Abstract: A shipping container having a temperature-controlled thermal sleeve. A sleeve assembly is fixed within the container housing, including a metal sleeve for holding a temperature-sensitive sample package and temperature sensors for monitoring the ambient temperature around the metal sleeve. A thermal element is affixed proximate to the metal sleeve, coupled to a heat sink, and controlled by a circuit that is configured to provide power to the thermal element as needed to substantially maintain the desired temperature of the sample package during transport.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided employing a thermoelectric cooler, a power supply, and a control module incorporated into an insulated cargo container. The temperature-controlled container provides a length of time available to ship a cargo at temperature that is extended over existing methods and devices. This allows the temperature-controlled container to be shipped using transport modalities and routes requiring shipping times that are longer than acceptable for cargo requiring refrigeration. Thus, embodiments may be used to ship temperature-sensitive cargo as if it were a dry good.