GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 26, 2026

Ultra-Low Temperature Shipping

Ultra-low temperature shipping enables the transport of highly sensitive pharmaceuticals and biological materials at temperatures typically between –60 °C and –80 °C.

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Last updated: 26 June 2026Published: 19 June 2025

Source: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/storage/ultra-low-temperature.html

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Logistics concept

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1 min

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Definition & Explanation

Ultra-low temperature shipping enables the transport of highly sensitive pharmaceuticals and biological materials at temperatures typically between –60 °C and –80 °C. Key payloads include mRNA vaccines, blood plasma, tissue samples, and cell therapies – products that suffer irreversible degradation at standard cold-chain temperatures. Shipments use specialized dry-ice or liquid-nitrogen containers with active or passive temperature control, and a complete, unbroken temperature record must accompany every consignment in line with Good Distribution Practice (GDP) requirements. Any excursion from the target range triggers predefined escalation procedures. Compared with standard pharmaceutical cold-chain transport (typically +2 °C to +8 °C), the requirements for specialized packaging, container calibration, and staff training are substantially more demanding.