United Cargo has signed a global rental agreement with temperature-controlled container specialist va-Q-tec.
United Cargo’s TempControl customers will be able to choose from five sizes of va-Q-tainer containers: Half Euro, Eurox, USx, XLx and TWINx. TWINx is the newest va-Q-tainer unit and can accommodate two US pallets inside.
All rentals will be handled by United Cargo’s centralised 24/7 control tower team, who are responsible for managing processes throughout the life cycle of each TempControl shipment.
United plans an October launch date for the new va-Q-tainer rentals. This is the first time a North American carrier has itself announced the availability of these containers.
The rental agreement was signed, at a ceremony in Houston, Texas, by United Cargo president Jan Krems and va-Q-tec managing director Dominic Hyde.
“We’re very excited to add the latest in passive packaging to our suite of rental units,” says Krisha Kucharski, TempControl product development and marketing manager.
“These va-Q-tainer units allow us to transport shipments at temperatures from -50°C up to +25 °C – the widest range we have ever offered our customers. As the bio-pharma transport industry expands into new markets, these units will enable us to better utilise our narrow-body aircraft and reach more destinations more quickly,” Kucharski adds.
“United Cargo is a great partner for va-Q-tec, enabling one-way rentals of va-Q-tainer containers for pharmaceuticals worldwide,” says Hyde.
United now has 50 certified TempControl locations worldwide, the newest additions being Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport and Glasgow International Airport.
