Smartways

Smartways, healthcare logistics in Australia and New Zealand

Smartways is a logistics company dedicated to the healthcare sector operating in Australia and New Zealand. With over twenty years of activity, it presents itself as the largest healthcare logistics network in both countries, with more than 350 dedicated drivers and over 40 distribution centres across the territory. The company serves hospitals daily and handles time- and temperature-sensitive shipments.

According to data published by the company itself, its cumulative activity over two decades includes more than 2,864,714 surgical procedures serviced, 1,354 hospitals served daily and 7,161,786 time- and temperature-controlled deliveries completed.

Critical services and urgent deliveries

The critical services area is one of the company's cornerstones, and it claims to lead the industry in Patient on Table (POT) deliveries, i.e. coordinated deliveries so that materials arrive at the time of the procedure. Smartways keeps this division operational 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Alongside POT deliveries, the company offers other options:

• Direct Drive: direct journey between origin and destination.
• Next Flight: shipment on the next available flight.
• Same Day Drive: same-day delivery.
• Time Sensitive: services for shipments with strict deadlines.
• Overnight: overnight deliveries.
• Regional Services: coverage in regional areas.
• Emergency VIP Services: priority urgent care.
• Standard: standard service.

The company describes a process in which, after receiving the booking, its allocators locate the driver with the shortest response time using routes generated with artificial intelligence, taking into account traffic and potential delays. Tracking is maintained at all stages of the journey, whether within the city, state or country.

Life sciences, pharmacy and temperature control

Smartways handles life sciences and pharmaceutical shipments, from clinical trials to radiopharmaceutical shipments. To do so, it uses thermal packaging solutions grouped under the name SmartTemp, aimed at preserving product integrity throughout the supply chain. The company also has export and import capabilities and relies on an international partner network.

Its specific solutions include SmartTemp, medical devices, Smart services, Envirotainer thermal packaging and radiopharmaceutical solutions.

Specialisation in medical devices

The company specialises in medical device logistics for high-complexity care. Its services include loan kit collection, returns to sterilisation services (CSSD), kit room stock counting and inventory, combined with high-touch deliveries to critical departments such as CSSDs and operating theatres.

Technology and tracking

Smartways defines itself as an eCommerce-focused company: according to its data, 95% of its orders are processed online or through integrations with its customers. The company offers proof of delivery (POD), automated SMS and email notifications, real-time GPS tracking and live ETAs, mobile booking capabilities and automated label generation. It also has its own mobile app for its operations and sales teams, and direct access to customer service teams.

Sustainability

The company states it operates as a 100% carbon-neutral company and bears the full costs of its sustainability programme. The carbon credits it purchases are allocated to international projects aimed at reducing and mitigating greenhouse gases.

Presence and offices

Smartways maintains a head office in Australia, in Macquarie Park (New South Wales), and another in New Zealand, in Penrose (Auckland). The company also indicates a postal address in Top Ryde, New South Wales. Its national network covers Australia and New Zealand with more than 40 distribution centres.

Offices and locations

Australia location: 7/5 Talavera Road, Macquarie Park NSW 2113 Australia

Location 2: 378 Neilson Street, Penrose Auckland 1061 New Zealand

Australia postal address: PO Box 194, Top Ryde, New South Wales, 1680 Australia