1500X Hybrid Containers: Performance Meets Efficiency

Pharma supply chains are increasingly complex and can involve hundreds of individual operations across multiple modes of transport. This complexity can lead to inefficiencies — like waste, errors, and ultimately, product loss — which can have a severe impact both on patients and pharma companies.  

That’s why, when choosing transport solutions, efficiency has to be more than a consideration, it has to drive every decision.  

To achieve this, the 1500X hybrid container is designed to streamline operations – from loading and transportation to data collection – while improving reliability at every step of the way.  

We saw this in action recently, when a shipment of temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals was sent from Beijing to New York, overcoming significant challenges along the way. 

Optimized Loading and Secure Transit

The journey began in Beijing where the 1500X hybrid container was loaded with pharma products that needed to be kept in a strict temperature range of 15°C to 25°C.  

Designed to address key pain points in loading and handling, the 1500X simplifies a complex process. We focused on eliminating common challenges — such as intricate loading procedures, transfer delays, and equipment compatibility challenges. Now, for our clients, it’s as simple as “open, load, close, and ship.”

Each container then fits perfectly on a standard US or EU pallet, and is easily handled by pallet jacks and forklifts, reducing manual effort and transition times. 

Built with a die-cast frame — like that used in aircraft construction — the 1500X is 120kg lighter than previous models, while still delivering a robust 1,000 kg capacity without added bulk. How? By increasing the internal height to 1.3 meters, we also achieved a 7.8% increase in volume. With no internal fans or electrical components, our customer could fill the container to the brim at the facility.  

Once loaded, it was transported to Beijing Airport.   

Designed for Smooth Customs Clearance

One of the first hurdles a temperature-controlled product may encounter during transit is the customs clearance process. Active and passive containers often have electrical components or insulation materials that can obstruct or distort X-ray imaging. Some packaging solutions are also too bulky to fit into standard X-ray machines.  

If a container results in ineffective imaging, customs authorities will resort to alternative inspection methods such as canine units or physical inspections that require opening the container.  

This can lead to delays — or even worse temperature excursions as the products inside are exposed to ambient temperatures.  

Our engineers have designed SkyCell hybrid containers to fit neatly into standard X-ray machines and provide a clear, unobstructed X-ray image of the products inside. This ensures smooth customs clearance, preserving the integrity of temperature-sensitive products and reducing delays.  

Reduced Weight, Reduced Emissions

Once customs were cleared, the shipment continued its journey by air. Here the 1500X’s lightweight, die-cast frame design proved its worth again. The container adds minimal weight to the cargo and reduces air freight costs and emissions.  

Its optimized volume-to-weight ratio means 4 containers fit on a PMC, allowing more cargo in the hold and maximizing space utilization. As a result, our customers can transport more products per shipment, meaning fewer trips — and reduced emissions.