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Mar 13, 2021 at 2:18 PMThe logistics service provider Unitax relies on a Mercedes-Benz fleet for its pharmaceutical logistics. Six Atego and six Sprinter vans with refrigerated bodies ensure the nationwide vaccine supply in Brandenburg. The temperature-sensitive vaccine poses special requirements for transport
(Schönefeld/Brandenburg) In pharmaceutical logistics, nothing is left to chance – the responsibility for public health is too high. The public tender for the delivery of the Covid-19 vaccine in Brandenburg was won by Unitax-Pharmalogistik GmbH. The company, which specializes in the handling of pharmaceuticals, impressed with 30 years of experience, the highest transport standards, and a modern fleet that is continuously monitored online.
Currently, the Unitax fleet, consisting of 55 vehicles exclusively from Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicles, has six Atego 15-ton trucks and six Sprinter vans ready for the daily transport of the currently approved vaccine types. All vehicles are equipped with a refrigerated body that is certified according to Good Distribution Practice (GDP) for the transport of pharmaceutical products. This includes tracking of location and temperature as well as a liquid-tight body with a cleaning-friendly aluminum floor.
At the Unitax logistics center in Schönefeld near Berlin, the commissioning of the delivered vaccine and distribution to the Sprinter and Atego takes place. From here, after loading, it goes to around 50 hospitals and senior facilities as well as the eleven vaccination centers in the state. The longest route leads to Elsterwerder, 150 kilometers away.
Supply of Vaccination Centers with Six Vehicles
Unitax primarily relies on the Atego for supplying vaccination centers. “The vaccine itself usually does not take up much space, so the Atego has enough loading capacity for syringes, disinfectants, and other components needed for vaccination. This equipment is also intended for mobile vaccination teams,” says André Reich, looking at the utilization of the vehicles.
The transport of the vaccine boxes is strictly temperature-controlled. Regularly calibrated measuring devices continuously provide data to the drivers and dispatching – and warn in case of a sudden temperature rise. In such a case, the tour would have to be aborted, as the cargo is too sensitive. Therefore, it is essential to have well-trained personnel, diligence, and absolutely reliable materials.
For the latter, Unitax’s managing director relies on a fleet of Mercedes-Benz trucks. “Once I am convinced by a product and a service, the collaboration is set for me,” says Reich. “We can operate so well because we have partners like Mercedes-Benz Trucks in the background.” A confirmation of the good partnership is the order placed at the Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicle center Berlin-Brandenburg for the replacement of six Atego as part of a fleet renewal. Additionally, another six Atego 15-ton trucks are to be replaced during the year, and 15 Actros tractor units from the fleet will be replaced with the current model featuring MirrorCam and a complete safety package.
Vaccine Transport from Conviction
“We take on the task of vaccine distribution with the conviction that we are making an important contribution to containing the pandemic and with the ethical obligation to supply the people in Brandenburg quickly and reliably with the required vaccine doses,” says Chief Operating Officer Grit Jedamzik. She is responsible for the entire transport in the pharmaceutical supply chain from raw materials through intermediate products and packaging to the finished medicine.
From Jedamzik’s perspective, the prominent task differs from other transport assignments for Unitax in one essential point: Currently, the situation changes weekly, and André Reich and Grit Jedamzik continuously adjust the handling to the updated guidelines from the Federal Ministry of Health. And if, in addition to vaccination centers, senior homes, and hospitals, vaccinations are to be carried out decentrally in the future? “We are prepared for everything. Timely delivery is our top priority. Thanks to our experience, we can quickly adapt to any new situation, and thanks to our Mercedes-Benz fleet, we can always offer the appropriate transport solution,” says André Reich.
Unitax-Pharmalogistik GmbH
Founded in 1991 by André Reich, the family-owned company offers all services along the pharmaceutical supply chain. Certified according to Good Distribution Practice (GDP), Good Storage Practice (GSP), and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), the service provider stores and transports active ingredients and finished pharmaceuticals for customers in the pharmaceutical industry. The range of services includes temperature-controlled transports, storage in defined climate zones from +25 degrees Celsius to -20 degrees Celsius, as well as packaging, sealing, and printing of medications. Unitax supplies pharmacies, clinics, and care facilities in Germany with pharmaceuticals and medical products daily from its locations in Schönefeld, Großbeeren, and Nuremberg.
Photo: © Mercedes Benz
