US Cold Chain Logistics Market Size & Share Analysis - Growth Trends & Forecasts (2025 - 2030)

US Cold Chain Logistics Market Analysis

The US Cold Chain Logistics Market size is estimated at USD 83.02 billion in 2025, and is expected to reach USD 110.22 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 5.83% during the forecast period (2025-2030).

The US cold chain logistics industry is experiencing significant structural transformation, characterized by increasing consolidation and modernization of facilities. According to the Global Cold Chain Alliance (GCCA), the United States currently hosts more than 1,200 cold chain warehouse members, refrigerated transportation firms, and controlled environment building companies spanning the entire country. The industry has witnessed a notable shift in operational models, with the USDA reporting that 72% of refrigerated storage capacity is now outsourced to public refrigerated warehouse companies. This transformation is particularly evident in the increasing role of third-party logistics providers, who accounted for 34% of total leasing activity in 2022, up from 30% in the previous year.

Infrastructure development and modernization are reshaping the industry landscape, with significant investments in new facilities and technology upgrades. The United States currently maintains a gross refrigerated storage capacity of 3.7 billion cubic feet, reflecting the substantial scale of operations in the sector. Many existing facilities, with an average age of 37 years, are being modernized or replaced with more efficient systems to reduce operating costs and minimize product spoilage risks. This modernization trend is particularly evident in port-serving and population growth markets, where new development is addressing the growing demand for modern cold storage space.

Technology integration is revolutionizing cold chain logistics operations, with companies increasingly adopting advanced solutions such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, the Internet of Things (IoT), and robotics. These technological implementations are primarily focused on enhancing operational efficiency, reducing costs, and improving customer experience. The adoption of automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS) and goods-to-man picking setups is gaining significant traction in the US cold storage market, enabling companies to achieve higher storage capacity in smaller buildings while reducing power usage and increasing warehouse operative productivity.

Sustainability initiatives are becoming increasingly central to cold chain infrastructure operations, with companies implementing various measures to reduce their environmental impact. The temperature-controlled warehouse market, which reached approximately USD 7.5 billion in 2022, is seeing a significant shift toward energy-efficient solutions and sustainable practices. Companies are investing in advanced refrigeration systems, improved insulation technologies, and renewable energy sources to minimize their carbon footprint while maintaining the required temperature controls for sensitive products. This focus on sustainability is particularly important given the high energy requirements of cold storage facilities and the increasing pressure from regulators and customers for environmentally responsible operations.

To ensure the integrity of sensitive goods, the integration of temperature monitoring systems is becoming a standard practice in the industry. These systems are crucial for maintaining the quality and safety of products throughout the supply chain, further enhancing the reliability of temperature-controlled logistics.

US Cold Chain Logistics Market Trends

Increasing Popularity of Frozen Foods

The rising consumer preference for frozen foods has become a significant driver for the frozen food logistics market in the United States. According to the American Frozen Food Institute (AFFI), consumer behavior has shifted dramatically towards frozen food products, with 94% of American households now regularly purchasing frozen fruits and vegetables. This widespread adoption is driven by consumers recognizing multiple benefits, including reduced food waste, extended shelf life, and the convenience of preparing only what is needed. The trend is particularly notable in households seeking to manage grocery budgets more effectively, with 77% of consumers citing the short shelf life of fresh foods as a contributor to waste.

The evolution of consumer preferences has led to significant changes in purchasing patterns, with more than a quarter of shoppers increasing their frozen fruits and vegetables consumption compared to three years ago. This shift is supported by growing awareness of the nutritional benefits of frozen products, with 86% of consumers agreeing that having frozen fruits and vegetables makes it easier to consume more produce. Additionally, 76% of respondents acknowledged that frozen fruits and vegetables help them prepare produce they might otherwise not know how to handle, indicating a broader acceptance of frozen products as a practical solution for maintaining a healthy diet while managing busy lifestyles.

Growing Fresh Produce Imports

The substantial increase in fresh produce imports has emerged as a crucial driver for refrigerated transportation and perishable goods logistics services in the United States. The country's extensive import network, spanning relationships with over 125 countries, has created a robust demand for temperature-controlled transportation and storage solutions. This is particularly evident in the air freight sector, where perishable products constitute approximately 70% of all goods shipped between Latin America and North America, necessitating sophisticated cold chain equipment to maintain product quality and freshness throughout the journey.

The scale of cross-border trade has intensified the need for efficient refrigerated trucking, particularly along the US-Mexico border. In 2022, the movement of produce required 590,906 forty-thousand-pound truckloads through land ports between Mexico and the United States, with Texas ports alone handling 325,467 truckloads. This massive volume of temperature-sensitive cargo has driven investments in cold chain equipment and refrigerated transportation equipment, particularly in strategic locations near major ports of entry. The complexity of managing such large volumes of perishable goods, combined with the need to maintain proper temperature controls across long distances, has made food cold chain logistics an indispensable component of the modern food supply chain.

Segment Analysis: By Service

Storage Segment in US Cold Chain Logistics Market

The storage segment continues to dominate the US cold chain logistics market, commanding approximately 61% market share in 2024. This significant market position is driven by the increasing demand for cold storage and temperature-controlled warehousing facilities across various industries, particularly food and pharmaceuticals. The segment's prominence is further reinforced by the rapid expansion of cold storage infrastructure across strategic locations near major transportation hubs and ports. Modern storage facilities are incorporating advanced technologies like automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS) and sophisticated cold chain monitoring systems to enhance operational efficiency. The segment's growth is also supported by the rising e-commerce grocery sector and the increasing need for pharmaceutical storage, including vaccines and temperature-sensitive medications.

Transportation Segment in US Cold Chain Logistics Market

The transportation segment is emerging as the fastest-growing segment in the US cold chain logistics market for the period 2024-2029. This growth is primarily driven by the increasing demand for refrigerated shipping services across various industries, particularly in the food and pharmaceutical sectors. The segment is witnessing significant technological advancements, including the implementation of real-time temperature monitoring systems and GPS tracking capabilities. The rise of e-commerce and direct-to-consumer delivery models has created new opportunities for refrigerated shipping services. Additionally, the segment is seeing increased investment in specialized refrigerated vehicles and advanced cooling technologies to maintain product integrity throughout the transportation process. The expansion of last-mile delivery services and the growing need for interstate temperature-controlled transportation are further contributing to this segment's rapid growth.

Remaining Segments in Service Segmentation

The value-added services segment plays a crucial role in the US cold chain logistics market by providing specialized services such as blast freezing, labeling, and inventory management. This segment is particularly important for companies requiring customized solutions beyond basic storage and transportation. Value-added services have become increasingly significant as companies seek to optimize their supply chain operations and meet specific customer requirements. The segment offers services like kitting, repackaging, and quality control inspections, which are essential for maintaining product integrity and compliance with regulatory standards. These services help companies improve their operational efficiency and provide enhanced value to their end customers.

Segment Analysis: By Temperature Type

Chilled Segment in US Cold Chain Logistics Market

The chilled segment continues to dominate the US cold chain logistics market, commanding approximately 56% market share in 2024. This significant market position is primarily driven by the expanding need for cold chain warehouse facilities and the increasing variety of chilled commodities such as fruits, vegetables, and dairy products. The segment's prominence is further reinforced by the growing consumer preference for fresh produce and perishable goods that require precise temperature control between 2°C to 8°C. Major retailers and food chains are increasingly partnering with logistics companies to manage inventory and operate temperature-controlled distribution services, contributing to the segment's market leadership. The segment's dominance is also supported by the rising demand for pharmaceutical and healthcare products requiring controlled room temperature storage.

Frozen Segment in US Cold Chain Logistics Market

The frozen segment is emerging as the fastest-growing category in the US cold chain logistics market, projected to grow at approximately 7% during 2024-2029. This accelerated growth is primarily driven by the increasing consumer demand for frozen food products and the expanding e-commerce channels in the food industry. The segment's growth is further fueled by the rising adoption of frozen storage solutions in the pharmaceutical industry, particularly for sensitive drugs and vaccines requiring sub-zero temperatures. The expansion of frozen food manufacturers and their distribution networks, coupled with technological advancements in freezing techniques and cold storage infrastructure, is contributing to this segment's rapid growth. Additionally, the increasing trend of consumers purchasing frozen products for convenience and longer shelf life is expected to maintain this growth momentum.

Remaining Segments in Temperature Type

The ambient segment plays a crucial role in the US cold chain logistics market by providing storage solutions for products requiring room temperature conditions between 15-25°C. This segment serves various industries including pharmaceuticals, certain food products, and chemicals that need protection from extreme temperatures while not requiring refrigeration. The segment's importance is highlighted by its complementary role to frozen and chilled storage, offering a complete temperature-controlled solution suite for supply chain operations. The ambient segment continues to evolve with technological advancements in temperature monitoring systems and the integration of smart sensors for maintaining optimal storage conditions.

Segment Analysis: Market Segmentation

Storage Segment in US Cold Chain Logistics Market

The storage segment continues to dominate the US cold chain logistics market, commanding approximately 62% of the total market share in 2024. This segment's prominence is driven by the increasing demand for cold storage and temperature-controlled warehousing facilities across various industries, particularly food and pharmaceuticals. The segment's strong position is supported by the rapid expansion of cold chain warehouse infrastructure across strategic locations near major transportation hubs and ports. Modern storage facilities are increasingly incorporating advanced technologies like automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS) and sophisticated temperature monitoring systems to enhance operational efficiency. The growth in e-commerce grocery sales and the expanding pharmaceutical cold chain requirements have further solidified the storage segment's market leadership. Additionally, the trend toward consolidation among major cold storage operators has led to more sophisticated and larger-scale storage facilities, contributing to the segment's market dominance.

Transportation Segment in US Cold Chain Logistics Market

The transportation segment has emerged as the fastest-growing segment in the US cold chain logistics market, with projections indicating robust growth through 2024-2029. This accelerated growth is primarily driven by the increasing adoption of temperature controlled logistics solutions across various industries, particularly in pharmaceutical and food delivery sectors. The segment is witnessing significant technological advancements, including the implementation of real-time temperature monitoring systems and GPS tracking capabilities in refrigerated vehicles. The expansion of last-mile delivery services for temperature-sensitive products and the growing demand for interstate cold chain transportation have further accelerated this segment's growth. Additionally, the increasing focus on maintaining product integrity throughout the transportation process and the rising adoption of multi-temperature transport solutions have contributed to the segment's rapid expansion. The segment is also benefiting from the integration of sustainable practices and the adoption of electric refrigerated vehicles, positioning it for continued strong growth in the coming years.

Remaining Segments in US Cold Chain Logistics Market

The value-added services segment represents a crucial component of the US cold chain logistics market, offering specialized solutions that complement core storage and transportation services. This segment encompasses a wide range of services including blast freezing, labeling, inventory management, and quality control measures. These services are becoming increasingly important as companies seek to optimize their cold chain operations and meet specific customer requirements. The segment is characterized by its ability to provide customized solutions for different industries, particularly in the pharmaceutical and food processing sectors. Value-added services are playing a vital role in enhancing the efficiency of cold chain operations through the integration of advanced technology and automation solutions. The segment's growth is further supported by the increasing demand for specialized handling requirements and the need for comprehensive cold chain solutions that go beyond basic storage and transportation services.