Not all lab moving companies are created equal. When your inventory includes cryogenically frozen biosamples, temperature-sensitive reagents, or regulated research materials, the stakes are high. Selecting the right partner to transport, stage, and protect those assets during a relocation isn’t just about logistics — it’s about safeguarding your science.
Here’s what to look for when evaluating a lab relocation and cryogenic transport provider:
Compliance and Documentation Should Be Non-Negotiable
Any qualified lab logistics partner should be able to provide:
- Documented SOPs for specimen packing, handling, and chain of custody
- GxP, GLP, GMP, and GDP knowledge and alignment with relevant guidelines
- Hazmat certifications for regulated materials and biologicals
- Cryogenic handling protocols for materials transported at -80°C or -196°C
- A functioning Quality Management System (QMS) aligned with ISO 9001:2015
- Regulatory registration and insurance coverage
- Temperature mapping and validation procedures for all cold chain containers and trucks
If your partner can’t speak confidently about these points, they aren’t ready to transport your biosamples.
Quality Experience at the Leadership Level
Don’t just ask about the fleet — ask about the people running the operation. Look for leadership or operations managers with past roles in:
- QA/QC in bioscience
- Clinical trial logistics
- Regulatory auditing or inspection
- Biobank or cryo facility management
Transporting sensitive biological materials requires more than a box truck and a dolly. It demands scientific literacy, process rigor, and trained personnel from the top down.
Corrective Action and Risk Management
Even with strong SOPs, things go wrong. The difference between a capable partner and a risky one lies in their ability to respond and learn from issues.
Ask to review their:
- CAPA process (Corrective and Preventive Actions)
- Internal nonconformance documentation
- Risk assessment matrix or decision tree for incidents
- Resolution and client notification protocols
Are their responses tiered by risk? Are response times defined? These are signals of whether they truly operate with a culture of quality and improvement.
Facility & Transport Security Measures
Your materials are only as secure as the vehicle or holding space they occupy during a move.
Ensure your relocation partner offers:
- Secured vehicles with GPS tracking and temperature monitoring
- Generator-equipped trucks for power continuity
- Access controls during all loading, unloading, and staging processes
- Surveillance and alarm systems in any temporary storage facilities
- Internal audit logs of who handled each step of the move
If they offer warehousing or staging between facilities, ask about:
- Freezer security (locked units, monitored access)
- Backup power systems
- Environmental hardening for weather or outage conditions
Cold Chain Logistics: More Than Just Ice
True cold chain logistics isn’t just dry ice and a cooler. Look for:
- Real-time temperature tracking, with alerts for deviation
- Validation records for containers and vehicles
- Multi-temp zone capabilities (-80°C, -20°C, 2–8°C, ambient)
- Cryogenic-compatible protocols and packaging
- Experience transporting LN2 dewars or liquid nitrogen tanks
Also ask about their chain-of-custody documentation and how they log transitions between handlers.
Why It Matters
Laboratory relocation is more than a move. It’s a mission-critical operation that, if mismanaged, can set your research back months or years. Improper handling, missed protocols, or poor communication can compromise compliance — and the integrity of your samples.
At Laboratory Movers, we take a quality-first, compliance-driven approach to every relocation. Whether you’re moving across town or across the country, we make sure your research, specimens, and data stay protected every step of the way.
Let’s talk about your lab move. Call us at 888.828.3227 or request a quote online to start the planning process.