UPS, Merck Expand Logistics Agreement

UPS Inc. and pharmaceutical firm Merck & Co. said they have broadened their existing distribution and logistics agreement to include aspects of Merck’s global supply chain.

UPS currently manages the distribution, warehousing and transportation of Merck’s medicines and vaccines in North America, the two said in a statement Tuesday.

This expanded agreement will allow Merck to focus on its core business as a global healthcare leader, a Merck executive said in a statement.

The two companies’ collaboration began in 2003 with package transportation and delivery services in the United States, and expanded over time to include North American distribution, warehousing and multi-modal transportation services.

UPS is ranked No. 1 on the Transport Topics 100 listing of U.S. and Canadian for-hire carriers.