Cold chain logistics services ensure that perishable goods — from vaccines and biologics to seafood and fresh produce — remain within a safe temperature range during storage and transport. In 2025 the cold chain market is booming: research by Precedence Research values the global sector at US$436.30 billion in 2025 and projects it to surpass US$1.3 trillion by 2034. Consumers expect fresh, high quality products, regulators enforce strict safety standards, and supply chains span continents. This guide explains how cold chain logistics services work, why they matter, and how technology is reshaping the industry. It draws on the latest data and expert insights for 2025, empowering you to make informed decisions whether you manage pharmaceuticals, food, or other temperature sensitive goods.
What do cold chain logistics services involve, and why are they essential in 2025?
Which technologies — AI, IoT, blockchain and renewable energy — are transforming cold chain logistics?
How are global market trends and regional differences shaping investment and capacity?
How can you select the right cold chain logistics partner and improve your own operations?
What are the most notable innovations and market trends emerging in 2025?
Which common questions do companies ask about cold chain services?
What are cold chain logistics services and why do they matter in 2025?
Cold chain logistics services encompass a network of processes, equipment and protocols designed to maintain specific temperature ranges from production to consumption. The system includes temperature controlled storage, refrigerated transport, specialized packaging and monitoring technology. In 2025 the cold chain has never been more critical: Precedence Research reports that the global market is worth US$436.30 billion in 2025 and could reach US$1,359.78 billion by 2034. Several factors drive this growth:
Health and safety: During the COVID 19 pandemic the cold chain ensured safe distribution of vaccines and food. Post pandemic demand remains high as biologics, mRNA vaccines and specialty foods require precise temperature control.
E commerce and globalization: Online grocery and meal kit services fuel demand for reliable last mile delivery networks. International trade of perishable goods exposes consumers to new cuisines and expands market opportunities.
Technological innovation: Advances in refrigeration, Internet of Things (IoT) sensors and artificial intelligence (AI) allow real time monitoring, predictive maintenance and efficient route planning.
Emerging markets: Growing incomes and urbanization in Asia, Latin America and Africa create new demand for cold storage infrastructure.
Understanding temperature ranges and key components
Cold chain services maintain products within strict temperature brackets. Typical ranges include ambient (59–86 °F), cool (50–59 °F), refrigerated (32–50 °F) and frozen (–22–32 °F). The following table summarizes common ranges and how they apply to your goods:
| Temperature range | Typical products | Your takeaway |
| Ambient (59–86 °F / 15–30 °C) | Dry foods, certain pharmaceuticals | Requires minimal cooling; ensure ventilation to avoid heat buildup. |
| Cool (50–59 °F / 10–15 °C) | Cheese, fresh produce | Reduces spoilage; use insulated containers and limit transport time. |
| Refrigerated (32–50 °F / 0–10 °C) | Vaccines, dairy products | Prevents bacterial growth; IoT sensors enable real time monitoring. |
| Frozen (–22–32 °F / –30–0 °C) | Meat, seafood, frozen desserts | Demands deep freezing equipment and redundancy plans to handle power failures. |
Key components of a modern cold chain include:
Cooling systems: Compressors, condensers and evaporators maintain desired temperatures.
Temperature controlled storage: Insulated warehouses with automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS) minimize fluctuations.
Transportation infrastructure: Insulated trucks, reefer containers and refrigerated railcars preserve temperature during transit. Some facilities use portable cryogenic freezers capable of maintaining –80 °C to –150 °C for biologics.
Monitoring and control systems: IoT sensors and data loggers transmit real time temperature, humidity and location data, enabling immediate action if conditions deviate.
Quality assurance protocols: Temperature mapping, emergency response plans and first in first out inventory management ensure compliance.
Practical advice for managing cold chain operations
Plan for contingencies: Develop emergency response protocols for equipment failures or power outages to prevent spoilage.
Use IoT sensors: Install smart sensors on storage units and vehicles to track temperature and humidity; automate alerts when thresholds are breached.
Train your team: Provide regular training on handling procedures, data logging and emergency responses.
Integrate AI with human expertise: Use AI for decision support while relying on operational experience to adapt to unforeseen conditions.
Real world example: In 2024 CJ Logistics America announced a new cold storage facility near Kansas City featuring automated systems, energy efficient refrigeration and IoT monitoring. The project illustrates how modern cold storage combines technology and sustainability.
How are technologies like AI, IoT and blockchain transforming cold chain logistics?
Technology plays a pivotal role in the 2025 cold chain. Innovations reduce waste, improve efficiency and enable compliance.
AI and predictive analytics: smarter decisions and reduced spoilage
Artificial intelligence analyzes historical and real time data to predict equipment failures, optimize delivery routes and forecast demand. Benefits include:
Route optimization: Algorithms consider traffic, weather and delivery windows to find efficient paths, reducing fuel consumption and maintaining temperature integrity.
Predictive maintenance: Analyzing sensor data helps schedule repairs before refrigeration units fail, preventing costly breakdowns.
Demand forecasting: AI models seasonal consumption patterns, reducing waste and inventory costs.
Research indicates that AI enabled demand forecasting and predictive maintenance reduce spoilage by automating alerts and maintenance schedules. According to StartUs Insights, the cold chain market added over 26 800 new employees in the last year and filed more than 2 800 patents, reflecting a strong innovation ecosystem.
IoT enabled real time monitoring: end to end visibility
IoT devices such as smart sensors, GPS trackers and data loggers provide unbroken visibility across the cold chain. These devices send alerts when temperatures drift outside safe ranges, which offers several advantages:
Preventing spoilage: Continuous monitoring allows immediate action if temperatures rise or fall unexpectedly.
Regulatory compliance: IoT devices provide verifiable records of a product’s journey, helping companies meet food safety and pharmaceutical regulations.
Customer transparency: Real time data can be shared with customers, building trust and improving satisfaction.
The hardware segment led the cold chain tracking market in 2022, holding over 76% of the market share.
Blockchain for traceability and trust
Blockchain technology creates tamper proof records of product journeys, enabling end to end traceability. In the pharmaceutical sector, blockchain helps monitor temperature and location data, ensuring that all stakeholders share the same immutable record. This reduces the risk of data manipulation, simplifies audits and enhances patient safety. The Thermal Control Business Update notes that blockchain integration improves compliance and builds consumer trust.
Renewable energy and sustainability
Energy consumption is a major cost driver in cold chain logistics. Solar powered refrigeration units offer sustainable solutions, particularly in rural or energy scarce regions. Commercial solar electricity rates in the United States range from 3.2 to 15.5 cents per kWh, compared with an average commercial utility rate of 13.10 cents per kWh in 2024. By leveraging solar panels for warehouses and refrigerated trucks, businesses can lower operating costs and reduce carbon footprints.
Sustainable packaging is also gaining traction. Lightweight, biodegradable thermal wraps and reusable cold packs decrease environmental impact, support corporate sustainability goals and comply with regulations. In addition, AI driven route optimization and predictive maintenance minimize fuel use, further reducing emissions.
Market trends and regional insights for 2025
Global market growth and projections
Multiple research agencies project robust growth for the cold chain sector:
Precedence Research estimates that the global market will grow from US$436.30 billion in 2025 to US$1,359.78 billion by 2034 at a CAGR of 13.46%.
StartUs Insights, citing The Business Research Company, reports that the cold chain market size will increase from US$454.48 billion in 2025 to US$776.01 billion in 2029, a CAGR of 12.2%.
Fortune Business Insights (quoted by Maersk) values the market at US$324.85 billion in 2024 and projects it to reach US$862.33 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 13%.
Research Nester states that the cold chain logistics market was valued at US$385.6 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach US$1,429.5 billion by 2035 with a CAGR of 14%.
While estimates differ, the consensus is clear: demand for temperature controlled logistics is accelerating. The Asia–Pacific region is expected to grow at the highest CAGR of roughly 14.3% between 2025 and 2034. The dairy and frozen desserts segment held the largest share (36.10%) of applications in 2024, while pre cooling facilities were valued at US$204.4 billion in 2024.
Regional highlights
| Region | Key insights | Implications for you |
| North America | The market is projected to rise from US$116.85 billion in 2024 to US$289.58 billion by 2034, reflecting growing pharmaceutical demand and e commerce. The US government’s National Cybersecurity Strategy Implementation Plan (May 2024) emphasizes securing food and pharma cold chains, signalling increased regulatory scrutiny. | Companies must comply with cybersecurity and food safety regulations while investing in new capacity and technology. |
| Asia–Pacific | This region will experience the highest growth. India’s dairy consumption averages 427 g per capita (above the global average of 305 g), and the quick service restaurant sector is expected to grow 20–25% in fiscal 2024. Governments are investing in export programs (e.g., the UK Dairy Export Programme) to increase international trade of perishable goods. | Businesses need scalable warehousing and distribution networks to meet rising demand for fresh foods and vaccines. |
| Europe | Ageing cold storage infrastructure — often 40–50 years old — is driving investment in modernization, automation and energy efficient systems. | Replacing outdated facilities with automated, sustainable designs will reduce energy costs and improve compliance. |
| Latin America | Growing exports of fresh produce and seafood require upgraded cold chain infrastructure. Investments in renewable energy and IoT monitoring help navigate power supply challenges. | Prioritize energy efficient warehouses and solar powered solutions to overcome infrastructure gaps. |
| Africa | Expansion of cold chain capacity is critical for food security and vaccine distribution. Solar powered cold storage units and portable cryogenic freezers are particularly valuable in areas with unreliable electricity. | Consider modular, solar powered containers and portable freezers to serve remote areas. |
Sector specific trends
Pharmaceuticals and biologics
Biopharmaceuticals, gene therapies and vaccines demand precise temperature control and regulatory compliance. The pharmaceutical cold chain market is expected to reach US$1,454 billion by 2029, with a CAGR of 4.71% from 2024 to 2029. Innovations such as portable cryogenic freezers (maintaining –80 °C to –150 °C) enable distribution of ultra cold biologics.
Food, beverages and plant based products
Rising consumer demand for fresh, organic and plant based foods drives investment in cold chain capacity. The North America food cold chain logistics market is expected to reach US$86.67 billion in 2025. Plant based protein alternatives could account for 7.7% of the global protein market by 2030 with a value over US$162 billion, increasing demand for specialized refrigerated transport. Quick service restaurants (QSRs) in India are projected to grow 20–25% in fiscal 2024, further boosting cold chain investment.
Diagnostics and life sciences
Medical diagnostics and life science research rely on temperature controlled transport for reagents, samples and clinical trial materials. The expansion of cell and gene therapies adds complexity, requiring ultra low temperatures and robust traceability systems.
How to choose and optimize cold chain logistics services
Choosing the right logistics provider can mean the difference between compliant, high quality deliveries and costly product loss. Use the following framework to assess providers and improve your own operations.
Identify your product’s temperature profile
Determine the required temperature range (ambient, cool, refrigerated or frozen) and sensitivity to temperature fluctuations. For biologics or gene therapies requiring ultra low temperatures, ensure providers offer cryogenic freezers and validated equipment.
Evaluate technology and monitoring capabilities
Real time monitoring: Ask whether the provider offers IoT sensors, GPS tracking and automated alerts.
Predictive maintenance and AI: Providers using AI to predict equipment failures and optimize routes can reduce spoilage and delays.
Blockchain or digital records: Look for tamper proof traceability systems, especially for pharmaceuticals.
Inspect infrastructure and capacity
Temperature controlled storage: Visit warehousing facilities to verify insulation, automation and energy efficiency. Outdated infrastructure may lead to temperature excursions and higher energy costs.
Transportation network: Evaluate the provider’s fleet (trucks, containers, railcars) and ability to handle last mile delivery.
Redundancy plans: Confirm backup generators, spare parts and contingency strategies for equipment failure.
Consider sustainability and energy efficiency
With rising energy costs and environmental regulations, choose providers investing in renewable energy and sustainable packaging. Solar powered warehouses and electric refrigerated vehicles reduce operating costs and carbon emissions.
Assess regulatory compliance and certifications
Ensure the provider complies with Good Distribution Practice (GDP), Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) and relevant ISO standards. Ask about audits and quality assurance protocols.
Evaluate pricing and service flexibility
Request detailed pricing models, including costs for storage, transport, monitoring and value added services (e.g., repacking or kitting). Flexible contract terms and scalable capacity allow you to respond to seasonal demand swings.
Use a self assessment tool
Take this simple quiz to clarify your needs:
What product category do you handle? (Select all that apply: pharmaceuticals, biologics/gene therapies, fresh produce, frozen foods, plant based products, diagnostics).
What temperature range is required? (Ambient, Cool, Refrigerated, Frozen, Ultra low).
How critical is real time monitoring? (High, Moderate, Low).
Do you need global reach or local distribution? (Global, Regional, Local).
Do you prioritize sustainability? (Yes — renewable energy & packaging; No; Not sure).
Based on your answers, you can prioritize providers with the right temperature capabilities, technology, geographic coverage and sustainability measures.
Case Study: In July 2025 Lineage Logistics expanded its footprint in Canada by acquiring three cold storage facilities in Quebec, enhancing capacity for fruit, vegetable and frozen product logistics. Strategic investments like this signal consolidation and increased capacity in North America.
Latest developments and trends in 2025
1. Automation and robotics address labour shortages
Cold storage facilities face labour shortages and rising costs. Automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS) and robotic handling reduce errors, operate continuously and improve throughput. Studies suggest about 80% of warehouses are not automated, leaving significant room for adoption. Automation not only boosts efficiency but also improves consistency in temperature and inventory control.
2. Sustainability is a core value
Environmental concerns and tighter regulations push sustainability to the forefront. According to Trackonomy, the global food cold chain infrastructure accounts for roughly 2% of global CO₂ emissions. Energy efficient refrigeration systems, renewable energy sources and biodegradable packaging help reduce carbon footprints. Companies adopting sustainable practices not only comply with regulations but also reduce waste and energy costs. Solar powered cold storage and electric trucks are gaining traction.
3. End to end visibility through real time tracking
Maintaining product quality requires unbroken visibility. IoT enabled tracking devices provide real time data on temperature, location and condition, allowing route optimization and faster response to disruptions. The hardware segment led the cold chain tracking market in 2022, with over 76% market share.
4. Infrastructure modernization and energy efficiency
Aging cold storage facilities often fail to meet modern standards. Investments in automation, compliance and insulation are essential. The Maersk insight report notes that the regulatory phase out of synthetic refrigerants such as HCFCs and HFCs is accelerating facility upgrades. New facilities incorporate improved insulation, real time data collection and on site renewable energy.
5. AI and predictive analytics empower smarter decisions
AI optimizes routes, forecasts demand and predicts maintenance needs, reducing delays and spoilage. AI driven analytics help mitigate risks, forecast consumption patterns and improve service reliability. Trackonomy notes that by 2025, 74% of logistics data is expected to be standardized, facilitating seamless integration across supply chains.
6. Growth in the pharmaceutical cold chain
The pandemic highlighted the importance of ultra cold storage for vaccines and biologics. Approximately 20% of new drugs in development are gene and cell based therapies, which require strict temperature control. The pharmaceutical cold chain is projected to reach US$1,454 billion by 2029.
7. Investment in fresh food logistics and last mile delivery
E commerce grocery services and meal kit providers are expanding rapidly. The North America food cold chain market is projected to reach US$86.67 billion in 2025. Online ordering and direct to consumer models demand new refrigerated micro fulfilment centers, route optimization and real time tracking. New food products — plant based and organic items — require specialized transport to maintain freshness.
8. Strategic partnerships and supply chain integration
Collaboration across the cold chain ecosystem improves resilience and visibility. Partnerships among food manufacturers, packaging suppliers and technology providers enable integrated solutions. Standardized data and smart containers support seamless integration across supply chains, with 74% of logistics data expected to be standardized by 2025.
9. Emergence of blockchain and IoT innovations in Southeast Asia
Southeast Asia is becoming a hub for cold chain innovation. Innovators are integrating blockchain for end to end traceability, solar powered cold storage units, IoT enabled smart sensors for real time monitoring, AI powered route optimization, and portable cryogenic freezers that maintain –80 °C to –150 °C. These innovations help bridge infrastructure gaps in regions with inconsistent power supply and long transport distances.
FAQ
Q1: What is the difference between cold chain logistics and traditional logistics?
Cold chain logistics maintains temperature controlled environments from storage to delivery, ensuring that perishable goods stay within specified ranges. Traditional logistics does not focus on temperature control and may expose goods to ambient conditions.
Q2: How is AI used in cold chain logistics?
AI analyzes real time and historical data to optimize routes, predict equipment failures and forecast demand. It reduces fuel consumption, prevents spoilage and improves customer service.
Q3: Do all products need real time temperature monitoring?
Not necessarily. High risk items like vaccines, biologics and high value seafood require continuous monitoring, while shelf stable items may need only periodic checks. Assess your product’s sensitivity and regulatory requirements.
Q4: Why is sustainability important in the cold chain?
The food cold chain accounts for around 2% of global CO₂ emissions. Energy efficient refrigeration, renewable power and biodegradable packaging reduce environmental impact and operational costs.
Q5: What are portable cryogenic freezers, and when are they used?
Portable cryogenic freezers maintain ultra low temperatures (–80 °C to –150 °C) for biologics, gene therapies and cell treatments. They enable flexible distribution of products requiring deep freezing.
Q6: How does blockchain enhance cold chain transparency?
Blockchain creates immutable records of temperature, location and handoff events, ensuring that all parties share the same data. It reduces fraud, simplifies compliance and increases trust.
Summary and recommendations
Cold chain logistics services are critical for delivering perishable goods safely and efficiently. The market continues to expand rapidly, with global value projected to grow from US$436 billion in 2025 to more than US$1.3 trillion by 2034. Drivers include expanding international trade, e commerce, pharmaceutical advancements and growing demand for fresh foods. Technologies such as AI, IoT sensors, blockchain and renewable energy reduce waste, improve visibility and enable compliance.
To optimize your cold chain operations, identify the temperature profile of your products, evaluate technology capabilities, inspect infrastructure, prioritize sustainability and ensure regulatory compliance. Invest in automation and predictive analytics to address labour shortages and rising costs. Consider strategic partnerships to enhance visibility and resilience. As emerging markets and new products drive demand, staying informed about innovations — from portable cryogenic freezers to standardized data platforms — will help you remain competitive in 2025 and beyond.
About Tempk
Tempk is a leading provider of cold chain logistics solutions, offering temperature controlled packaging, insulated containers and IoT enabled monitoring systems. Our products include reusable insulated boxes, gel ice packs and solar powered refrigeration units. We combine industry expertise with innovative technology to deliver reliable, energy efficient solutions for pharmaceuticals, fresh foods and specialty products. With a commitment to sustainability and compliance, we help clients reduce spoilage, meet regulatory requirements and achieve their business goals.
Ready to safeguard your temperature sensitive cargo? Contact the Tempk team for a personalized consultation and discover how our cold chain logistics services can protect your products and support your growth.
