies regulate shipping medical supplies, including medical equipment and devices, across state lines. To maintain compliance and avoid delays, fees, and liabilities, it’s important to understand the documentation you need and the regulations you need to follow.
Xcel Delivery offers medical and laboratory courier services throughout Arizona and to and from other states. We have decades of experience in the industry and fully comply with all local and federal regulations. We can make it easier when it comes to shipping medical supplies and devices efficiently without encountering delays. Here is what you need to know about the process.
Classify and Properly Label Your Shipments
The Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulate the transport of medical supplies and devices into the U.S. The Department of Transportation (DOT) and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulate transport across state lines. You must follow very specific shipping regulations that comply with the rules set out by these regulatory agencies. Your shipments must be properly classified and labeled. The FDA has classified medical devices into three categories: Class I, Class II, and Class III. These classifications depend on the intent behind the use of the medical supplies or device. Our team at Xcel Delivery can help you better understand the FDA’s classification database to ensure your shipments are properly labeled.
Ensure Proper Packaging and Handling
You must properly package any shipments containing medical supplies and devices, including medications, pharmaceuticals, and vaccines. You must follow specific rules regarding:
- Identification and labeling of hazardous materials
- Proper packaging to prevent damage or contamination during transportation
- Proper handling to ensure all items maintain their integrity and efficacy
- Packaging materials that ensure temperature and humidity control, protection, and security
At Xcel Delivery, we have the knowledge and expertise needed to make this process more streamlined and efficient. We also partner with seasoned delivery drivers who understand these regulations and comply with every aspect of packaging and handling regulations.
Comply with All Transportation Regulations
You must also establish protocols that ensure compliance with all FDA, CBP, DOT, and FMCSA regulations. This includes:
- Knowledge of and adherence to state by state regulations and restrictions
- Acquisition of special permits to move supplies, medications, and devices across state lines
- Proper display of labels and documentation outlining the specific contents of each package, its handling requirements, and its usage
- Temperature controlled shipping containers and/or transportation vehicles, if necessary
- Controlled access to shipping containers and transportation vehicles
- Proper coordination with state and federal agencies
- Contingency plans in case of delays, accidents, or damage to shipments
At Xcel Delivery, we contract with medical delivery drivers who are trained and licensed to handle the transportation of medical supplies and devices according to the requirements of all regulatory agencies.
Partner with an Experienced Medical Courier
Transporting medical supplies across state lines is complex, and it’s important to partner with an experienced medical courier. At Xcel Delivery, we have the knowledge and expertise needed to help you overcome challenges, avoid delays, and protect your shipments. We contract with experienced delivery drivers for interstate and next flight out deliveries, and they are trained and certified to follow all necessary regulations and protocols to ensure safety and compliance.
We communicate clearly with you throughout the process, providing detailed, real-time tracking information and delivery confirmation, including signature on delivery and delivery confirmation photos. We follow precise handling procedures to guarantee the safety and smooth delivery of all medical supplies and devices. To learn more about our medical delivery services in Arizona and beyond, contact us online.
