"As research and manufacturing increase around the world, there's a corollary demand for global healthcare services and solutions. FedEx offers the connectivity the healthcare industry needs to harness the power of that growth," said Frederick W. Smith, chairman, president and CEO of FedEx Corp.
While the United States currently accounts for healthcare growth, demand from developing markets like China and India will rise in line with their economies, making the healthcare sector's ability to access and connect with these markets an imperative.
FedEx product enhancements showcased for customers throughout the summit included:
• SenseAware: The next generation of this award-winning sensor-based technology is now available for general use. Upgrades include improved GPS capabilities and cellular connectivity, as well as increased battery life to support longer transit times. New accessories such as the dry ice probe, among others, are increasing the effectiveness of SenseAware to help customers monitor their most critical shipments.
• FedEx Priority Alert: This service, previously only available on domestic U.S. shipments, is now being rolled out on a broad scale. Beginning in October 2012, contract customers shipping to and from more than 70 international markets will have access to the increased monitoring and proactive intervention services of Priority Alert. The healthcare industry specifically benefits from the expansion, as the specialized services of FedEx Priority Alert Plus include recovery actions, such as dry ice replenishment, gel pack reconditioning and access to cold storage to help keep potentially life-saving shipments safe.
• FedEx Deep Frozen Shipping: FedEx makes the transportation of deep-frozen material simpler than ever before, eliminating the need for dry ice or expensive rented shipping equipment. This value-add FedEx service provides customers dealing with deep frozen material-such as body fluids, tissue samples or medicines-with a ready-to-ship, super-cooled Dewar that holds a temperature below minus-150 degrees Celsius for up to 10 days. Dry ice, in contrast, must be replenished every 72 hours to maintain its temperature. Eliminating the need for dry ice also reduces customs clearance delays and helps ensure sensitive deliveries arrive on time and in pristine clinical condition.
