A system for maintaining a biological sample within a desired temperature range during transport. Preferably, the system includes a container defining an inner chamber; a specimen receptacle for housing a biological sample, wherein the specimen receptacle is configured to be placed within the inner chamber of the container; a heat source configured to be placed within the inner chamber of the container; and a heat sink. The heat sink is configured to be positioned between the heat source and the specimen receptacle, thereby preventing direct heat transfer between the heart source and the specimen receptacle. Certain embodiments also relate to a method for maintaining biological samples within a desired temperature range during transport, using at least some of the system components. Preferably, the components used with the method are configured to maintain the sample at a temperature greater than 0° C. and less than approximately 37° C. during shipping.