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The Covid 19 vaccine distribution effort is being described as the biggest logistics challenge since World War II. An anchor on CNBC summed it up perfectly, “Scientists and doctors solve diseases, but it is logistics that solves the pandemic.” Carl Quintanilla, CNBC Anchor.
The great news is that the FDA granted emergency use authorization for the Pfizer vaccine, and the Moderna’s vaccine will most likely soon receive the same authorization, bringing the USA one step closer to ending the pandemic. This massive effort will have a major impact on the USA supply chain.
Have you considered its impact on your logistical operation, especially if you operate a frozen food order fulfillment operation or are primarily a parcel shipper, e-commerce or B2B operation?
The Covid vaccine distribution process will impact every distribution operation. Recently, CNBC reported that millions of doses of the vaccine will be shipped via UPS and FedEx as air freight.
For every pallet of vaccines shipped, it is estimated that 25 to 30 pallets of peripheral materials – alcohol wipes, syringes, and medical waste disposal containers will need to be coordinated and shipped at the same time to the vaccination centers.
With Covid vaccine distribution taking priority and dominating major carrier resources, the upcoming transportation shortage may result in a real boom for the smaller, regional and last mile parcel carriers.
Vaccine shipping requirements further complicate logistics. The Pfizer vaccine must be maintained at ultra-cold temperatures and requires dry ice during shipping and storage.
The vaccines must be shipped in specialty cooler units with temperature sensors, alarms, and GPS units for continuous tracking. The coolers’ monitoring devices also present a reverse logistics challenge for required material returns to vaccine DCs.
The food and beverage industries will be particularly impacted, as they will have trouble securing supplies needed to ship products safely. Cold chain logistics providers, frozen food distribution centers, and other shippers will face the possibility of operating with a shortage of dry ice supplies. All industries will likely face challenges finding and securing logistics carrier trailer space.
It is crucial to be prepared with tools in place to optimize your shipping processes. Despite challenges caused by the pandemic, your operation must have the flexibility to continue to meet customer delivery expectations.
If you’re worried that your DC lacks the flexibility and processes to meet demand amid a changing environment, the experts at Numina Group are available to help. Download our free comprehensive guide to the latest lean processes, technologies and software to enable you to Turn Your DC into a Profit Machine.
The Numina Group
10331 Werch Drive
Woodridge, IL 60517
630-343-2600
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The Numina Group
10331 Werch Drive
Woodridge, IL 60517
630-343-2600