Navigating life science logistics in Ireland through the power of partnership

Question 1: How does the partnership between Biocair and Aramex Ireland benefit life science companies in Ireland?

Peter Canning: Aramex Ireland brings to the table a wide range of capabilities in logistics beyond life sciences. This means we can provide holistic solutions tailored to the specific needs of life science companies, combining Biocair's expertise with our own to create tailored solutions for customers.

The partnership offers an end-to-end solution for Biocair's customers, integrating services seamlessly between the two companies. This comprehensive approach ensures that customers receive exceptional service and tailored solutions.

Darragh Scannell: My dual role across both companies ensures we can troubleshoot problems early, and I can operate with an in-depth understanding to deal with issues as soon as they arise.

Our customer feedback has been exceptional, indicating that the partnership is effective and successful in meeting the needs of life science companies in Ireland. It is thriving and growing each month, demonstrating that the collaboration between Biocair and Aramex is beneficial for everyone involved, especially our customers.

Andrew Moss: Previously, Biocair has not had an extensive presence in Ireland. However, through the developing relationship with Aramex Ireland over the past two years, we're now able to offer a broader range of logistics solutions.

The partnership combines Biocair's 35+ years of experience with Aramex Ireland’s local knowledge, expertise and facilities in Ireland. This enables us to offer a fully white-glove service tailored to each customer's requirements.

The partnership ensures that solutions are not one-size-fits-all but are tailored to exactly what the customer is looking for. This level of customization ensures maximum satisfaction and efficiency.

Furthermore, we have a shared corporate structure which, ultimately, allows us to offer more efficient and effective rates to the customer. Since Covid we have noticed an increase in price sensitivity amongst certain customers and, with this new partnership, we are able to develop innovative, cost-effective transport solutions utilising the shared network. This can be seen in Aramex Ireland’s road freight linehaul service between Ireland and the UK linking a variety of MHRA and WDA licensed facilities, ultimately enabling us to be more competitive on certain shipments such as medical devices or bulk equipment.

Question 2: With Ireland being split across the UK and EU, what risks and challenges does that present?

Peter Canning: This is an interesting question, as we see the current situation not as a challenge but as an opportunity. My colleagues and I have extensive experience in dealing with customs and customs regulations. Given our familiarity with customs procedures and our ability to adapt, we view Brexit as a chance to utilize our expertise and provide efficient solutions to customers.

We have a proactive approach to potential customs delays by utilizing bonded facilities in Ireland, the UK and the Netherlands. By having these facilities and managing customs clearance efficiently, we ensure that shipments are not held up by customs procedures.

Darragh Scannell and Andrew Moss: Both agreed with all of the points Peter made and had no further comments.

Question 3: With export capacities being a big challenge in Ireland, how do you overcome this?

Peter Canning: For air freight, especially in the life science sector, there is sufficient capacity available, particularly for shipments under 100 kilos. Carriers like American Airlines and Qatar Airways provide ample capacity, with multiple daily flights from Dublin to various destinations worldwide, including the USA, Asia and the Pacific region.

While there may be some downgrading of capacity during the winter season, it does not significantly affect the life science sector due to the smaller size of the products being shipped. There has been an expansion of long-haul capacity, with increased frequencies of flights to destinations like Dubai and Doha, particularly during the summer season.

There are no capacity issues for road freight, including temperature-controlled vehicles, to the continent and the UK, as they operate all year round.

Overall, we don’t see any export challenges related to capacity in Ireland.

Darragh Scannell and Andrew Moss: Both agreed with all of the points Peter made and had no further comments.

Question 4: Are the effects of Brexit still being felt at customs? How do you continue to navigate this?

Andrew Moss: Generally, it’s an overall lack of understanding about customs requirements within the life science industry that leads to confusion between importing and exporting into Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

To mitigate customs-related issues, it’s important to ensure that all documentation is complete, accurate and checked before shipments proceed. This thorough approach helps prevent customs delays and ensures smooth operations.

Peter Canning: There were a lot of preparations made for Brexit and despite some businesses' initial dismissals of potential problems, Brexit did pose challenges, particularly for those unfamiliar with customs requirements. However, for services like ours, which specializes in white-glove service, there haven't been significant issues if documentation is in order.

There is an ongoing effort at customs clearance, including regular customs audits, which we’ve passed successfully. We’re always vigilant in addressing any rare instances of delays or issues with inbound shipments.

Darragh Scannell: One of the main points of difference from this partnership is our customs brokerage team. They maintain smooth customs clearance processes. They’ve built strong relationships with customs officials, which facilitate communication and help resolve any potential issues quickly.

Relationships are one of the most important things in customs clearance and the familiarity between our team and customs officials has led to better communication and problem-solving.

Question 5: What complexities do you face when transporting pharmaceutical goods on a global scale?

Peter Canning: When exporting pharmaceutical goods globally, we collaborate closely with Biocair to ensure all necessary documentation, including customs paperwork, dangerous goods certificates and airway bills, are in order. Once the documentation is submitted, we await authorisation from Biocair before forwarding the shipment. Essentially, we have robust processes in place to make global shipping easy.

One of the major challenges we encounter is when shipments consist of multiple boxes, and not all of them travel on the booked flight. But this situation is very rare, and usually caused by events beyond our control. We’re always proactive in our approach when issues do arise.

Andrew Moss: Regulatory compliance when shipping pharmaceuticals on a global scale is key. We must adhere to regulatory requirements in both the destination and transit countries, particularly concerning temperature maintenance and permits for pharmaceuticals containing animal material, such as antibodies. The complexity of the products we ship means we must know each local customs clearance process in detail. As regulations change, Biocair continually works to ensure that we have a thorough understanding of the most current local regulations.

Darragh Scannell: Agreed with all of the points made and had no further comments.

Question 6: What does it mean to be a specialist life science logistics provider? What do you provide that general logistics providers can’t?

All: Overall, it comes down to the meaningful nature of the work we do in the life sciences sector. Ensuring that pharmaceutical goods reach patients promptly and safely, potentially saving lives.

Biocair exclusively supports the biopharma sector, so they have in-depth knowledge of the industry and are well-versed in regulatory requirements for shipping pharmaceuticals globally.

They offer personalized care to their customers, which goes beyond traditional logistics services. Some employees have scientific backgrounds, which adds depth to their understanding of the products they handle. This expertise sets them apart from mainstream logistics companies and enhances the quality of service they provide.

Combining their strengths with Aramex Ireland ensures a formidable partnership that delivers for customers every time.