The present disclosure provides for the use of a temperature controlled shipping container as a method for the packaging and distribution of mammalian cells, e.g., in induced pluripotent stems cells (iPSc), and various organ cells differentiated from the iPSc. In one embodiment, a shipping box that utilizes a vacuum, desiccant and insulation construct is employed to package iPSc and their derivatives or progeny that are or have been deposited onto microwell plates or tubes that contain a nutrient solution during storage and shipping. The present system and method can maintain the cells in the containment vessels at or below 10° C. for at least 24 hours and in one embodiment up to 96 hours.
