UPS and FedEx are planning to increase vaccine delivery capacity threefold by May.
As of February 2021, the two companies were delivering about 14 million doses per week. UPS in particular believes it can still prioritize timely vaccine delivery when increased production by multiple manufacturers allows triple the volume in May 2021.
Video Spotlight:
- FedEx, UPS teaming up to deliver COVID-19 [Vaccine] (Dec 11, 2020, ABC News)
This post is based on the Bloomberg article, UPS expects 40% jump in vaccine doses next week, peak in May, by Thomas Black, February 25, 2021, and the YouTube video in the Spotlight. Image source: FG Trade/Getty Images
Discussion Questions:
1. How have distribution points grown since the start of 2021?
Guidance: Distribution points are becoming increasingly varied as local and state governments open up stadiums, arenas, amusement parks, and other large-scale venues in addition to smaller outlets like pharmacy and grocery chains. Whereas there were about 14,000 distribution points in the vaccine supply chain when UPS and FedEx began deliveries, there were 100,000 as of late February 2021, with that number increasing rapidly. As distribution points open up, more delivery capacity is needed Continue reading