Mastering the Challenges of Freight Logistics
The modern freight landscape presents numerous challenges, including airline wait times, reliability issues, climate control demands, specialized equipment needs, and stringent cold chain requirements. Addressing these issues requires expertise, validated airport storage, packaging solutions, TSA explosive trace detection (ETD), temperature monitoring across multiple platforms, and specialized warehousing services. For nearly four decades, PACE Air Freight has excelled in transporting temperature-sensitive cargo, utilizing custom temperature-controlled roller-bed trailers to reduce recovery time and minimize cargo exposure.
The Evolution of PACE Air Freight
Robert Pfeffer, Owner & President of PACE Air Freight, founded the company in 1975 to enhance air freight logistics. Beginning in Indianapolis, the company expanded operations to Chicago (ORD), Cincinnati (CVG), and Louisville (SDF). In the late 1970s, Pfeffer’s collaboration with a Puerto Rican airline introduced him to pharmaceutical transport and cold chain logistics, leading to the development of Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) services. The 1990s marked a turning point, with direct flights from Puerto Rico to Indianapolis driving innovations in temperature-controlled roller-bed equipment. The 2000s saw the integration of telematics, validated storage facilities, and GDP compliance, cementing PACE’s reputation as a total solutions provider in cold chain logistics.
Comprehensive Solutions for Temperature-Sensitive Freight
PACE Air Freight has continually expanded its offerings to provide top-tier solutions, including:
- Lab relocation trailer
- Independent Temperature and GPS Trackers with Customer Visibility
- Dedicated Quality Program with an in-house quality team
- Specialized Pharma Electrified Response Vehicle (S.P.E.R.V.)
- Envirotainer Ground Handling Services
- TSA Explosive Trace Detection (ETD) under the Certified Cargo Screening Facility (CCSF)
- Validated pharmaceutical cold storage at strategic terminals
Commitment to Secure and Reliable Transportation
PACE Air Freight’s team shares a common mission: ensuring cargo reaches its destination safely and efficiently. The company upholds industry-leading security standards, employing cutting-edge tracking and monitoring technologies. Staff members are extensively trained and certified, delivering seamless, worry-free transport solutions. PACE offers next-day domestic trucking services across key markets, including Chicago, Cincinnati, Indianapolis, and Louisville, with service expansion available upon request. Their operations cover 48 states, ensuring a broad service reach.
Certified Excellence in Freight Management
PACE Air Freight is a TSA CCSF-certified provider and an Envirotainer-certified ground handler. The company complies with FDA and USDA regulations, offering storage solutions for freight held during customs inspections, as well as dry ice replenishment services. Equipped to handle the most sensitive cargo, PACE adheres to strict security protocols while collaborating with airlines and freight forwarders to develop customized cold chain validation solutions.
Customized Solutions for High-Value Shipments
PACE goes beyond standard logistics, offering tailor-made solutions that cater to each client’s specific needs. Their advanced security features include high-security keyless locks, temperature monitoring, and real-time customer visibility. With a specialization in diagnostic and pharmaceutical transport, the company has developed customized SOPs to meet the unique requirements of their clients. As the pharmaceutical industry evolves, PACE continues to innovate, ensuring cutting-edge transport solutions.
The Future of Cold Chain Logistics
By bundling specialized services, PACE enhances value, minimizes risk, and improves customer experience. The company is at the forefront of technological advancements, integrating blockchain technology and ATP certification for enhanced freight validation.
Looking ahead, PACE is expanding its operations with a 200-acre Technology and Life Science Park near the Indianapolis Airport. They are also introducing a specialized trailer, the Pharma Electrified Response Vehicle (S.P.E.R.V.), designed for active container transport. Featuring a self-sustaining temperature-controlled system powered by a 20k tier 4 generator, S.P.E.R.V. ensures unparalleled reliability during transit.
Additionally, PACE’s Lab Relocation Trailer enhances mobile medical logistics, supporting COVID-19 inoculation distribution and multi-temperature transport solutions. “Temperature-controlled roller-bed trailers remain our focus, along with validated pharmaceutical storage facilities at 20°C, 5°C, and -20°C, strategically located near major airports,” says Pfeffer.
PACE Air Freight continues to lead the way in temperature-sensitive transportation, offering innovative, secure, and customer-focused logistics solutions.