DHL opens Indianapolis pharma logistics hub

DHL Global Forwarding has launched a first-of-its kind temperature-controlled air cargo service in Indianapolis to support transit of pharmaceuticals. The US$1.5 million project expands its dedicated life sciences and healthcare logistics network across the mainland United States and Puerto Rico.

The air and ocean freight forwarding division of Deutsche Post DHL Group, opened its newest Indianapolis facility on May 12. The company’s growth in central Indiana further strengthens the region’s position as a key market for the development, manufacturing and transportation services for life sciences, healthcare and pharmaceutical companies.

“Indiana is an important pharmaceutical hub in the United States and our focus is to ensure seamless and safe transportation of the important products being developed here to facilitate the growth of our customers’ operations in the region,” said Jose Maria de Orduna, Regional Vice President, U.S. East Region of DHL Global Forwarding. “This investment, combined with the know-how of our specialized life sciences and healthcare team in the U.S., will allow us to provide a unique end-to-end cold chain air cargo service that delivers both cost and transit time benefits for our customers.”

Indianapolis-Liege B777F flights

DHL Global Forwarding invested $1.5 million in this 30,000 sq. ft. new end-of-runway facility at the Indianapolis International Airport (IND). The new airport facility, with direct access to the airport ramp, will combine with a DHL ground handling operation and dedicated B777F air cargo freighter connection with Liege, Belgium to provide a first-of-its-kind temperature-controlled cargo service in the United States market.

The end-to-end process has been designed to ship pharmaceuticals and other life sciences products without the need for specialized temperature-controlled unit loading devices, maintaining quality control and generating savings in transportation costs and time in transit. The facility, with its team of certified life sciences and healthcare experts, will offer specialized forwarding and warehousing services, customs brokerage, and cold-chain packaging management.

With this investment, DHL Global Forwarding is continuing to expand its dedicated cold chain network in the U.S. market, following recent investments in two other life sciences strongholds- San Juan (Puerto Rico) and the Research Triangle area (Raleigh, North Carolina).