Shipping medical equipment internationally from the United States reached $45 billion in 2014 and are continuing to rise. Additionally, it is becoming increasingly common for a surgeon to buy a large collection of medical equipment to furnish an entire clinic overseas. One of the best ways to ensure that overseas clients continue to buy equipment from the United States is to ensure that all medical devices arrive at their overseas destinations safely and securely. Achievement of this goal begins with an understanding of the international freight process.
Lives Depend Upon the Secure Shipment of Medical Equipment
Medical equipment is distinct from many exports because people in other countries require the devices to save the lives of people and animals. Additionally, some medical devices such as C-arms, X-ray machines and anesthesia systems are extremely large and cumbersome, making them more challenging to ship than smaller less complex items. Finally, medical equipment is often more fragile than other goods. Devices are typically manufactured with delicate glass components or complex internal power boards that can become dislodged during the shipping process.
The Key Role of Packaging in the International Freight Process
The cornerstone of a successful international freight experience is secure packaging. In the case of medical devices, secure packaging typically involves the construction of a customized crate by an experienced packaging and shipping company. Failure to securely package and ship a medical device can result in cosmetic damage or the device being rendered useless to the buyer. If a crate is too large for a device, there is an increased risk for damage because the device could move about within the crate. A crate that is too small could result in breakage or cosmetic damage to the equipment.
The Importance of Enlisting the Help of Trained Professionals
The best way to ensure that life-saving medical devices arrive safely at their overseas destinations is to enlist the help of a trusted international freight packing company. Whether you need to ship one small device or whether you need help packaging and shipping enough equipment to fill a 40 foot container, it is important to enlist the help of professionals who have been trained in international shipping. Contact us today to see how we can help ensure that your life-saving devices arrive safely and securely at their overseas destination. Remember, medical equipment shipping requires experience and expertise.