Global Cold Chain Logistics Industry Overview and Market Leaders
Cold chain logistics refers to the careful movement of these perishable items and products like vaccines. Critical materials like pharmaceuticals and food, or other perishable items like fresh flowers, all need to be transported in specific temperate-controlled vehicles. To ensure they arrive at their destination fresh and safe, these items are under strict care with careful monitoring the entire journey.
Top 10 Global Cold Chain Logistics Companies
Supply Chain Digital takes a look at the Top 10 cold chain logistics companies which have been working hard to establish reliable and safe delivery of these much-needed perishables.
- GEODIS: It specialises in inventory and cold chain management for healthcare logistics, providing transportation and storage options at temperature-controlled healthcare sites and quality compliant transport networks.
- DSV: DSV has an extensive network with healthcare experience and global infrastructure, making it a reliable logistics company for the transportation of healthcare products.
- CEVA Logistics: It provides air freight temperature-sensitive and controlled solutions, with air freight packaging specialists.
- Kuehne+Nagel: From source to destination, K+N provinces seamless cold chain transportation with its dedicated solution KN FreshChain.
- DHL: DHL Freight Coldchain provides individual solutions for temperature-controlled transport with humidity control too.
- FedEx: FedEx provides reliable solutions for the healthcare and food industries, with thorough plans for pharmaceuticals and perishables.
Financial Snapshot of Industry Leaders
The following table summarizes the financial and workforce data of leading global logistics providers based on the provided reports:
| Company | Revenue | Employees |
|---|---|---|
| GEODIS | EUR 11.3bn (US$13.3bn) | ~49,700 |
| DSV | DKK 43.5bn (US$6.9bn) | ~75,000 |
| CEVA Logistics | US$18.3bn | 110,000+ |
| Kuehne+Nagel | US$28.2bn | 80,000+ |
| DHL | EUR 84.2bn (US$99.3bn) | 600,000+ |
| FedEx | US$87.7bn | 500,000 |
Regional Market Leaders: Canada, North America, and Europe
Canada Cold Chain Logistics Companies
Mordor Intelligence expert advisors conducted extensive research and identified these brands to be the leaders in the Canada Cold Chain Logistics industry:
- Americold Logistics
- Lineage Logistics
- Congebec Logistics
- Conestoga Cold Storage
- Trenton Cold Storage
- Groupe Robert
- MTE Logistix
- Yusen Logistics (Part of NYK Line)
North America Food Cold Chain Logistics
This report lists the top North America Food Cold Chain Logistics companies based on the 2023 & 2024 market share reports:
- Americold Logistics, Inc.
- Burris Logistics
- Lineage Logistics Holding, Llc
- United States Refrigerated Storage
- VersaCold Logistics Services
Europe Food Cold Chain Logistics
Key market participants identified in the European sector include:
- STEF SA
- Americold Logistics, LLC (AGRO Merchants Europe)
- DHL Supply Chain (Deutsche Post DHL Group)
- Kuehne + Nagel International AG
- NewCold Advanced Cold Logistics
Innovation and Emerging Startups
Our Innovation Analysts recently looked into emerging technologies and up-and-coming startups working on solutions for the logistics sector. As there is a large number of startups working on a wide variety of solutions, we want to share our insights with you.
INPROUS – Temperature-Controlled Packaging
The packaging industry is constantly evolving in order to cater to the demanding needs of cold chain logistics. The Spanish company INPROUS develops ecological and specialized packaging solutions for pharmaceutical logistics, diagnostic laboratories, and hospitals. They provide a variety of reusable refrigerated thermal containers that can be continuously monitored. The containers are designed to maintain temperature for up to 96 hours for transporting pharmaceutical and biological products.
Specialized Solutions
Companies are looking for packaging with better insulation material and pallets that are significantly more resistant to damage during transport. Several industries are embracing eco-friendly packaging solutions and are turning towards reusable containers to reduce waste. Furthermore, DHL Freight Coldchain can cover every temperate-controlled transport requirements - with capabilities to develop tailor-made solutions for tasks like the transportation of the London Philharmonic Orchestra’s instruments.
