FedEx, the global logistics conglomerate, whose headquarters are in Memphis Tennessee, has promised to keep full operations and help contribute to delivery of critical medical supplies to help fight COVID-19. FedEx who is primarily known for its overnight shipping service and pioneering a system that tracks packages and provides real-time updates, will now shift their focus on making critical connections around the globe during the COVID-19 outbreak.
This program will help the U.S. government quickly move COVID-19 test collections from more than 50 remote drive-thru testing centers located in 12 different hard-hit states. The mission at hand is led by a multi-disciplinary team which includes the White House, Department of Health & Human Services (HHS), and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The cooperative effort will allow quick turnaround times of COVID-19 tests which in return will help decrease the spread of the virus.
Tracking Packages
To guarantee support of this special initiative, FedEx plans to dedicate 28 flight legs to their already ongoing pick up logistics schedule. FedEx plans to use special tracking software called SenseAware® which will help safely transport the test specimens collected and ensure delivery to 10 labs operated by Quest Diagnostics. All test kits that are marked with SenseAware® technology will be delivered Priority Overnight which is equivalent to 8 a.m. the next day.
“We have a great responsibility in these unprecedented times to do what we do best—mobilize our network quickly to help the communities where we live and work,” said Raj Subramaniam, president and chief operating officer, FedEx Corp. “As the world’s largest cargo airline, we have the ability to flex our operations in some of the most challenging of circumstances. By swiftly taking action to stand up this special operation, we are playing an important role in advancing the speed of delivery for these critical test samples.”
Medical Equipment Delivery
Not only is FedEx helping get COVID-19 tests to the laboratory, they are also doing their part in delivering medical equipment to front line workers. In partnership with Direct Relief, FedEx is coordinating the logistics effort to have 250,000 N95 masks and other personal protective equipment shipped to over 1,000 community health centers in all 50 U.S. states.
FedEx is also helping the United States Military. Together they will tackle the shortage of test kits, known as nasopharyngeal swabs. In the last few weeks, the collaboration has moved 500,000 kits from Italy to Memphis using special cargo planes.
“There are future missions planned, again flying from Aviano Air Base to Memphis, for further distribution across the country by FedEx,” an undisclosed defense official said.
In this global time of crisis, FedEx is stepping up to help get the COVID-19 pandemic under control. By using their global network and logistics expertise they are helping organizations with mission-critical needs get special shipments in the fastest possible time.
Sources