Pharma Logistics
Pharma Logistics is a U.S. pharmaceutical reverse distribution company that processes expired, damaged, recalled, and unsold drug inventory for hospitals, retail pharmacies, government facilities, and closed-door pharmacies, returning value to clients through manufacturer credits.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1996
- HeadquartersMundelein, United States
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Pharma Logistics does
Pharma Logistics is a U.S.-based, privately held pharmaceutical reverse distribution company founded in 1996 by Michael Zaccaro and headquartered in Libertyville, Illinois. The company processes expired, damaged, recalled, and unsold pharmaceutical inventory on behalf of hospitals, retail pharmacies, government healthcare facilities, and closed-door pharmacies, returning products to manufacturers and wholesalers for credit. It is legally organized as Returns 'R' Us, LLC, dba Pharma Logistics LLC.
The company's core technology stack centers on a pharmaceutical reverse distribution processing system featuring barcode scanning of NDCs/lot numbers/expiration dates, automated pill counting for partial bottles, and a twice-patented proprietary platform. Its customer-facing online portal provides 24/7 real-time returns tracking, credit reconciliation, line-item reporting, and customizable analytics, with DSCSA compliance and compounding management delivered through a partnership with ConsortiEX (Assure-Trak system). The company maintains the industry's first Verified-Accredited Wholesale Distributor (VAWD) certification, DEA Schedule II-V licensing, NABP accreditation, and licensing in all 50 states plus Puerto Rico, operating from a 126,611 sq ft DEA-approved processing facility.
Revenue is generated through transaction-based fees on credit returns, a premium 14-day Rapid Credit Program (versus an industry standard of 12+ months), pharmaceutical waste disposal (PharmaWaste), Drug Take-Back kiosk services, and government program work. The go-to-market combines direct enterprise field sales (Field Service Representatives providing onsite service), self-serve Box and Ship options, and channel partnerships with GPOs (Premier, Intalere, Innovatix, CPS) and the three major pharmaceutical wholesalers (Cardinal Health, AmerisourceBergen, McKesson). Major contracts include a $45 million Department of Defense pharmaceutical reverse distribution award (2023) and ongoing VA, Indian Health Service, Federal Bureau of Prisons, and ICE programs. The company completed a merger with Rx Reverse Distributors in January 2025 and is led by CEO David A. Hargraves, who succeeded founder Zaccaro in January 2024.
Pharma Logistics firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Pharma Logistics
- Legal name
- Returns 'R' Us, LLC
- Website
- https://pharmalogistics.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1996
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Short description
- Pharma Logistics is a U.S. pharmaceutical reverse distribution company that processes expired, damaged, recalled, and unsold drug inventory for hospitals, retail pharmacies, government facilities, and closed-door pharmacies, returning value to clients through manufacturer credits.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Pharma Logistics industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Pharmaceutical Reverse Distribution
- NAICS
- Drugs and Druggists' Sundries Merchant Wholesalers (424210)
- SIC
- Wholesale-Drugs, Proprietaries & Druggists' Sundries (5122)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Pharmacy Logistics, Returns, Reverse Distribution & Compliance Services (CRAOAHAJ)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Medical Devices, Healthcare Supplies & Pharma Returns (Regulated) (TLAAALAG), Retail Pharmacy Supply Wholesalers (HLAIAJAE), Pharmacy Benefit/Channel Services (PSAO, 340B Admin, Chargebacks/Rebates Ops) (CRAOAHAK)
Keywords
Where Pharma Logistics is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Mundelein
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Pharma Logistics business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Supply Chain
Revenue model
- Pharmaceutical Reverse Distribution Services: Processing expired, damaged, recalled, or unsold pharmaceutical inventory and returning products to manufacturers/wholesalers for credit. Revenue generated through transaction fees based on the value of credits returned to clients.
- Rapid Credit Program: Premium expedited credit processing service delivering credits within 14 days instead of industry-standard 12+ months. Risk of value decrease transferred from pharmacy to Pharma Logistics.
- PharmaWaste Disposal: Pharmaceutical waste disposal services for non-creditable products, ensuring compliance with EPA and other regulations.
- Drug Take-Back Program: Medication disposal program compliant with DEA Secure and Responsible Drug Disposal Act, including kiosk placement and disposal kit services.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Transaction based/ take rate | Pay-as-you-go | Onsite Services - Full-service return processing at customer location |
| Transaction based/ take rate | Pay-as-you-go | Box and Ship - Self-serve return shipping option |
| Outcome Based/ Performance | Pay-as-you-go | Rapid Credit Program - Expedited 14-day credit processing |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels6 records
Pharma Logistics product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Pharma Logistics provides pharmaceutical reverse distribution services, processing expired, damaged, recalled, or unsold drug inventory for hospitals, retail pharmacies, government facilities, and closed door pharmacies, and returning products to manufacturers and wholesalers for credit. The core offering is supported by Onsite and Box & Ship service options, an expedited Rapid Credit Program that delivers credits within 14 days, pharmaceutical waste disposal, and a drug take-back program, all operated from a 126,611 sq ft DEA-approved processing facility in Libertyville, Illinois.
Product overview
Pharma Logistics operates a unified platform for pharmaceutical reverse distribution services, combining core return processing with complementary add-on modules. The core offering includes Pharmaceutical Return Services (Onsite and Box and Ship options) and the Rapid Credit Program (delivering credits within 14 days). Supporting modules include PharmaWaste disposal, Drug Take-Back Program, Online Analytics/Customer Portal for real-time tracking and reporting, PharmaConsulting services, and VA Pharmacy Programs. The company also integrated Rx Reverse Distributors (acquired January 2025), bringing twice patented technology and expanded retail pharmacy capabilities. Services are delivered through a 126,611 square-foot DEA-approved facility in Libertyville, Illinois, with field representatives serving clients nationwide.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Pharmaceutical Return Services Core reverse distribution service handling pharmaceutical returns for hospitals, retail pharmacies, government facilities, and closed door pharmacies through Box and Ship or Onsite service options. Customers receive credit recovery for expired, damaged, recalled, and unsold drug inventory, plus controlled substances handling (Schedules II-V) and DEA-compliant documentation.
- Onsite Services Bonded Field Service Representatives visit client locations and handle the entire expired drug return process, including DEA paperwork completion, packaging, and shipping preparation, for hospitals, retail pharmacies, government facilities, and closed door pharmacies.
- Box and Ship Services Self-serve return shipping option allowing clients to ship unused or expired drugs on their own schedule using provided prepaid labels, tamper-proof bags, and DEA 222 forms, with 24/7 tracking via the customer portal.
- Rapid Credit Program Expedited credit program delivering return credits within 14 days from product arrival, compared to a 6-12 month industry standard. The risk of value decrease is transferred from the pharmacy to Pharma Logistics. Designed to offset DIR fee changes and improve pharmacy cash flow, with a 96% reduction in reconciliation time.
- PharmaWaste Disposal Pharmaceutical waste disposal program ensuring compliance with EPA and other regulations for non-creditable pharmaceutical waste, including repackaged medications, IV bags, and loose pills, paired with reverse distribution services.
- Drug Take-Back Program Community medication disposal program compliant with the DEA Secure and Responsible Drug Disposal Act, including kiosk options and disposal return kits to help pharmacies and communities safely dispose of unused medications.
- Online Analytics / Customer Portal Industry-leading 24/7 real-time online portal providing returns tracking, credit tracking, line-item reporting, customizable analytics and dashboards, and enterprise-level reporting for business intelligence. Supports shipment tracking, return initiation, and supply requests.
- VA Pharmacy Programs Specialized pharmaceutical reverse distribution and disposal programs for Veterans Affairs facilities, including the VA Drug Liquidation Program following VHA Directive 1108.07 and the VA Drug Disposal Program, with OIG-aligned compliance.
- Rx Reverse Distributors Acquired reverse distribution service (January 2025) serving retail pharmacies since 2005, now integrated into Pharma Logistics operations with expanded facility capacity and twice-patented technology.
Quantifiable outcome
- Credits delivered within 14 days vs. 12+ months industry standard
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Pharma Logistics
Customer profileNamed customers11 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Pharma Logistics technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature5 records
Pharma Logistics partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
16 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Rx Reverse Distributors, Inc.coreTwo leaders in pharmaceutical reverse distribution united in January 2025. Combined 48 years of experience with largest facility serving retail pharmacies. Customers benefit from advanced customer portal, twice-patented technology, and fastest turnaround times in industry. Rx Reverse Distributors operations transitioning to Pharma Logistics' Libertyville facility.
- ConsortiEXcoreStrategic Collaboration Program focused on improving inventory efficiency, reducing cost, improving patient safety, managing cash flow and compliance. Includes DSCSA compliance solution and Assure-Trak Compounding Management System for hospital pharmacies.
- PDM HealthcareminorJoint offering of Pharma Logistics reverse pharmaceutical distribution services through PDM Healthcare distribution network.
- CO-OP Power Buying Group of Garden State Pharmacy Owners AssociationminorPartnership to offer pharmaceutical reverse distribution services to Garden State Pharmacy Owners Association members with contracted pricing.
- Premier HoldingscoreGPO partner delivering contracted pricing and services for member hospitals and healthcare organizations to improve ROI of reverse distribution.
- Cardinal HealthcoreMajor wholesale partner in pharmaceutical reverse distribution credit return process, receiving credits from manufacturer and passing to Pharma Logistics customers.
- AmerisourceBergencoreMajor wholesale partner facilitating credit return process in pharmaceutical supply chain.
- McKessoncoreMajor wholesale partner facilitating credit return process in pharmaceutical supply chain.
- Department of Defensecore$45 million pharmaceutical reverse distribution contract. Services include OCONUS (Outside Continental United States) operations, DoD pharmacy returns, and compliance management.
- U.S. Department of Veterans AffairscoreVA Drug Liquidation Program and VA Drug Disposal Program following VHA Directive 1108.07 and OIG recommendations.
- Indian Health ServicecoreGovernment partnership for pharmaceutical reverse distribution services to IHS facilities.
- Federal Bureau of PrisonscoreGovernment partnership for pharmaceutical reverse distribution and disposal services.
- U.S. Immigration and Customs EnforcementcoreGovernment partnership for pharmaceutical reverse distribution and disposal services.
- IntalereminorGPO partner for healthcare providers with aggregated purchasing power.
- InnovatixminorGPO partner for healthcare providers.
- CPS (Consolidated Pharmacy Services)minorGPO partner for pharmacy services.
Scale indicators7 records
Recent moves8 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Pharma Logistics competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Cardinal Health: One of the Big-3 pharmaceutical wholesalers and a Pharma Logistics channel partner for credit flow. Cardinal Health's OptiFreight and at-home solutions overlap at the edges, and its scale represents both a partnership and a disintermediation risk to Pharma Logistics.
- McKesson: One of the Big-3 pharmaceutical wholesalers integrated with Pharma Logistics for credit return processing. Comparable as a broad incumbent that could potentially insource reverse distribution, while currently serving as a key channel partner.
- Stericycle: Stericycle divested its pharmaceutical reverse distribution division to Pharma Logistics in 2019 but continues to operate medical waste and hazardous waste disposal. Compares as an adjacent incumbent with overlapping regulated-waste capability (PharmaWaste-equivalent) and broad healthcare customer reach.
- AmerisourceBergen (now Cencora): One of the Big-3 pharmaceutical wholesalers (now Cencora) and a Pharma Logistics channel partner. Comparable as a broad incumbent in pharmaceutical distribution with overlapping regulatory and compliance expertise that could enable competitive vertical integration.
Emerging players
- Sharps Compliance: Sharps specializes in regulated medical and pharmaceutical waste management — overlapping with Pharma Logistics' PharmaWaste and Drug Take-Back offerings. Smaller and more waste-focused than Pharma Logistics, but competes for the same compliance-driven disposal spend.
Others
- Heritage Pharmaceuticals: Generic pharmaceutical manufacturer supplying the same hospital, retail, and government channels that Pharma Logistics serves. Adjacent ecosystem participant whose returnable product volume directly drives Pharma Logistics' credit throughput.
Direct peers
- Smith Drug Company / Smith Returns: Smith Drug Company operates a reverse distribution arm serving independent retail pharmacies — directly overlapping with Pharma Logistics' retail segment. Both compete on credit turn time, customer portal capability, and GPO-channel access.
- NPSC (National Pharmaceutical Returns Center): Specialty pharmaceutical reverse distributor focused on controlled substance returns and DEA compliance — overlapping with Pharma Logistics' Schedule II-V handling capability and serving a similar hospital and retail pharmacy customer base.
- Rx Reverse Distributors: Founded in 2005, Rx Reverse Distributors merged with Pharma Logistics in January 2025. Prior to merger, it was a direct competitor in retail pharmacy reverse distribution with patented technology — now fully integrated into Pharma Logistics.
- Inmar (formerly Guaranteed Returns): Inmar acquired Guaranteed Returns, the largest direct competitor to Pharma Logistics in pharmaceutical reverse distribution. Both serve hospitals, retail pharmacies, and government facilities with credit processing and rapid-pay programs, competing head-to-head for the same customer accounts.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Pharma Logistics social profiles
Digital presencePharma Logistics compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance11 records
Pharma Logistics financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Pharma Logistics leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles15 records
Pharma Logistics funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Pharma Logistics M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Pharma Logistics
What does Pharma Logistics do?
Pharma Logistics provides pharmaceutical reverse distribution services, processing expired, damaged, recalled, or unsold drug inventory for hospitals, retail pharmacies, government facilities, and closed door pharmacies, and returning products to manufacturers and wholesalers for credit. The core offering is supported by Onsite and Box & Ship service options, an expedited Rapid Credit Program that delivers credits within 14 days, pharmaceutical waste disposal, and a drug take-back program, all operated from a 126,611 sq ft DEA-approved processing facility in Libertyville, Illinois.
Is Pharma Logistics a public or private company?
Pharma Logistics is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Pharma Logistics founded?
Pharma Logistics was founded in 1996. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is Pharma Logistics based?
Pharma Logistics is headquartered in Mundelein, United States, in the North America region.
How does Pharma Logistics make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Pharmaceutical Reverse Distribution Services are the primary driver. The others are rapid Credit Program, pharmaWaste Disposal and drug Take-Back Program.
Who are Pharma Logistics's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Cardinal Health, McKesson, Stericycle and AmerisourceBergen (now Cencora). Sharps Compliance is listed as an emerging player. Heritage Pharmaceuticals is listed as an others. Direct peers are Smith Drug Company / Smith Returns, NPSC (National Pharmaceutical Returns Center), Rx Reverse Distributors and Inmar (formerly Guaranteed Returns).
Does Pharma Logistics have an API?
No public API is recorded for Pharma Logistics.
What industry is Pharma Logistics in?
Pharma Logistics's product category is Pharmaceutical Reverse Distribution. Its primary akta.pro industry code is CRAOAHAJ, Pharmacy Logistics, Returns, Reverse Distribution & Compliance Services, with a secondary code of TLAAALAG, Medical Devices, Healthcare Supplies & Pharma Returns (Regulated). Its NAICS code is 424210 and its SIC code is 5122.