Demonstrating Life Science Logistics Capabilities in Handling Biological Samples
A reputable stable in Abu Dhabi, UAE specialising in horse and camel breeding aimed to boost their racing livestock’s efficiency. To achieve this, the stable needed to export blood samples to Italy where the animal research was taking place.
The stable has been breeding racing horses and camels for several years now. Just recently, they decided to explore modern practices to boost their camels’ stamina and efficiency. Hence, they partnered with a university in Italy for research.
However, since they were doing it for the first time, they lacked knowledge of the step-by-step processes and regulations involved in exporting biological samples including compliance procedures with local health authorities and documentation required.
Another challenge was determining the packaging requirements to safely export a sensitive product without contamination while maintaining the right temperature throughout the transport from pickup to the research facility.
Total Freight International (TFI) followed the stringent guidelines set by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCE) and the Dubai Municipality Veterinary Department to ensure the samples’ safety during air freight. Leveraging our hands-on approach in life science logistics,
we quickly secured the required export permits, documentation, and regulatory approvals needed for the shipment to proceed without delays.
Due to the biological nature of the samples, maintaining a controlled temperature environment throughout the entire transportation journey was critical. Strict temperature control between +2°C and +8°C was required to prevent any excursions that could compromise sample integrity.
To meet these requirements, TFI provided a validated passive packaging solution selected based on the shipment profile, transit duration, and temperature requirements. The packaging was qualified to maintain the required temperature range throughout the shipment journey, including airport handling, potential delays, and international transit. As it does not rely on external power, it provided consistent thermal protection while minimizing the risk of temperature fluctuations.
Our transportation team collected the blood samples directly from the stable using TFI’s own temperature-mapped vehicle to maintain the cold chain from the outset. Meanwhgile, our certified packing specialists supervised the preparation and packing process, ensuring the samples were securely placed inside the validated packaging. Appropriate temperature-control materials, including specialized insulated cartons, were also used where required. To ensure compliance throughout the process, we carefully followed labelling, documentation, and handling procedures.
Leveraging our global agent network and experience managing time-critical life science shipments, we then arranged transportation on the first available flight to Italy. Upon arrival, our local partner coordinated customs clearance and final delivery to the research facility, ensuring the required temperature conditions were maintained until final handover.
Through a combination of regulatory expertise, validated passive packaging technology, temperature-controlled transportation, and end-to-end shipment coordination, we successfully delivered the sensitive blood samples safely and compliantly, preserving their integrity for critical research activities.
Two weeks after the success of the first shipment, the stable partnered with us again to transport the second batch of biological specimens to the same destination.
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