DHL Global Forwarding ships COVID-19 vaccines weekly as Australia rolls out vaccination program

• Delivery will take place on a weekly basis further to the first successful delivery on February 15   
• Marks expansion of DHL's global presence in vaccine logistics

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - Media OutReach - 24 February 2021 - To support the Australian government's inoculation program, DHL Global Forwarding, the air and ocean freight specialist of Deutsche Post DHL Group, will deliver additional doses of COVID-19 vaccines on a weekly basis into the country. DHL Global Forwarding arranged for the collection and airfreight of the vaccines from the manufacturing site in Europe and upon the vaccines' arrival in Australia, handled the customs clearance and final delivery to a designated location.

"Logistics plays a critical role in getting vaccines to where it is urgently needed. Globally, across many markets, our cold-chain network and pharmaceutical logistics expertise have meticulously planned every last detail to manage an extremely complex operation seamlessly," said Charles Kaufmann, CEO, DHL Global Forwarding North Asia & South Pacific.

The strength of DHL's global logistics network is deployed in Australia's on-going response to the COVID-19. In December last year, the Australian Department of Health announced contracts with logistics partners, including DHL Supply Chain, to "design and operate a national distribution network" to support nationwide vaccinations even in remote and hard to reach areas.  

"The shipments were delivered on time, and most importantly, in the right condition according to strict requirements. That's the result of many months of rigorous planning to ensure the vaccines are delivered within the fastest possible time while ensuring the quality, safety and security of these critical shipments," said George Lawson, Managing Director, DHL Global Forwarding Australia.

"Connecting People, Improving Lives is part of our Group's core purpose. As we join the global response to the pandemic, we live this by doing what we do best -- providing first rate logistics in the communities we operate in," Lawson added.

Across DHL's dedicated global network, more than 9,000 specialists work to connect pharmaceutical and research organizations, wholesalers and distributors, as well as hospitals and healthcare providers across the value chain. With this contract, the logistics expert for air, ocean and road freight expands its global presence in vaccine distribution.

DHL's portfolio for the healthcare industry includes 150+ pharmacists, 20+ clinical trials depots, 100+ certified stations, 160+ GDP-qualified warehouses, 15+ GMP-certified sites, 135+ medical express sites, and an international network covering 220 countries and territories.

On a global scale, logistics providers are challenged to establish medical supply chains rapidly to deliver vaccines of unprecedented amount of more than 10 billion doses worldwide -- also in regions with less developed logistics infrastructure, where approximately 3 billion people live. To provide global coverage of the next two years, DHL estimated in its vaccine whitepaper report that up to 200,000 pallet shippers and 15 million cooling boxes as well as 15,000 flights will be required across the various supply chain setups.

DHL – The logistics company for the world

DHL is the leading global brand in the logistics industry. Our DHL divisions offer an unrivalled portfolio of logistics services ranging from national and international parcel delivery, e-commerce shipping and fulfillment solutions, international express, road, air and ocean transport to industrial supply chain management. With about 380,000 employees in more than 220 countries and territories worldwide, DHL connects people and businesses securely and reliably, enabling global sustainable trade flows. With specialized solutions for growth markets and industries including technology, life sciences and healthcare, engineering, manufacturing & energy, auto-mobility and retail, DHL is decisively positioned as "The logistics company for the world".

DHL is part of Deutsche Post DHL Group. The Group generated revenues of more than 63 billion euros in 2019. With sustainable business practices and a commitment to society and the environment, the Group makes a positive contribution to the world. Deutsche Post DHL Group aims to achieve zero-emissions logistics by 2050.