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Kuehne+Nagel to run urgent freight service for UK government

[ November 3, 2021   //   ]

The UK government has appointed Swiss-based global forwarder Kuehne+Nagel to run a new International Express Freight Service (IEFS) to deliver medical products to the UK in the event of disruption to existing arrangements. It will step in when suppliers’ own logistical arrangements are disrupted, to ensure patients can continue to access the treatments they need.

Medicines and medical goods which are at risk of shortage will be fast-tracked to UK to provide an uninterrupted supply using the quickest services available. IEFS will aim to collect and deliver small parcels within 24 to 48 hours and pallets or shipments within 2-4 working days. Specialised products with a controlled or regulated handling requirement will however be fast-tracked within 24 hours.

Suppliers are responsible for payment of carriage and any additional services agreed.

The service forms part of the Department of Health and Social Care’s National Supply Disruption Response (NSDR) Centre to help ensure continuity of supplies.

Stuart Innes, UK air logistics director for Kuehne+Nagel International, which won the contract following an open procurement process, said: “Kuehne+Nagel are committed to ensuring the UK public continue to receive the treatment they need, when they need it most. We are immensely proud to be providing the logistical support behind the International Express Freight Service for the Department of Health and Social Care, applying our expertise, capabilities and robust global network to transport critical medical supplies.

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