EDEN PRAIRIE, MN - As the nation continues to safely reopen, there has been a surge in demand for personal protective equipment (PPE). To help the industry open safely and effectively, C.H. Robinson has joined the volunteer Minnesota Task Force. Through this venture, the logistics leader has revealed costly transportation and logistics trends that are adding to budgetary challenges for states in need of safety equipment, uncovering millions in savings for the state.

“COVID-19 has created unprecedented logistics challenges across the global supply chain when the rapid movement of PPE is more essential than ever,” said C.H. Robinson CEO and President Bob Biesterfeld. “With our teams based all over the world, including over 20 offices in China—where the majority of PPE is sourced—we are tracking regulations that change weekly and leveraging our vast network to help our customers strategically manage the mounting risks the pandemic has presented.”

According to the press release, C.H. Robinson has uncovered millions in savings for states in need. Increased demand for PPE, the proliferation of counterfeit products, enhanced FDA regulations of medical supplies, rapidly evolving customs compliance guidelines, and a sharp drop in passenger plane capacity have all contributed to the following trends:

• Supply chain disruption
• Compliance issues
• Longer transit times
• Higher transportation costs
• Other rising costs

Navigating these trends effectively has been key for the state of Minnesota, who leveraged C.H. Robinson's insights. To date, the logistics provider has helped saved the state of Minnesota more than $1 million in transportation costs associated with procuring more than 72 million pieces of PPE, including face masks, eye protection, gloves, gowns, and N95 respirators.

“C.H. Robinson’s global expertise and scale provided the state with critical logistics and supply chain assistance that reduced the transportation costs and time needed to secure PPE needed for frontline healthcare workers,” said Wayne Waslaski, Minnesota’s Project Manager for the Critical Care Supply Team.

The logistics leader was able to take action while leveraging its full suite of global services, including customs, air, ocean, and surface transportation expertise to ensure essential PPE, largely produced in China, was moved as quickly and inexpensively as possible for the State of Minnesota.

“At C.H. Robinson, we remain focused on the important role we serve to provide continuity in the global supply chain—especially in this time of crisis,” Biesterfeld said. “We were honored to lend our global expertise, network of local experts around the world, and technology to help the state of Minnesota navigate the complex global logistics system and optimize their budget at this critical time.”

For more information, click here for the full press release.

As we continue to adapt to the new normal and resume operations safely and effectively, ANUK will bring the latest the industry has to offer.

C.H. Robinson