The facile reaction of vancomycin with various PEG linkers, at the V(3) position, has been selectively accomplished by using an excess of base in DMF. Using rPEG as a blocking group for V(3) provides crystalline derivatives that can be further PEGylated to give pure V(3)-X(1) latentiated species (transport forms). V(3) tetrameric species were also prepared in order to increase the loading of drug on PEG. All PEG-vancomycin transport forms show significant antibacterial activity that is on the same order of native vancomycin. Significant increases in the AUC were observed for all PEG-vancomycin conjugates thus making them potential single dose therapies.