The challenge
The client needed PPE delivered within a week, or they ran the risk of a shutdown of their facilities In March 2020, COVID-19 was spreading and borders were closed to air travel, resulting in the cancellation of thousands of passenger flights daily. Cargo capacity was restricted and demand for any available cargo aircraft skyrocketed, throwing the market into chaos.
The client needed PPE delivered within a week, or they ran the risk of either a shutdown of their facilities or of exposing their employees to harmful, and possibly lethal conditions.
The solution
Desperate for a way to accelerate their supply chain and avoid a PPE shortage, the client turned to Maersk for assistance. In short order, Maersk was able to secure a 747-freighter aircraft from Shanghai to Chicago to accommodate 20,000 cartons of masks, gowns and goggles.
Maersk provided uplift within 5 days of being contacted and successfully delivered PPE to a very appreciative customer the day after the plane arrived in Wisconsin.
The result
The ability to skillfully and speedily handle the important shipments with grace and care was noticed by a grateful healthcare customer who commented, “Thank you, your efforts have been tremendous,” and “awesome job Maersk team – if you ever need recommendations, you have mine!”
During the next several months, the Maersk Air and Ocean teams provided additional support to this client in their battle against COVID-19, ensuring they always had the necessary tools to safely do their jobs during the ongoing pandemic.