MedTrans by Medline: Driving efficiency and resiliency in health care logistics

In the fast-paced world of health care logistics, efficient and reliable delivery isn’t just a convenience—it’s a necessity. For Medline, the largest provider of medical-surgical products and supply chain solutions serving all points of care, its MedTrans transportation fleet has become an integral force in helping hospitals, clinics, and health care providers receive critical products on time. Over the decades, MedTrans has evolved from a local operation into a model recognized for fleet excellence.

MedTrans origins: Building a private fleet for health care logistics

MedTrans traces its roots back to 2001 with the entrepreneurial spirit of its first operations director, Tom Flynn, and first director of safety, Joe Laskowski. The Medline leaders recognized the logistical challenges facing medical supply distribution, in which every delivery could mean the difference between life and death. The company's leaders set out to establish MedTrans as a private transportation fleet to enhance the efficiency, reliability, and flexibility of health care logistics. Six months later, they had dispatched the first Medline trucks from the Mundelein location.

What began with a handful of trucks and a modest team has grown into a robust and dynamic fleet of more than 2,000 trucks. MedTrans connects Medline’s 45-plus distribution facilities across the U.S. to thousands of providers across all points of care.

"We’ve seen remarkable growth in our fleet size and driver base," Ricky Abell, director of fleet operations, said. "Our drivers are the lifeline of MedTrans, and their dedication has allowed us to meet the complex needs of our customers, no matter how challenging the logistics."

Medline continues to invest in its distribution centers, transportation, and drivers to enhance supply chain resiliency and maintain its 95% next-day delivery rate in the U.S.

For Steve Miller, Medline’s chief operating officer, it is MedTrans’ blend of operational control, customer focus, and innovation that makes Medline stand out from other providers of logistics services.

"In many instances, our drivers are the face of Medline to our customer-providers," Miller said. "MedTrans enhances direct relationships with our customers by helping us anticipate their needs and by delivering a level of service that our customers value."

Abell echoes this sentiment.

"MedTrans is at the heart of Medline’s promise of supply chain resiliency," he said. "Our fleet’s reliability means our customers can count on us, even when market conditions are unpredictable. That trust is critical in health care, where time and accuracy matter most."

In-cab tech boosts safety, routing, and fleet efficiency

MedTrans’ commitment to innovation extends beyond its growing fleet. The team has invested in advanced in-cab technology designed to optimize routing, enhance driver safety, and improve real-time communications with dispatch. Today, every MedTrans truck is equipped with state-of-the-art systems that provide drivers with up-to-the-minute route updates, predictive traffic data, and maintenance alerts, all designed to keep deliveries on schedule and reduce downtime.

"Our in-cab technology is a game-changer," Abell said. "Not only does it make our operations more efficient, but it also empowers our drivers with the tools they need to succeed. We’re always looking ahead—exploring everything from telematics to predictive analytics to help keep MedTrans at the forefront of fleet innovation."

Such investments in technology have translated into operational improvements, helping to reduce transit times, increase on-time delivery rates, and enhance the overall customer experience. As MedTrans looks to the future, the team continues to pilot new systems and processes that will further elevate its performance.

MedTrans leads with NPTC partnerships and industry best practices

Medline’s MedTrans’ influence extends beyond its own operations. As an active member of the National Private Truck Council (NPTC), the fleet has long been involved in industry advocacy, professional development, and the sharing of best practices. Participation in NPTC events and committees allows MedTrans to stay ahead of regulatory trends, safety standards, and emerging technologies, ensuring that Medline remains a leader in both compliance and innovation.

"Our ongoing engagement with the NPTC reflects our commitment to continuous improvement," Miller said. "By learning from our peers and sharing our own experiences, we help raise the bar for private fleet operations across the industry."

MedTrans growth and innovation strengthen supply chain resiliency

From its founding visionaries to its current team of dedicated professionals, Medline’s MedTrans team represents the very best of Medline’s drive for excellence. With a growing fleet, cutting-edge technology, and a relentless focus on customer needs, MedTrans is poised to continue building on its fleet capabilities, delivering not just products but trust and peace of mind to health care providers across the nation. As the demands of the industry evolve, MedTrans is ready to adapt and lead, helping Medline and its customers stay ahead of evolving needs.

For Medline, the ultimate measure of success is customer satisfaction. By placing the needs of customers at the center of its mission, the MedTrans team has helped countless organizations maintain the supply chain continuity that is so critical to patient care.