DHL to acquire SDS Rx to expand healthcare logistics services

DHL Supply Chain has announced that it has agreed to acquire SDS Rx, a U.S.-based provider of final-mile delivery and specialised healthcare transportation.

The acquisition, which is subject to regulatory approvals, will expand DHL’s life sciences and healthcare capabilities by adding services for long-term care and speciality pharmacies, radiopharmacies and health system networks, while strengthening its ability to deliver integrated solutions across the full healthcare value chain.

SDS Rx operates from more than 200 locations across the U.S. and will bring final-mile, same-day and expedited delivery services to DHL’s healthcare transportation network. All SDS Rx employees will join DHL Supply Chain, and its operations will be integrated into DHL Supply Chain North America’s Life Sciences and Healthcare business.

“The life sciences and healthcare sector is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 11% through 2030. Speciality pharmacy already accounts for approximately 50% of total prescription drug spending in the U.S., and the number of patients served by speciality pharmacies grew by 12% between 2018 and 2022. The increasing demand for speciality 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.

Drew Kronick, Founder, CEO and Managing Partner of SDS Rx, said, “As the demand for last-mile delivery in healthcare continues to grow, we understand the importance of aligning with a partner who shares our patient-first commitment. Partnering with DHL represents a meaningful step forward, combining our strengths to improve the precision, reliability, and speed of delivery to patients most in need.”

This is DHL’s second healthcare acquisition in 2025, following its purchase of CryoPDP earlier this year, which specialises in clinical trials, biopharmaceuticals and cell and gene therapies. Both transactions are part of DHL Group’s Strategy 2030, aimed at strengthening its life sciences and healthcare logistics portfolio.

Hendrik Venter, Global CEO of DHL Supply Chain, added, “This acquisition is a meaningful step in expanding our ability to serve patients with precision and care. By integrating SDS Rx's specialised final-mile capabilities into our operations, we are extending our reach into critical healthcare segments, scaling our Pharma Specialised Network and further strengthening our global DHL Health Logistics.”