Kuehne+Nagel, a global leader in logistics, has unveiled a new initiative aimed at enhancing supply chain efficiencies in the healthcare sector across the United States. The company has established a network of eight state-of-the-art, temperature-controlled facilities designed specifically for cross-docking operations. These facilities are GxP-compliant, ensuring the highest standards for handling healthcare products like temperature-sensitive medicines, vaccines, medical devices, and diagnostic kits.
The cross-docking solution pioneered by Kuehne+Nagel optimises supply chain processes, significantly reducing CO2 emissions while ensuring precise temperature control and timely delivery—a critical requirement in the healthcare industry.
Key features of the cross-dock concept include the loading and unloading of sea freight temperature-controlled containers at strategically located warehouses near major ocean ports. This approach allows for efficient container management and reduces detentions charges by ensuring a rapid turnaround. Containers are meticulously sorted and prepared for road transportation to their final destinations, thus minimising the use of multiple containers.
The initial phase of Kuehne+Nagel’s expanded network includes facilities in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Atlanta, Georgia; Wilmington, North Carolina; and Los Angeles, California. Four additional locations are slated to open in 2024, offering various temperature ranges and adhering to Kuehne+Nagel’s stringent HealthChain certification.
Jeff Garcia, Industry Champion Healthcare at Kuehne+Nagel, emphasised the benefits of the cross-docking approach: “This initiative not only optimises transit times and handling processes but also delivers substantial cost savings and environmental benefits, including a significant reduction in CO2 emissions. Following a successful pilot program, we are excited to extend this offering to meet the evolving needs of the healthcare market nationwide.”
