Product Spotlight: Hybrid Parcel

Additional Software Updates:

• Electronic Commercial Invoices for FedEx & UPS
  International Commercial Invoices (CIs) are now created electronically. If your label includes an ETD (FedEx) or EDI/EDI-IDIS (UPS) tag, you no longer need to print a physical CI. When a physical CI is still needed, the document will be clearly tagged and a CI will be downloaded together with the label. In all cases, the CI is available for download in the Portal.

• X-Ray Sensitive Materials Flag

  We’ve added a question to Cold Chain shipments: “Can the shipment safely go through standard TSA X-ray screening?” The question defaults to yes, but if you select “No” special handling instructions are triggered to ensure proper care. Previously you would have needed to manually note this in special instructions.

• Dimensions Now Optional for Parcel Labels
  When creating FedEx or UPS labels through Quick or Classic Parcel forms, package dimensions are now optional. Only weight is required to generate a label. This is small change should make shipping simpler.

Industry Knowledge

Importing Human-Derived Materials into the U.S.: What You Need to Know

Whether you're moving blood samples, plasma, tissue, or other human-derived materials, importing them into the U.S. involves more than just logistics. These shipments are tightly regulated by agencies like the CDC, FDA, and USDA, and require specific permits and documentation to clear customs without delay.

Learn the essential steps to stay compliant, from understanding classification rules to applying for permits, so your research or diagnostic operations can stay on track.

👉 Read the full guide

End-to-End Cold Chain for Clinical Trials: Keeping Integrity at Every Step

Clinical trial logistics leave no room for error, especially when temperature-sensitive materials are involved. From collection sites to labs and depots, maintaining cold chain integrity is critical to ensuring sample viability and regulatory compliance.

Learn how Mercury supports clinical trials with tightly managed, end-to-end cold chain solutions, including validated packaging, real-time tracking, and contingency planning tailored to life science customers.

👉 Read the full article

Tariff Relief Update: What It Means for Healthcare & Life Science Shippers

The U.S. temporarily cut tariffs on many Chinese imports from ~30% down to 10% for a 90‑day window beginning May 14, 2025. However, this relief excludes Section 301 and opioid-related duties, so effective duties on Chinese-origin goods remain near 30%. In contrast, U.S. origin shipments to China still only face a flat 10%.

This creates a narrow path to optimize cross-border biomedical logistics. Companies shipping biological specimens, diagnostics, reagents, or medical devices from China can significantly reduce landed costs, but only if they act now. Precise classification, documented origin, and strategic timing are critical to stay ahead in this volatile trade climate. Accurate HS codes and origin labeling earn more than just cost savings, they prevent clearance delays and compliance headaches.

👉 Read the full article

Employee Spotlight

Meet Zac Macek, one of our standout Squad Leaders, whose “work small, think big” approach drives precision in Mercury’s logistics. Zac’s team delivers fantastic, time-critical, temperature-controlled shipments with tactical excellence and strategic insight.

He recently led a high-stakes international shipment that saved a client over $50,000 in tariffs by coordinating three expedited cold-chain pallets, clearing customs and departing US airspace in record time.

Zac keeps his team focused and motivated through constant feedback, clear expectations, and by showing how daily actions directly impact patients and research breakthroughs. His relentless communication and problem solving ensure smooth operations even amid carrier issues or weather-related delays. We’re glad to have Zac on the Mercury team!