Specialised courier services for all your clinical trial logistics needs
Clinical research relies on precision and control. From biological samples to investigational medicines, every shipment plays a role in patient safety and study success, and we are all in.
Reliable, compliant delivery for time-critical trial materials
Our express courier services ensure sensitive trial materials are transported securely and on time across the globe. We work with sponsors, contract research organisations (CROs), and laboratories to deliver biological specimens, investigational medicinal products (IMPs), and trial kits in compliance with strict regulatory standards.
With DHL’s logistics expertise and international reach, you can maintain the integrity of your studies at every stage, from site set-up to patient health delivery. Explore our World Medical Express premium service by DHL Health logistics for the life science and healthcare industry, and discuss your needs with DHL’s life science and healthcare logistics specialists.
DHL HEALTH LOGISTICS & medical express SERVICE offer
Precision
Every package is essential, and reliability is not optional
Agility
Medical Express responds swiftly to your needs
Speed
With decades of Express delivery experience, we know it's always urgent
Compliance
As the trusted Customs process compliance experts, leave it with us
Visibility
Track shipments in real time to ensure your parcel arrives in perfect condition
Protection
Secure temperature-controlled, robust packaging and expert handling
our life sciences & HEALTHcare logistics solutions DELIVER
Fast UK & international shipping
Reliable & secure delivery that is trusted worldwide
Additional insurance options are available to meet requirements
Temperature-controlled logistics & quality control
Full real-time tracking and on-time delivery
Customs process & dangerous goods clearance expertise
Time-critical & time-definite delivery
Reduced-emissions logistics via carbon insetting & reporting
DHL Medical Express focuses on product integrity, sustainability, and resilient supply chains to deliver the best possible outcomes for our customers and their patients. Our purpose guides everything we do - WE CARE. Logistics is critical to the life sciences and healthcare industries and to the patients who depend on them, and we're here to deliver. Explore our worldwide Medical Express service by DHL Health logistics for the life science and healthcare industry, and discuss your needs with DHL’s life science and healthcare logistics specialists.
Speak to a life sciences & healthcare logistics specialist
Deliver your critical healthcare and life sciences shipments with speed, precision, and compliance with DHL Health Logistics and our Medical Express service.
Discuss your requirements with a life sciences logistics specialist
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How Medical Express moves science that changes lives
Pre-conditioned temperature-controlled packaging or dry ice supply and replenishment that maintains product integrity throughout transit, ensuring they arrive at the destination in the required condition.
Shipment confidence relating to Customs process expertise and biological regulations for shipping and handling dangerous goods such as UN3373 category B biological substances.
Quality Control Centre (QCC) monitors medical shipments in real time and implements contingencies to ensure they arrive on time and in perfect condition. The package's location and condition are always known.
Priority handling for time-critical and time-definite parcels, including the earliest possible delivery (pre 09:00, pre 12:00 or end of working day) as well as deliveries on Saturdays.
Dedicated Customer Service and e-booking tool that supports multiple stakeholders with booking, management, and reporting needs to keep critical parcels moving.
Passive and active smart sensors or data loggers to monitor temperature-controlled goods such as drugs, medicines, human or veterinary samples, medical devices and clinical lab supplies during the entire journey. A passive device connects to a reader or gateway to upload data to the internet, whereas an active device collects data and transmits it on its own.
Experience a new level of care and customisation with CRYOPDP
- Specialises in tailor-made and complex temperature-controlled logistics solutions with fit-for-purpose packaging, transport, and added-value solutions for the life sciences industries, such as pick-pack and lab move, same-day delivery, onboard courier, white glove handling, and direct-to-patient (DTP) delivery.
- Good Distribution Practice (GDP) certified for a compliant logistics approach to help protect shipment integrity and ops align with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP).
- Leader in temperature-controlled logistics for dry vapour shippers of cryogenic goods (-196°C to -150°C), dry ice solutions (-78°C to -20°C), passive solutions (packaging) and active solutions such as bulk containers (-25°C to +25°C), with temperature-controlled vehicles (TVC).
- Real-time tracking and end-to-end visibility via the Global Control Tower for time-critical and temperature-sensitive shipments. Teams proactively monitor temperature deviations or delays that support on-time delivery, product integrity, and compliance every step of the way.
- Extended capability and compliance to ship liquid nitrogen and Category A dangerous goods.
- Sustainability-focused and integrates Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance (ESG) and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) into healthcare logistics.
Why leading life science health partners choose DHL
Time-critical and time-definite delivery
DHL Express delivers urgent life sciences shipments, including pharmaceuticals, medical devices, clinical materials and healthcare products, fast, reliably, and on schedule, supporting time-critical supply needs across the sector.
Global reach with vast logistics network & local expertise
With worldwide coverage and strong local know-how, DHL Express navigates Customs and delivery lanes seamlessly to keep life sciences deliveries moving without delay - connecting laboratories, manufacturers and healthcare providers across global markets.
Temperature-controlled logistics & packaging
DHL Express safeguards sensitive shipments with temperature-controlled packaging and dry ice supply and replenishment, which maintains product integrity throughout transit, ensuring they arrive at the destination in the required condition.
Related healthcare logistics solutions
Medical devices logistics
Pharma & biotech logistics
Consumer healthcare logistics
Speak with our life sciences logistics experts
Our specialists are here to help you move sensitive healthcare and life sciences shipments safely, compliantly, and on time. Share your details below, and we'll tailor a logistics solution to your exact needs.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS - CLINICAL TRIAL LOGISTICS
How does DHL Express UK manage logistics for clinical trials?
We deliver clinical trial materials, biological samples, and documentation door-to-door for time-critical deliveries with real-time tracking.
Can DHL handle both outbound and return sample shipments?
Yes. Our network supports two-way clinical logistics – ensuring compliant collection and return of samples and test kits.
How does DHL minimise transit risk for trial shipments?
With proactive tracking, dedicated routing, and experienced couriers, DHL reduces delays and maintains chain integrity.
What sustainable options are available for clinical trial delivery?
GoGreen Plus is a dedicated solution to help individuals and businesses reduce the carbon emissions within the network through which their international shipment travels by the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). SAF is a biofuel which is produced from renewable sources such as vegetable oils, animal fats, waste products, and crops.