The Critical First Mile: Optimising Site-to-Site Transfers in Clinical Trials
In the world of clinical research, every step in the logistics process holds significance. But none is as pivotal—or as frequently underestimated—as the first mile. The initial transfer of clinical trial materials from collection site to depot, lab, or clinical setting is often where integrity is most vulnerable and efficiency most tested.
The first mile is where protocols begin to be enforced, conditions are established, and expectations for the rest of the shipment journey are set. If this leg of the journey falters, the entire supply chain suffers.
This article explores why the first mile matters so deeply in clinical trials, and how optimised logistics—underpinned by sustainability, reliability, and time-saving technology—can transform the way clinical trial materials are handled.
Why the First Mile is Critical
In clinical trial logistics, ‘first mile’ refers to the initial phase of transporting materials—such as biological samples, investigational products, or medical devices—from the originating collection site to another location in the trial supply chain.
This transfer may appear simple on the surface, but it is logistically complex. Materials may require:
Strict temperature control
Rapid transit with minimal delays
Secure packaging to prevent tampering or contamination
Transparent tracking for chain-of-custody verification
Each of these variables plays a role in ensuring data validity and maintaining regulatory compliance. A misstep in the first mile can result in compromised samples, loss of patient data, and even delays in trial progression.
When it comes to clinical trials, you can’t afford a weak first link. Arca BioLogistics provides solutions to secure and streamline your first mile transport needs.
Enhancing Reliability Through Transparency
Reliability is one of the most valued outcomes in clinical trial logistics. In the context of the first mile, reliability means knowing with certainty that trial materials will arrive on time, in optimal condition, and with complete documentation.
At Arca BioLogistics, we offer:
Consistent Transit Performance – Our transport services are designed for predictable speed and accuracy, both domestically and internationally.
Customs Efficiency – With experience in clinical trial shipping, we ensure rapid customs clearance by handling all necessary regulatory documentation.
Transparent Monitoring – Our Arca Live portal provides real-time updates, GPS tracking, and temperature logging so you can view your shipment’s performance at every step.
This transparency brings peace of mind and gives site managers, researchers, and logistics coordinators the confidence to operate without fear of unexpected disruption.
Reliability isn’t optional when lives are at stake. Partner with Arca to experience the difference consistency makes.
Building a Sustainable First Mile
Clinical research is increasingly aligning with global sustainability goals. Logistics must evolve too. While the fast-paced, time-sensitive nature of clinical trials might seem at odds with environmental considerations, sustainable logistics are not only possible—they’re essential.
Arca BioLogistics leads with a sustainability-first approach:
Reusable Packaging Systems – Our temperature-controlled containers and data loggers are designed for multiple-use cycles, reducing single-use waste.
Carbon Offset Integration – Clients can offset the emissions generated during transit, enabling carbon neutrality initiatives.
Precision Reduces Waste – When temperature holds and delivery timelines are consistently met, fewer materials spoil. This reduces both material and financial waste.
Incorporating these practices into the first mile supports both environmental responsibility and trial continuity.
Explore our sustainable packaging options and find out how you can make your clinical trial logistics greener without compromising performance.
Reducing Time Waste for Greater Efficiency
Many individuals tasked with arranging first mile logistics are not logistics professionals. They are clinical trial coordinators, nurses, lab technicians, or procurement officers. For them, managing shipment timelines, documentation, and packaging logistics can be an overwhelming distraction from their core responsibilities.
This inefficiency often results in:
Bottlenecks in sample processing
Missed booking windows
Increased administrative workload
Decreased morale
Arca BioLogistics addresses this with:
Arca Live Portal – An intuitive interface where bookings, tracking, and document management are centralised.
Expert Logistics Support – Our team guides your staff through every step, reducing their burden.
84% Reduction in Pre-Shipping Time – Compared to conventional providers, our streamlined processes dramatically reduce time spent organising first mile logistics.
Need to give your research team more time to do what they do best? Let Arca handle the first mile with speed and simplicity.
Best Practices for a Reliable First Mile
To achieve a flawless first mile, clinical trial teams should implement these key best practices:
1. Define Clear Logistics Protocols
Ensure that all stakeholders understand how materials should be prepared, packaged, and handed over. Use standard operating procedures (SOPs) wherever possible.
2. Use Validated Packaging
Select packaging that maintains the required temperature range for the entire transit duration, including contingency time.
3. Schedule with Buffer Time
Allow time for customs clearance, unexpected weather, or courier issues. Arca’s predictable scheduling allows clients to plan proactively.
4. Ensure Chain-of-Custody Visibility
Use platforms like Arca Live to track handovers, delivery milestones, and data points such as temperature, humidity, and vibration.
5. Engage Expert Logistics Partners
Working with a partner like Arca means benefitting from years of experience handling sensitive trial materials across geographies.
The Role of Technology in First Mile Excellence
Digital tools are no longer optional—they are essential to modern clinical trial logistics. The Arca Live platform provides:
Shipment Booking and Tracking
Real-Time Environmental Monitoring
Automated Alerts for Deviations
Digital Access to Shipping Documents
By centralising all of this functionality, clients gain better visibility, less manual workload, and faster problem resolution. Arca’s technology reduces the number of variables that can compromise your first mile, improving compliance and preserving sample quality.
Ready to modernise your first mile? Ask for a demo of Arca Live today.
Supporting Global Trials with Local Precision
Many clinical trials operate across multiple sites, often in different countries or continents. The first mile must be adaptable to different regulations, languages, and infrastructure environments. Arca’s global network of logistics professionals ensures:
Local Knowledge – Experts on the ground who understand the specific requirements of each region.
International Reach – Reliable transport solutions with customs support and documentation expertise.
Consistent Performance – Whether it’s a rural clinic or a major urban hospital, Arca’s solutions are tailored for consistency.
This local precision supports global reliability, allowing trials to operate smoothly at scale.
Elevating Your First Mile with Arca
The first mile is often the most vulnerable phase of clinical trial logistics, yet it’s the one that lays the foundation for everything that follows. A delay here can derail study timelines. A temperature deviation can ruin a shipment. A lack of visibility can trigger non-compliance.