How Independent Couriers Support National Laboratory Logistics

National laboratories operate in one of the most complex logistics environments there is. Everyday, they’re moving and testing thousands of specimens. Internal staff can’t always meet that demand. Independent couriers can fill the gap, giving labs the capacity and flexibility they need to keep operations running without interruption. 

Michael Burke, Am-Tran’s new Business Development Manager, brings over 25 years of experience working with major institutional labs. His background includes long-term relationships with LabCorp, Quest Diagnostics, and Sonora Quest. 

Over that time, Mike has worked closely with logistics directors and other decision-makers, building a deep understanding of the operational challenges labs face. He knows the business in and out, and his experience gives Am-Tran unique insight into why and how national labs partner with independent couriers.

The Role of Independent Couriers in National Lab Logistics

Independent couriers are an integral part of the national logistics ecosystem. Among other things, they enable operators to most efficiently match internal head count with the need to get everything picked up and delivered efficiently. 

As Mike explains, “They have to do business with independent courier companies because they don’t have the ability to hire the manpower and head count needed to execute all of the delivery work.” In Mike’s experience, major labs often outsource 50-60% of their inbound specimen consolidation work to contract carriers, allowing them to efficiently manage fluctuating demand.

Managing Headcount by Working with an Independent Courier

Specimen flow comes in peaks and valleys, and labs need the flexibility to adjust their teams accordingly. Independent couriers help maintain the right internal headcount while handling high-volume periods. “All the samples don’t come all in at once,” says Mike. With an independent courier, “They’re able to see highs and lows within their specimen flow and adjust headcount accordingly.”

For logistics managers, this often means relying on independent couriers for a significant portion of the workforce. Mike recommends that “between 60 and 75 percent of headcount should be with contract couriers,” and suggests maintaining relationships with a few trusted couriers who can handle different operational needs. This approach ensures labs can scale efficiently without overextending their internal staff. 

Choosing the Right Partner for Your Lab Operations

Flexibility is at the top of the list. Labs operate in a constantly changing environment. They need partners who can adapt to shifting schedules, urgent requests, and evolving customer needs at a moment’s notice. “These labs are constantly changing,” says Mike. “It’s very important that the labs’ vendors have that same ability to offer flexibility.”

Beyond flexibility, labs should look for: 

• Experience and training. A fleet that understands biomedical transport and has been trained by professionals with decades of experience in the field.
• Operational focus. Couriers aren’t just vendors. They are an extension of the lab’s operations and must deliver actional data to help labs optimize performance. 
• Reliability. With time-sensitive deliveries like STATs, there’s no room for error. Delays can cost labs millions in penalties and damage trust with their customers. 

“The independent courier is not only an extension of the lab’s operation, it is their operation,” says Mike. As such, national labs need to choose the right partner for the job. 

Comparing Regional and National Independent Couriers

National courier companies offer broad coverage across wide geographic areas, which can be appealing for labs with dispersed locations. However, their size can make it harder to respond quickly to changing operational needs. “Larger companies may have bigger footprints, but sometimes a mid-sized company can effectively provide more service,” says Mike. 

Regional independent couriers can often provide a more tailored service within a specific region. They can make decisions quickly and adjust to operational needs on the fly, which is critical in a lab environment where timing is everything. 

Driver density in a given region is another huge benefit to a regional courier. “Where we are able to really provide value is with the density within our network,” says Jim. “Our ability to ‘pick up the slack’ when drivers call off or a STAT needs to be picked up in short order can really add value to the lab logistics manager.”  

Why Am-Tran Is a Trusted Partner for Labs

Ultimately, logistics managers want a partner who understands their objectives and challenges. “Understanding the business is so very important,” says Mike. Home-based or retail deliveries operate very differently than medically based specimen transport, and independent couriers need to grasp those differences to provide real value. Effective courier partners know the day-to-day challenges labs face. They understand what matters to operators and management teams alike, from KPIs to workflow pressures. 

Our confidence to do the job comes from our experience, network density, and training. We have a very strong Northern California footprint, already servicing many of the region’s major lab customers. Our drivers undergo rigorous training to qualify for transport, and our team brings deep knowledge of lab operations. All this ensures labs have a reliable, responsive partner who can help them meet tight timelines, maintain compliance, and keep daily operations running smoothly. 

With Am-Tran, labs gain more than a courier. They gain a partner who understands their business, anticipates their needs, and helps them deliver results every day.