Robinson, and DHL are rapidly investing millions to upgrade cold-chain pharmaceutical shipping infrastructure. According to company earnings reports and executive statements, the demand for temperature-sensitive biologics like Novo Nordisk’s Ozempic and Eli Lilly’s Mounjaro requires strict, end-to-end refrigerated transport to prevent drugs from losing efficacy during delivery.
UPS Expands Healthcare Logistics and Revenue
UPS reported that its global healthcare portfolio has gained market share every year since 2021, generating its first-ever $3 billion healthcare revenue quarter during the first quarter of 2026, according to CEO Carol Tomé. In June, UPS announced a new $48 million investment in temperature-controlled facilities to meet rising demand. UPS President of Healthcare John Bolla stated that the company is experiencing rapid growth in biologics and cell therapies, noting that even a brief stray from the correct temperature can ruin the medicines.
FedEx Launches Dedicated Life Sciences Organization
FedEx reached nearly $10 billion in healthcare transportation revenue in fiscal year 2026, according to Chief Customer Officer Brie Carere. To capture further market share, FedEx launched a dedicated life sciences organization in June 2026. Nick Gennari, FedEx’s president of healthcare, stated that the company utilizes machine learning engines for predictive shipment tracking and relies on hardened airline and lift capabilities to handle complex, direct-to-consumer pharmaceutical deliveries.
Did You Know? According to a July Gallup poll, 11% of Americans take GLP-1 medications for weight loss purposes in 2026, a significant increase from just 3% in 2024.
C.H. Robinson and DHL Scale Up Temperature-Controlled Supply Chains
C.H. Robinson surpassed $1 billion in healthcare logistics revenue over the past year due to the growth of GLP-1 drugs, according to Ronnie Davis, the company’s vice president of North American surface transportation. Davis noted that the rising volume has created constrained supply for refrigerated transport resources. Meanwhile, DHL Supply Chain announced plans to invest 2 billion euros ($2.25 billion) in health logistics by 2030, with CEO Hendrik Venter confirming that half of those funds are allocated to the Americas to support pharmaceutical warehousing and dedicated air corridors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do GLP-1 medications require specialized shipping?
Most injectable GLP-1 medications require refrigerated storage during shipment to maintain their efficacy and quality, according to industry standards and FDA warnings.
What happens if a GLP-1 medication arrives warm?
The Food and Drug Administration has warned that improper storage can affect medicine quality and recommends patients do not use GLP-1 drugs that arrive warm or with insufficient refrigeration.
How much are logistics companies investing in healthcare logistics?
Major investments include a $48 million facility upgrade announced by UPS in June 2026, and a broader 2 billion euro ($2.25 billion) health logistics investment commitment by DHL through 2030.
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