🧊 5 upcoming cold chain trends

December 20, 2024

Welcome back to CubeCold News where we cover the latest developments in the cold chain industry and temperature-controlled logistics.

In today’s edition:

  • What to expect in 2025 – 5 upcoming cold chain trends

  • CPKC, Americold plan to expand Mexico cold logistics

  • UPS adds two new cross-docks in Europe to meet growing healthcare demand

  • Best Food Logistics invests in Carrier Transicold engineless technology

Thank you for being a part of the Cube Cold News in 2024!

This is our last issue for this year and we look forward to seeing you in 2025.

The Cube Cold News team wishes you Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year ❄️

News

What to expect in 2025 – 5 upcoming cold chain trends Maersk has identified 5 key trends that are shaping cold chain logistics in 2025:

  • The industry is showing resilience to geopolitical disruptions affecting transit times and capacity, with the market well-prepared for changing demands.

  • Enhanced visibility through continued investment in software will be crucial for monitoring temperature-sensitive cargo throughout the supply chain.

  • The plant-based foods market is expanding significantly, projected to reach 7.7% of the global protein market by 2030. This growth brings new supply chain requirements, particularly from small-medium businesses seeking expert logistics providers.

  • Cold storage facilities will see major upgrades to replace aging infrastructure, with focus on automation, sustainability, and better integration. There's particular pressure to phase out harmful refrigerants like HCFCs and HFCs.

  • Distribution networks will expand with larger, more automated facilities, especially near ports and production areas. (link)

CPKC, Americold plan to expand Mexico cold logistics CPKC railroad and Americold Realty Trust are expanding their strategic collaboration to develop cold storage logistics infrastructure in Mexico, building on their partnership established in June 2023.

  • The initiative aims to enhance temperature-controlled transportation of goods between Mexico, the US, and Canada.

  • A key development includes Americold's ongoing construction of a $127 million, 335,000-square-foot import-export facility at CPKC's Kansas City intermodal terminal, scheduled to open in mid-2025. The project will facilitate temperature-sensitive food transportation between Mexico and the US.

  • CPKC has strengthened its capabilities by adding 1,000 new refrigerated intermodal containers in 2023, doubling its fleet. This expansion supports their Mexico Midwest Express service, which offers the first single-line rail service from the Midwest to Mexico for refrigerated shipping.

  • Americold plans significant investments of $500 million to $1 billion over 5-10 years in development projects with CPKC and DP World, aiming to optimize the cold chain network across North America. (link)

UPS adds two new cross-docks in Europe to meet growing healthcare demand UPS Healthcare is expanding its European operations with two new cross-dock facilities in Milan, Italy, and Frankfurt, Germany, responding to increasing demand for temperature-controlled pharmaceutical transportation in Europe.

  • The Milan facility spans 28,500 sq.m. with over 20,000 pallet positions and handles shipments requiring 2-8°C temperature control. Located near the airport, it streamlines delivery by eliminating storage time through direct transfer of goods.

  • The Frankfurt facility, at 7,200 sq.m., offers three temperature ranges (-25 to -15°C, 2-8°C, and 15-25°C) and benefits from proximity to UPS's European air hub in Cologne, enabling next-day and two-day worldwide service through connections to major transport hubs.

  • These facilities join UPS's global network of cross-docking operations, including locations in Hyderabad, Amsterdam, Miami, New York, and Shanghai.

  • The expansion aims to reduce supply chain complexity while ensuring reliable, temperature-controlled delivery of critical healthcare products to patients. (link)

Best Food Logistics invests in Carrier Transicold engineless technology Best Food Logistics has ordered 286 Carrier Transicold temperature-controlled systems to enhance its fleet's sustainability.

  • The order includes 53 Eco-Drive-equipped Renault tractors with 63 Gray & Adams trailers featuring Vector HE 19 multi-temperature units, plus 113 DAF trucks equipped with Syberia and Iceland systems. All vehicles will enter service in 2025.

  • The investment focuses on Carrier's engineless technology, using Eco-Drive systems that generate electric power through a hydraulic pump connected to the truck engine's power take-off.

  • This eliminates the need for standalone diesel engines and provides 100% refrigeration capacity independent of engine speed.

  • The vehicles feature split-lane designs separating frozen and chilled products, and all units will be supported by BluEdge full-service maintenance packages. (link)

Other headlines

The Global Cold Chain Alliance welcomes breakthrough on 50-mile rule for import inspections.

Panasonic completes its acquisition of Polish CO2 cooling specialist Area Cooling Solutions, which will now operate as Panasonic Cold Chain Poland Sp.

Hawk Logistics acquires Farragher Logistics, a 90-year-old Australian refrigerated transport and warehousing company, expanding its cold chain operations across Australia's east coast.

Americold Realty Trust declares a fourth-quarter dividend of $0.22 per share, to be paid on January 15, 2025.

CEVA Logistics partners with BeeBryte for global energy optimization in temperature-controlled warehouses.

Southwest China's first ultra-low-temperature smart cold chain facility openes in Chongqing with over 1 million cubic meters of storage capacity.

The Healthcare Distribution Alliance reports that the surge in cell and gene therapies requiring ultra-low temperature storage (down to -190°C) will challenge cold chain infrastructure over the next 3-5 years.

That’s it for today!

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