UPS Launches Cold Chain Solutions in Mexico, Milan, Frankfurt

UPS Healthcare has launched three new cross-dock facilities in Mexico City, Milan, and Frankfurt, designed to support pharmaceutical shipments with varying temperature and time requirements. The move is part of the company’s effort to meet the growing demand for cold chain logistics, particularly in North America, where the demand for temperature-controlled services is expected to rise by 76% by 2024, according to EY.

"We have the necessary expertise to ensure that shipments of essential products for patients reach their destination on time and at the correct temperature," said Felipe Morgulis, President of Global Logistics and Distribution, UPS Healthcare

The new facilities, certified by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) under its CEIV Pharma standard, enhance UPS’s capability to manage sensitive healthcare shipments. The Mexico facility, spanning 10,700m², can accommodate temperature ranges from ambient to frozen, ensuring the safe transport of pharmaceutical products across the region. 

With the rising demand for advanced healthcare treatments, particularly in Europe where 80% of pharmaceutical products require temperature-controlled transport, the new UPS facilities are positioned to play a crucial role in the logistics network. The Milan facility, covering 28,500m², features over 20,000 pallet positions for shipments stored at 2°C to 8°C and 15°C to 25°C. Strategically located next to the airport, the facility enables direct shipment movements to vehicles, reducing storage time and speeding up delivery times.

Meanwhile, the Frankfurt facility is near major transportation hubs, including UPS’ European air cargo center in Cologne-Bonn and connections to sea, rail, and air transportation centers in cities such as Amsterdam, Antwerp, and Warsaw, which ensures quick transit times. This facilitates next-day and two-day deliveries to global destinations.

"Thanks to our integrated end-to-end offering, we can deliver products from clinical trials to patients, simplifying supply chains and building resilience. All of this is part of our effort to provide more delivery options and control than ever before," added Morgulis.

These new facilities complement UPS Healthcare’s global network, which includes locations in Amsterdam, New York, Shanghai, and Miami, all of which have also received CEIV Pharma certification. This standard, awarded by IATA, ensures that air cargo shipments of critical health products, such as vaccines and biopharmaceuticals, maintain the required temperature conditions throughout the supply chain.