TCD Medical has added Thermo King ColdCube portable containers to its fleet to support homecare pharmacy deliveries and nationwide pharmaceutical distribution. The company selected the units to manage small-volume medicines that require strict temperature control during transport to hospitals and patients’ homes.
Thermo King UK recommended the ColdCube containers after TCD Medical identified inefficiencies in using large vehicles for small loads from compounding facilities. The portable units provide heating, cooling and freezing for medicines and can operate on a van’s battery during a vehicle breakdown, helping reduce the risk of temperature deviations in transit.
TCD Medical currently uses primarily 330-litre (approx. 87-gallon) ColdCube models installed in vans, along with a 915-litre (approx. 242-gallon) unit used with its cold store. The containers support temperatures from –28 °C to +28 °C (–18 °F to +82 °F), making them suitable for chilled, ambient or frozen consignments. Battery, vehicle and hybrid-powered options allow operation for extended periods without mains supply.
All ColdCube models hold Good Distribution Practice and ATP certifications. TCD Medical also uses remote temperature monitoring to maintain oversight of conditions and support services such as rental, with support and calibration from Thermo King.
“Temperature mapping confirms Thermo King ColdCube units eliminate the risk of temperature variation inside our load space and keep running if the vehicle stops,” said Chris Sharp, Director of Quality & Operations at TCD Medical. “We can easily convert standard vans into dual-temperature vehicles and move units between vehicles to maintain operational continuity. Remote temperature monitoring provides full oversight, supporting our business growth and enabling new services such as rental, with seamless support and calibration from Thermo King.”