MEMPHIS, Tenn., October 22, 2013 — The FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX) annual Healthcare Forum in Chicago kicked off today with leaders in the healthcare industry coming together to discuss enhancements and recent innovations within the cold chain shipping industry.
“Global biopharma cold chain services are transforming healthcare worldwide through access to life saving medications and technologies. The industry is projected to grow to $9.3 billion in 2017[1] – a testament of its importance to the trillion-dollar global healthcare industry,” said Carl Asmus, vice president of Supply Chain Solutions and Market Development at FedEx. “The forum provides us with an opportunity to share the latest developments in FedEx healthcare services with our customers, and collectively identify solutions for the future based on trends and changing needs.”
The Forum will feature discussion and customer-led panels on how the transportation industry can expand the possibilities of healthcare through innovative solutions that connect manufacturers with markets. New FedEx cold chain shipping solutions that will be displayed and highlighted throughout the conference include:
- Thermal Blanket: This comprehensive, cost-effective global solution is an option for customers who need their large freight shipments to travel in the 15-25°C temperature range. This solution is especially designed for sensitive healthcare shippers and includes Priority Alert Plus pickup and delivery in refrigerated vehicles. Additionally, it includes a proven reusable thermal blanket that does not require any duties or taxes since it is classified as an international tool of trade.
- Cold Shipping Package Option: This new addition to the FedEx temperature controlled packaging portfolio is an option for customers who require a refrigerated environment of 2-8°C up to 96 hours for their shipments. Built by NanoCool, the easy-to-use, reliable, cost-effective and environmentally-friendly package achieves a temperature of 2-8°C in less than five minutes without the use of gel packs.
- New Cold Chain Center Memphis: FedEx recently announced the development of this 88,000 square foot, state-of-the-art facility which will interface directly with Memphis hub operations, providing greater efficiency for shipments transiting the FedEx Express network. This world-class, temperature-controlled cold chain center has a heavy-weight pickup and delivery operation and employs real-time CO2, humidity and temperature monitoring. Opening fall of 2014, the center features temperature-controlled rooms for -25°C to -10°C (frozen), 2°C to 8°C (cold) and 15°C to 25°C (controlled room temperature) products. The center also features cutting-edge technology including flexible walls that allow precise temperature control and segregation of commodities.
- ShipmentWatch: This new monitoring solution allows FedEx Custom Critical to proactively handle the monitoring of shipments from pickup to delivery using the SenseAware® application, which provides information on location, temperature, light exposure, humidity, barometric pressure and shock. Available for both FedEx and non-FedEx shipments, this service gives customers an additional choice when deciding how best to monitor their critical shipments.
For more information on FedEx Healthcare Solutions, visit www.fedex.com/healthcare.
[1] Pharmaceutical Commerce’s Biopharma Cold Chain Sourcebook, 4th edition. http://www.pharmaceuticalcommerce.com/index.php?pg=top_news&articleid=26830&keyword=Sourcebook-cold%20chain-biopharma-Basta-forecast