FedEx Express organised a “special operation” last weekend to help the US government quickly move COVID-19 test specimens from more than 50 remote drive-thru testing centers at major retailers across 12 states.
“This critical mission, led by the White House, Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), was a collaborative effort among retailers and healthcare companies to enable quick processing of COVID-19 test specimens to help prevent spread of the virus,” the express transportation company said in a statement.
To ensure weekend support of this mission, FedEx Express dedicated 28 flight legs, as well as specialized pick-up and delivery operations. FedEx used its patented SenseAware technology and monitoring to help safely transport the test specimens collected in select US markets to 10 labs operated by Quest Diagnostics and other commercial labs, helping to ensure maximum visibility of the shipments while in transit.
The Department of Health and Human Services aided in collecting, packaging and sealing test sample boxes with the SenseAware devices before they were shipped via FedEx Express First Overnight with Priority Alert monitoring for delivery by 8am the next day.
FedEx Express will continue to provide support seven days a week as more remote testing centers come available across the country, the statement added.
FedEx Corp. president and chief operating officer, Raj Subramaniam, commented: “We have a great responsibility in these unprecedented times to do what we do best – mobilize our network quickly to help the communities where we live and work.
“As the world’s largest cargo airline, we have the ability to flex our operations in some of the most challenging of circumstances. By swiftly taking action to stand up this special operation, we are playing an important role in advancing the speed of delivery for these critical test samples.”
Since January, FedEx has worked with governments, nonprofits, suppliers and retail customers to proactively help with relief efforts, the statement noted.
This has included the delivery of 250,000 N95 masks and other personal protective equipment to as many as 1,000 community health centers and free clinics as part of the FedEx Cares 'Delivering for Good” initiative and also shipping more than 200,000 surgical masks and protective equipment to Guangzhou, China hub for delivery to Wuhan Union Hospital.
The statement added that the safety of FedEx's 475,000-strong staff is the company’s top priority.
“In addition to following guidance from public health organizations, we are suspending signature requirements for most deliveries to help couriers and customers maintain a safe social distance; promoting social distancing on the job, including measures at security screening, on employee shuttles, and in common areas; educating team members about prevention, including hygiene and cleaning, via manager meetings, signage and digital monitors in facilities; and disinfecting cockpits, jumpseat areas, and aircraft lavatories to keep pilots healthy.”
