FedEx Prepares For COVID-19 Vaccine Volume Growth, Begins Shipping Newly Approved Vaccine

Rhea-AI Summary

FedEx Express has commenced shipping the newly approved COVID-19 vaccine on behalf of McKesson Corp. across the U.S. The company has already distributed millions of vaccines since mid-December 2020 and expects significant growth in volume as production ramps up. FedEx's network has efficiently handled vaccine delivery with an average time of less than 20 hours. The company also supports military vaccine deliveries overseas and collaborates with Canada on distribution. FedEx utilizes advanced tracking technology to ensure safe transit for temperature-sensitive packages.

Positive

• Beginning shipment of newly approved COVID-19 vaccines signifies a crucial role in public health logistics.
• Established capability to handle increased vaccine volume, indicating potential revenue growth.
• Efficient delivery system with an average time of less than 20 hours enhances operational effectiveness.
• Utilization of advanced tracking technology (SenseAware ID) for temperature-sensitive vaccines demonstrates innovation and reliability.

Negative

• None.

FedEx Express, a subsidiary of FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX) and the world’s largest express transportation company, announced today that it has begun shipping the newly approved COVID-19 vaccine on behalf of McKesson Corp. to dosing centers throughout the United States.

The company has shipped millions of COVID-19 vaccines since U.S. distribution began in mid-December 2020 and is prepared to scale up to accommodate anticipated growth in vaccine volume throughout the spring and summer. Nearly three months after COVID-19 vaccine distribution began, FedEx has shipped COVID-19 vaccines and supply kits to administration sites across all 50 states, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Washington, D.C. COVID-19 vaccine volume is split evenly with FedEx moving approximately half the doses allocated by the federal government.

“As vaccine production ramps up and more vaccines are approved, we expect to see a significant uptick in COVID-19 vaccine and supply kit volume moving through our network,” said Don Colleran, president and CEO for FedEx Express. “As manufacturers obtain approval to ship COVID-19 vaccines with greater temperature ranges and varying dosing allotments, we anticipate more of these packages moving to more places through our global network.”

FedEx Express will transport the new COVID-19 vaccines and kits of supplies for administration of the vaccine, using its FedEx Priority Overnight^® service supported by FedEx Priority Alert^® advanced monitoring – the same process used for all COVID-19 vaccines packed out by McKesson Corp. and Pfizer Inc.

In addition to widespread distribution throughout the U.S., FedEx is delivering COVID-19 vaccines to U.S. military bases overseas for the Defense Logistics Agency, and is working closely with the Canadian government and healthcare companies to ship COVID-19 vaccines to all 13 Canadian provinces and territories.

“Over the past three months we have demonstrated the power of our network as we deliver safely and reliably with an average delivery time of less than 20 hours,” said Richard W. Smith, regional president of the Americas and executive vice president of global support for FedEx Express. “Because we are able to ship to every ZIP code in the U.S., we can deliver to rural, suburban and urban destinations throughout the country within 24-hours while tracking the packages from start to finish in real-time as they move through our system.”

FedEx has been on the front lines, keeping supply chains moving since the onset of the pandemic. Over the past year, FedEx Express has globally shipped nearly 65 kilotons of personal protective equipment including more than two billion masks. The company has committed $4 million in cash and in-kind transportation support to nonprofits serving communities in the U.S. and around the world including Direct Relief, International Medical Corps, and Heart to Heart International. FedEx is dedicated to moving the world forward, while delivering for customers and team members around the world.

About the technology:

At FedEx, the information about the package is as important as the package itself as it moves through the network. FedEx SenseAware ID, a Bluetooth low-energy sensor device, is affixed to vaccine shipments, helping to ensure these temperature-sensitive deliveries move swiftly and safely through the FedEx Express U.S. network with FedEx Priority Overnight service. From origin to destination, dedicated FedEx Priority Alert customer support agents are using SenseAware monitoring technology to track the location of vaccine shipments in near real-time. This technology is complemented by the FedEx Surround platform, which leverages artificial intelligence and predictive tools to proactively monitor conditions surrounding the packages, allowing customer support agents to intervene if weather or traffic delays threaten to impede delivery times.

About FedEx Corp.

FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX) provides customers and businesses worldwide with a broad portfolio of transportation, e-commerce and business services. With annual revenue of $75 billion, the company offers integrated business solutions through operating companies competing collectively, operating collaboratively and innovating digitally under the respected FedEx brand. Consistently ranked among the world's most admired and trusted employers, FedEx inspires its nearly 600,000 team members to remain focused on safety, the highest ethical and professional standards and the needs of their customers and communities. To learn more about how FedEx connects people and possibilities around the world, please visit about.fedex.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210301005638/en/

FAQ

What recent COVID-19 vaccine shipment did FedEx announce for March 2023?

FedEx Express announced it began shipping the newly approved COVID-19 vaccine on behalf of McKesson Corp. across the U.S.

How many COVID-19 vaccines has FedEx shipped since December 2020?

Since mid-December 2020, FedEx has shipped millions of COVID-19 vaccines and supply kits to various administration sites.

What tracking technology does FedEx use for vaccine shipments?

FedEx uses SenseAware ID, a Bluetooth sensor device that ensures safe and swift delivery of temperature-sensitive vaccine shipments.

What is the average delivery time for FedEx COVID-19 vaccine shipments?

FedEx has achieved an average delivery time of less than 20 hours for COVID-19 vaccine shipments.

Is FedEx involved in shipping vaccines internationally?

Yes, FedEx is delivering COVID-19 vaccines to U.S. military bases overseas and collaborating with the Canadian government on distribution.