Kuehne+Nagel has introduced a solution to meet the healthcare market’s growing demand for sustainable and cost-efficient supply chains, where precise temperature control and timely delivery are crucial.

The cross-dock concept involves loading and unloading sea freight temperature-controlled containers in a GxP-compliant warehouse near a seaport, enabling the swift return of empty containers to the port. In the temperature-controlled warehouse, the containers are sorted and prepared for road transport to their final destination. This process reduces the need for multiple containers and minimises detention charges by ensuring quick container turnover.

Kuehne+Nagel’s expanded network of cross-dock facilities now includes warehouses in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Atlanta, Georgia; Wilmington, North Carolina; and Los Angeles, California. Four additional locations are set to open across the country in 2024. All these facilities might offer various temperature ranges and comply with Kuehne+Nagel’s HealthChain certification, guaranteeing the highest global standards for the transportation, handling, and storage of healthcare products.

“Cross-docking optimises the time that products spend in transit, streamlines the handling process, and reduces costs and CO2 emissions,” stated Jeff Garcia, Industry Champion Healthcare for Kuehne+Nagel. “We began this concept as a pilot programme with a major global human and animal health client for their animal health division at one warehouse. This resulted in double-digit cost savings in the container inbound process and nearly halved CO2 emissions. Based on this success, we are proud to be expanding this offering to the healthcare market across the United States.”