By Eva Richardson | The Logistic News
April 11, 2025
What began as a local Illinois startup in 2000 has, 25 years later, become a critical component of the U.S. healthcare system. MedSpeed, the nation’s leading healthcare-focused same-day logistics provider, is celebrating a major milestone this month—a quarter-century of redefining how medical systems move life-critical materials.
Operating across 33 states and more than 150 markets, MedSpeed now serves 29 of the top 100 health systems in the U.S. Its unique model doesn’t just transport specimens or supplies—it interconnects hospitals, labs, clinics, and care providers in real time, functioning as the silent circulatory system behind modern American healthcare.
A Vision That Outpaced the Industry
At a time when healthcare logistics was seen as purely transactional, MedSpeed founder Jake Crampton envisioned something different: a fully integrated, healthcare-native logistics network built to improve patient outcomes through precision and consistency. That vision still drives the company today.
“In 2000, no one was talking about healthcare logistics as a strategic asset,” Crampton said. “We believed from the start that better logistics could drive better health. And 25 years in, that belief has only grown stronger.”
The Power of Gen4: Logistics Built for Life-Saving Precision
A key enabler of MedSpeed’s growth and impact is Gen4, its proprietary logistics technology platform. Purpose-built for the nuanced demands of healthcare, Gen4 provides real-time visibility, chain-of-custody assurance, and dynamic routing for everything from lab specimens to surgical implants.
This technology ensures that materials arrive on time, intact, and compliant, eliminating delays that could compromise diagnoses, procedures, or patient safety.
“For healthcare systems, logistics isn’t just about moving packages—it’s about clinical continuity,” said Leah Sanders, MedSpeed’s Chief Operating Officer. “If a test result is delayed or a specimen is mishandled, it impacts lives. Gen4 gives us the precision and control to prevent that.”
Scaling Responsibly: Sustainability and Systemic Value
As healthcare expands and decentralizes, MedSpeed has grown in tandem—but with a focus on long-term sustainability. The company has introduced electric vehicles across its fleet, with plans to expand to 50% EV deployment by 2027, reducing emissions in one of the most active transportation networks in healthcare.
Meanwhile, its hub-and-spoke service model continues to drive cost savings and operational resilience for health systems looking to optimize both clinical performance and environmental impact.
25 Years of Delivering Health—And Just Getting Started
Beyond the statistics lies a deeper story: MedSpeed has helped transform logistics from a background operation into a core enabler of healthcare strategy. As care becomes more distributed and patient-centric, the need for real-time, scalable, and compliant logistics will only grow.
“MedSpeed has changed how health systems think about logistics,” said Dr. Ashley Bernard, Director of Operations at a major health network in Texas. “They’re not just a vendor. They’re part of our care delivery team.”
Why It Matters:
In a healthcare system increasingly defined by speed, connectivity, and outcomes, MedSpeed’s 25-year journey shows that logistics done right doesn’t just save time—it saves lives.
Eva Richardson is a senior correspondent at The Logistic News, covering innovation at the intersection of healthcare, technology, and supply chain systems.
