UPS, Frigo-Trans & BPL: Sustainable Healthcare Logistics

UPS, a major global player in logistics boasting a 2023 turnover of US$91bn, remains committed to its core mission: "delivering what matters."
The company, which employs a vast network of around 500,000 members, operates under the mantra of being "Customer First, People Led, Innovation Driven."
A prime example of this commitment is evidenced by its recent procurement of the German healthcare logistics entities Frigo-Trans and its affiliate BPL, together known under the banner of Frigo-Trans.
This move, initially made public in September 2024, has reached completion, marking a pivotal growth in UPS Healthcare's service spectrum throughout Europe. It directly responds to the escalating demands from the pharmaceutical and biotech sectors for logistics solutions that are both temperature-sensitive and critical in timing.
Strategic growth in sustainable healthcare logistics
By acquiring Frigo-Trans, UPS significantly enhances its capability to address the intricate demands of healthcare clientele. With the pharmaceutical industry advancing rapidly, there is increasing reliance on cold and frozen supply chains.
Kate Gutmann, UPS’s Executive Vice President and President of International, Healthcare and Supply Chain Solutions, highlights the importance of this move: “The fast-paced innovation in the pharmaceutical industry is creating the need to have more integrated cold and frozen supply chains.
"Frigo-Trans will help deepen our portfolio of solutions for our customers and accelerate our journey to become the number one complex healthcare logistics provider in the world addressing their needs.”
Operating a robust network, Frigo-Trans offers temperature-controlled warehousing and Pan-European cold-chain transport, handling goods that need temperatures ranging from cryopreservation (−196°C) to ambient conditions (+15° to +25°C).
These services are crucial for biopharma clients who require precision and expedited deliveries.
Simultaneously, BPL specialises in critical freight forwarding and upholds a high-quality air and ocean freight carriers network.
Collectively, these firms will strengthen UPS Healthcare’s capacity to deliver seamless, comprehensive logistics solutions.
Sustainability in focus
Sustainability plays a pivotal role in Frigo-Trans’s operations, which aligns seamlessly with UPS's ethos of responsible business practices. The company utilises a fleet optimised for reduced fuel consumption and a headquarters constructed with environmental considerations at the forefront. Its innovative Cool Chain Control System is designed for maximal energy efficacy. These initiatives reflect Frigo-Trans's overall strategy towards sustainable logistics.
In its 2022 sustainability report, Reiner Roß, CEO of the company, emphasised the importance of integrating sustainability into every aspect of business: “It has never been more important to view sustainability not as a passing trend but as an integral part of a company’s philosophy.
"Only then can ecological, economic and social measures grow equally and contribute today and for future generations. In the current time of political uncertainty, sustainable thinking and above all, sustainable action are crucial for a liveable environment.”
These principles are especially pertinent in healthcare logistics, where maintaining precise environmental controls is crucial for preserving the quality of pharmaceuticals and other sensitive products.
What does this mean for the future of sustainable heathcare logistics?
The inclusion of Frigo-Trans and BPL under the UPS banner not only solidifies its standing as a global frontrunner in healthcare logistics but also expands its operational footprint across Europe integrating cutting-edge, sustainable practices. This transaction, now concluded, mirrors the broader industry trend wherein logistics firms are adapting to the escalating complexities of supply chains.
As the needs of healthcare clients evolve toward more rapid and dependable solutions, UPS is positioned at the forefront to lead these advancements.
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