FedEx to ship COVID-19 vaccines across the United States
In an announcement made by FedEx, the company has joined both DHL and UPS in supporting the transportation of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine across the United States (US).
Following the Food and Drug Administration’s approval of Emergency Use Authorization for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine in the US, FedEx has begun the transportation of the vaccine using its FedEx Priority Overnight® service supported by FedEx Priority Alert® advanced monitoring.
Vaccine distribution will be balanced among major cargo carriers, with FedEx working closely with healthcare customers to prepare for additional vaccine shipments and the transportation of critical vaccine-related supplies.
“This is among the most important work in the history of our company, and we’re honored to be a part of the effort to help end this pandemic. I am immensely proud of our dedicated team members who continue to go above and beyond to help ensure the safe movement of these critical COVID-19 vaccines, especially during our busiest holiday shipping season to date. This is who we are and what we do at FedEx,” commented Raj Subramaniam, president and chief operating officer, FedEx Corp
Being well positioned to handle the COVID-19 vaccine shipment with its temperature-control solutions, near real-time monitoring capabilities and dedicated healthcare team, the transportation of the vaccine is the next phase of ongoing pandemic relief support not only in the US, but around the world.
“We are one of the few companies with the global network and capabilities to keep critical supply chains moving during this unprecedented time. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, FedEx has delivered more than 55 kilotons of personal protective equipment, including more than two billion face masks, and more than 9,600 humanitarian aid shipments around the globe,” added Don Colleran, president and chief executive officer, FedEx Express.
In order to reach underserved communities with the COVID-19 vaccine, FedEx has committed US$4mn in cash and in-kind transportation support to several nonprofits in the US and around the world, including Direct Relief, International Medical Corps, and Heart to Heart International.
“Time-definite express transportation of critical shipments is exactly what our FedEx Express network was built to do when it launched in 1973. Almost five decades later, we are proving true to our founding mission by delivering critical COVID-19 vaccines,” commented Richard W. Smith, regional president of the Americas and executive vice president of global support, FedEx Express.
“This is a historic moment and represents a monumental feat for vaccine development and expedient deployment. Outstanding logistics is critical to get our products to those who need them across the country, and we’re happy to partner with FedEx in this historic effort to save lives and put an end to the COVID-19 pandemic,” concluded Mike McDermott, president, Pfizer Global Supply.
For more information on procurement, supply chain and logistics topics - please take a look at the latest edition of Supply Chain Digital.
