DHL Supply Chain has announced plans to acquire SDS Rx, a U.S.-based provider of final-mile delivery and healthcare transportation services serving long-term care and specialty pharmacies, radiopharmacies, and hospital networks. The deal will expand DHL Health Logistics’ portfolio by adding over 200 SDS Rx U.S. locations, strengthening same-day and expedited delivery capabilities for life sciences and healthcare customers.
This marks DHL’s second healthcare-focused acquisition in 2025, following its purchase of CryoPDP, a courier specializing in clinical trial and cell and gene therapy logistics. The SDS Rx transaction remains subject to regulatory approval and is expected to close by year’s end.
“The increasing demand for specialty pharma and healthcare solutions presents significant opportunities for DHL to leverage its scale, expertise, and commitment to operational excellence,” said Mark Kunar, CEO of DHL Supply Chain North America, in a statement.
Final-mile delivery is the last, and often most complex, step in the logistics chain. Though typically the shortest leg in the journey, it can account for large shipping costs due to challenges like multiple stops, traffic, and unpredictable demand. In healthcare, the stakes are even higher:
- Medications must reach patients at home on time.
- Specialty drugs are needed quickly by long-term care facilities.
- Radiopharmaceuticals and lab samples demand strict handling and precise timing.
- Medical devices and supplies must be reliably delivered to clinics and hospitals.
By acquiring SDS Rx, DHL is integrating a dense U.S. final-mile network into its global logistics system. This move acknowledges the healthcare sector’s shift toward home-based care and personalized medicine, where delivery speed, compliance, and reliability are essential.
With SDS Rx, DHL Health Logistics can now provide an end-to-end supply chain from manufacturers and regional warehouses to pharmacies, hospitals, and the patient’s doorstep.
