Pharmaceutical cold chain logistics providers play a vital role in getting temperature sensitive medicines safely to you. In 2024 the pharmaceutical cold chain logistics market reached US$18.61 billion and is forecast to exceed US$27 billion by 2033. Biopharmaceuticals account for roughly 30 % of all drugs, and many require storage at 2 °C–8 °C, –20 °C or even cryogenic temperatures below −150 °C. Any deviation, even 30 minutes, can degrade a vaccine. This guide explains what the pharma cold chain is, highlights the top providers and innovations, and offers practical advice for choosing the right logistics partner in 2025.
What is the pharma cold chain and why does it matter? — a clear overview of temperature control and compliance.
Who are the leading pharma cold chain logistics providers? — profiles of UPS, DHL, FedEx and other key players with recent expansions.
What technologies and packaging innovations are transforming the cold chain? — IoT sensors, AI, reusable packaging and more.
How is the market evolving across regions and segments? — growth forecasts for Europe, North America, India and Asia Pacific.
What challenges and opportunities define the supply chain? — from temperature excursions to sustainability.
Frequently asked questions about GDP compliance, provider selection and more.
What is the pharma cold chain and why does it matter?
Direct answer
Pharma cold chain logistics providers maintain the integrity of temperature sensitive medicines by storing, transporting and monitoring them within strict temperature bands. These bands typically include 2 °C–8 °C (refrigerated), below −20 °C (frozen) and cryogenic conditions below −150 °C for cell and gene therapy products. Biologics now represent about 30 % of all drugs, so protecting them from temperature excursions is critical to patient safety and regulatory compliance.
Expanded explanation
Imagine a relay race where the baton is your vaccine. Each runner must pass it without letting it warm up or freeze. Pharma cold chain logistics companies coordinate this relay from manufacturing to patient delivery, using refrigerated warehouses, insulated containers, temperature controlled vehicles and real time monitoring. They track temperature, humidity and location via IoT sensors and digital control towers so that deviations are caught immediately. Compliance with Good Distribution Practice (GDP) and other regulations ensures that all steps—from packaging to documentation—are validated. Without this infrastructure, sensitive biologics like insulin, vaccines and gene therapies would lose potency, risking public health.
Key elements of a pharmaceutical cold chain
| Element | Purpose | Practical significance |
| Temperature controlled storage | Uses refrigerated warehouses, cryogenic freezers and insulated rooms to hold products at 2 °C–8 °C, –20 °C or –150 °C | Maintains drug efficacy during inventory periods |
| Insulated packaging | Single use and reusable shippers with phase change materials protect shipments during transit | Prevents temperature excursions; enables last mile delivery even at –70 °C |
| Real time monitoring | IoT sensors, RFID tags and cloud platforms record temperature, humidity and location continuously | Provides early alerts; research shows ~80 % of cold chain shipments use real time monitoring |
| Logistics coordination | Route planning, customs clearance and documentation ensure timely delivery | Minimises delays; essential for global supply chains |
| Regulatory compliance | Adhering to GDP, ISO certifications and regional regulations guides equipment and processes | Reduces legal risk and ensures quality across regions |
Practical tips and case example
Define your temperature profile: Determine whether your products need refrigerated (2–8 °C), frozen (below −20 °C) or cryogenic (<−150 °C) transport. Select providers certified for those ranges.
Ask about monitoring: Choose companies offering real time temperature and location tracking. IoT enabled control towers can prevent product loss.
Confirm GDP compliance: Ensure providers hold relevant certifications (e.g., ISO 9001, GDP).
Consider sustainability: Reusable packaging and energy efficient vehicles reduce waste and may lower costs.
Plan for global reach: Work with providers experienced in customs documentation and multimodal transport.
Case study: In February 2024, Sensitech launched TempTale GEO X, an IoT enabled temperature monitor tailored for life sciences logistics. The device provides real time analytics across air, ocean, road and rail shipments. Such innovations demonstrate how technology enhances visibility and compliance.
How large is the pharmaceutical cold chain logistics market?
Market overview
The pharmaceutical cold chain logistics market reached US$18.61 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow to US$27.11 billion by 2033, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.3 %. The broader healthcare cold chain logistics sector—including medical devices and blood products—was US$59.97 billion in 2024, rose to US$65.14 billion in 2025 and is expected to surpass US$137 billion by 2034. Growth is driven by rising demand for biologics and vaccines, stricter regulatory standards and investment in advanced monitoring and packaging.
Regional snapshot
| Region | 2024/25 market size | Forecast growth & drivers | Practical implications |
| Europe | ~US$19.39 billion in 2024 increasing to US$21.55 billion in 2025 | Expected to reach US$34.7 billion by 2030 at ~10 % CAGR; high demand for ultra cold storage due to biologics and gene therapies | Providers must invest in cryogenic capacity and comply with strict EU GDP regulations |
| North America | Backbone of global cold chain | Major investments by UPS, DHL and other integrators; dominated by U.S. biologics and vaccine shipments | Emphasis on end to end logistics and integration with clinical trials |
| India | US$0.57 billion in 2024 with 3.2 % CAGR to reach US$0.8 billion by 2033 | Government initiatives like the National Cold Chain Management Information System encourage investment | Opportunity for last mile improvements and local partnerships |
| Asia Pacific | Fastest growth region | Driven by vaccine distribution programmes and biologics manufacturing | Providers like DHL and Lineage are expanding; reusable packaging adoption is rising |
Beyond these regions, **North America is expected to dominate the global cold chain market with a 42.87 % share in 2024. The cryogenic segment, which includes temperatures below −150 °C, is forecast to capture 31.45 % of the market share because mRNA vaccines, gene therapies and CAR T cell therapies require ultra low temperatures. Innovations like CSafe’s Multi Use Dewars, launched in April 2024, maintain –150 °C and include real time tracking for cell and gene therapies.
Leading pharma cold chain logistics providers in 2025
Overview
The pharmaceutical cold chain ecosystem comprises third party logistics (3PL) integrators, freight forwarders, packaging specialists and equipment manufacturers. Major logistics providers include UPS Healthcare, DHL Life Sciences & Healthcare, FedEx, AmerisourceBergen, Cardinal Health, Kuehne + Nagel, CEVA Logistics, VersaCold and Lineage. Packaging and equipment innovators such as Cold Chain Technologies (CCT), C Safe Global, Pelican BioThermal, Envirotainer, DS Smith, Azenta and Thermo Fisher Scientific complement these providers with insulated shippers, reusable containers, cryogenic equipment and monitoring solutions.
Third party logistics and integrators
UPS Healthcare – In 2025 UPS expanded its cold chain capabilities by acquiring Germany’s Frigo Trans and BPL, adding Pan European temperature controlled warehousing and time critical freight forwarding. UPS invested more than €20 million in 2024 to add over 200 temperature controlled vehicles and doubled its global healthcare distribution space to 1.7 million m². In April 2025 it agreed to buy Canada’s Andlauer Healthcare Group for US$1.6 billion, adding nine distribution centres and 22 branches. A case study notes that UPS’s acquisitions provided temperature controlled warehousing ranging from –196 °C to +25 °C and enhanced end to end services.
DHL Life Sciences & Healthcare – DHL acquired CryoPDP in March 2025 to integrate temperature sensitive shipping, storage and packaging and strengthen its U.S. presence. DHL operates over 150 healthcare logistics facilities globally and emphasises sustainable packaging and alternative fuels. A separate report noted that DHL is investing €2 billion from 2025 to 2030 to expand cold chain capacity, build GDP certified hubs and introduce digital tools.
FedEx – FedEx continues to expand cold chain capacity via its Express and Custom Critical units, providing temperature controlled air cargo and ground services. The company invests in IoT sensors and blockchain traceability, and in January 2025 it announced partnerships with leading pharma manufacturers to distribute biologics and mRNA vaccines in remote areas.
Kuehne + Nagel and CEVA Logistics – Both offer GDP compliant warehouses, packaging and last mile delivery. Kuehne + Nagel expanded its pharma distribution footprint in Asia with new facilities in India and China in November 2024.
VersaCold and Lineage Logistics – These North American cold storage specialists operate extensive networks. Lineage integrates warehouse robotics and smart software to optimise energy consumption and maintain temperature integrity. VersaCold focuses on end to end solutions for food and pharmaceuticals and is expanding across North America and Asia.
AmerisourceBergen and Cardinal Health – These pharmaceutical distributors provide high volume shipments to hospitals and pharmacies and manage real time monitoring systems through their Sonoco ThermoSafe subsidiary. AmerisourceBergen launched a blockchain enabled track and trace system in December 2024.
Packaging and equipment specialists
Cold Chain Technologies (CCT) – Known for reusable pallet shippers, CCT launched the CCT Tower Elite system at LogiPharma 2025 and released a reusable pallet shipper in April 2025. This system reduces waste and provides long duration thermal protection.
C Safe Global – Manufactures active container systems with controlled heating and cooling for air and ground transport, maintaining 2 °C–8 °C and 15 °C–25 °C for up to 120 hours.
Pelican BioThermal – Offers Credo Cube reusable shippers and single use CoolPall boxes with integrated data loggers for temperature tracking.
Envirotainer – Provides active air cargo containers using compressor driven cooling and battery power to maintain stable temperatures. UPS executives cite Envirotainer as essential for last mile delivery at −70 °C.
DS Smith – Introduced TailorTemp, a fibre based packaging solution providing up to 36 hours of thermal stability, at Pharmapack Europe 2025. The use of fibre reduces plastic waste and enhances recyclability.
Azenta (formerly Brooks Automation) & Thermo Fisher Scientific – Expanded cold chain capabilities by acquiring B Medical Systems, offering automated storage and cryogenic transport solutions. CSafe (a Thermo Fisher subsidiary) introduced Multi Use Dewars with real time tracking to support cell and gene therapy distribution at –150 °C.
Technology and monitoring providers
Companies like Sensitech and TransVoyant develop IoT devices and AI powered control towers. Sensitech’s TempTale GEO X provides real time analytics across multiple transport modes, while TransVoyant and CargoSense create digital twins that predict disruptions. Tag N Trac develops smart trackers with Bluetooth and cellular connectivity.
How leading companies differentiate
| Company | Core services | Differentiators | Practical benefit |
| UPS Healthcare | Global cold chain transport, warehousing and supply chain integration | Aggressive acquisitions (Frigo Trans, BPL, Andlauer), fleet expansion and end to end visibility | Broader network and cryogenic capacity; reduced product loss via integrated monitoring |
| DHL Life Sciences & Healthcare | Temperature controlled air and ground transport, storage, packaging | Acquisition of CryoPDP; focus on sustainable packaging and alternative fuels | Enhanced service range and environmental compliance |
| Cardinal Health & AmerisourceBergen | Pharmaceutical distribution, 3PL services, specialised packaging (Sonoco ThermoSafe) | Blockchain enabled track and trace system | Reliable distribution to hospitals; improved security and regulatory compliance |
| Lineage & VersaCold | Cold storage and logistics | Facility networks with warehouse robotics and smart software | Energy efficient operations and scalability |
| Cold Chain Technologies (CCT) | Insulated shippers and reusable pallets | CCT Tower Elite and reusable pallet shipper innovations | Reduced waste and improved thermal performance |
| Envirotainer | Active air cargo containers | Compressor driven cooling; battery power for long duration | Maintains cryogenic temperatures in air freight; essential for gene therapies |
| Azenta & Thermo Fisher | Cryogenic equipment and automation | Acquisition of B Medical Systems; automated storage and real time tracking dewars | Enables cell and gene therapy distribution and long term biobank storage |
Practical tips when selecting a logistics partner
Assess network reach: Choose a provider with facilities near your manufacturing sites and customer locations to reduce transit times.
Evaluate innovation commitment: Look for companies investing in IoT, AI and reusable packaging; these tools reduce risk and environmental impact.
Check M&A activity: Recent acquisitions signal growth and expanded capabilities; ensure the company integrates new assets smoothly.
Verify sustainability policies: Partners using circular packaging and electric or biofuel fleets can improve your ESG profile.
Technology and packaging innovations shaping pharma cold chain logistics
Direct answer
Pharma cold chain logistics is being transformed by IoT sensors, AI driven control towers, blockchain traceability, reusable packaging, fibre based materials and smart labels. These innovations improve visibility, reduce waste and ensure compliance.
Expanded explanation
IoT devices and digital twins: Sensors collect temperature, humidity and location data, while digital twins and AI predict disruptions and adjust routes. For example, Merck’s Global Health Innovation Fund invested in TransVoyant and CargoSense to deploy AI powered control towers that saved critical shipments during the pandemic.
Blockchain platforms: Distributed ledgers record temperature data and chain of custody, simplifying audits and preventing counterfeiting. AmerisourceBergen’s blockchain enabled track and trace system launched in December 2024 exemplifies this trend.
Reusable packaging systems: Shippers like CCT Tower Elite and Pelican’s Credo Cube can be reused multiple times, reducing waste and total cost of ownership. DS Smith’s TailorTemp uses fibre based materials to provide up to 36 hours of thermal stability while reducing plastic consumption.
Cryogenic dewars with real time tracking: CSafe’s Multi Use Dewars maintain –150 °C for cell and gene therapies and include a built in TracSafe real time tracking device.
Smart labels & active cooling: Emerging innovations include satellite enabled labels and wireless charged boxes that allow global tracking and energy efficient cooling.
Table of notable innovations
| Innovation | Description | Impact on cold chain logistics |
| IoT enabled sensors & control towers | Sensors collect temperature, humidity and location data; digital twins and AI predict disruptions | Improves visibility, reduces spoilage and enables proactive responses |
| Reusable packaging systems | Shippers like CCT Tower Elite and Pelican Credo Cube can be reused for multiple shipments | Reduces waste, lowers total cost of ownership and supports sustainability |
| Fibre based packaging (TailorTemp) | DS Smith’s TailorTemp uses paper based materials and provides up to 36 hours of thermal protection | Minimises plastic consumption and simplifies recycling |
| Cryogenic dewars with tracking | CSafe’s Multi Use Dewars maintain –150 °C or colder and include real time tracking | Ensures ultra low temperatures for cell and gene therapies and compliance |
| Blockchain & digital certificates | Distributed ledgers record temperature data and chain of custody | Enhances traceability, security and regulatory auditing |
| Smart labels & active cooling | Future innovations include satellite enabled labels and wireless charged boxes | Provides global tracking and reduces energy consumption |
Practical tips for adopting new technology
Pilot new solutions: Test IoT devices or reusable shippers on small shipments to measure performance before full deployment.
Integrate data systems: Ensure monitoring devices interface with your warehouse management or ERP systems.
Train staff: Implementing AI and blockchain requires new workflows; provide training so teams can interpret data and act on alerts.
Plan for reverse logistics: Reusable packaging and smart labels require return processes; coordinate with carriers for efficient returns.
Supply chain dynamics, challenges and opportunities
Cost and operational dynamics
Pharmaceutical cold chain logistics account for 7–10 % of total pharmaceutical supply chain costs, and 40–60 % of overall logistics spend is dedicated to transportation and storage. Despite advancements in automation and IoT, challenges remain:
Temperature excursions: Around 4 % of shipments are compromised and 40 % of cold chain failures stem from poor monitoring.
Fragmented monitoring: When multiple carriers handle shipments, real time visibility can be lost.
Regulatory complexity: Different regions impose varying guidelines for packaging, labelling and documentation.
Infrastructure gaps: Emerging markets often lack reliable cold storage or transportation.
Talent shortages: Skilled labour for handling biologics is scarce; the global life sciences supply chain workforce is projected to grow 60 % by 2025.
Opportunities
Automation and AI: Robotics and AI optimise warehouse operations, reducing labour costs and human error.
Reusable packaging: Circular systems reduce waste and support corporate sustainability goals.
Renewable energy & electrification: Electric and biofuel fleets, as well as ammonia based refrigeration, lower carbon footprints.
Blockchain & digital twins: Provide tamper proof traceability and predictive insights.
Real world challenges and solutions
Temperature excursions: Use redundant sensors and real time alerts; implement corrective protocols immediately.
Regulatory complexity: Partner with providers experienced in navigating international regulations; maintain documentation and continuous training.
Infrastructure gaps: Collaborate with local operators and invest in mobile cold rooms or solar powered freezers.
Talent shortages: Automate warehouse and transport processes; offer continuous training and incentives.
Regional growth patterns and 2025 trends
Direct answer
Europe and North America currently dominate the pharmaceutical cold chain, but Asia Pacific and India are growing fastest. Europe’s market is projected to reach US$34.7 billion by 2030 with a ~10 % CAGR, and about 80 % of pharmaceutical products in Europe require temperature controlled transport. North America remains the backbone due to massive investments by UPS, DHL and Lineage and a high demand for biologics. India’s segment is expected to grow at 3.2 % annually, reaching US$0.8 billion by 2033, while Asia Pacific is the fastest growing region thanks to vaccine distribution and biologics manufacturing.
Trends overview
Rise of biologics and cell gene therapies: Approvals of new biologics, gene therapies and CAR T cell treatments increase demand for ultra cold or cryogenic storage. The cryogenic segment holds 31.45 % of the market share.
Increasing mergers and acquisitions: UPS’s acquisitions of Frigo Trans, BPL and Andlauer and DHL’s acquisition of CryoPDP show how major players expand networks to meet growing demand.
Digital transformation: Control towers, digital twins and IoT sensors provide predictive analytics and end to end visibility.
Sustainability focus: Reusable shippers, fibre based packaging and electrified fleets reduce environmental impact.
Regulatory updates: In 2025 the U.S. Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA) transitions to full interoperability with deadlines for manufacturers (May 27), wholesalers (Aug 27) and large dispensers (Nov 27). Europe enforces the Falsified Medicines Directive and updates to GDP guidelines. The WHO Model Guidance on Controlled Room Temperature and ICH Q12/Q13 encourage harmonisation.
Innovation in packaging: DS Smith’s TailorTemp, CCT Tower Elite and Multi Use Dewars illustrate how fibre based materials and reusable containers deliver long duration thermal stability.
Market insights and consumer preferences
Consumers and regulators increasingly demand sustainability. A 2025 industry review notes that temperature controlled logistics account for 23 % of pharmaceutical transportation budgets, up from 18 % in 2020. Temperature excursions cause US$35 billion in losses annually with a 12 % product recall rate. Consequently, pharmaceutical companies are adopting recyclable insulated containers, biodegradable wraps and reusable cold packs. Renewable power and electrified fleets are helping reduce carbon footprints.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is Good Distribution Practice (GDP) and why is it important?
Good Distribution Practice is a quality system that governs the wholesale distribution of medicinal products. It requires companies to maintain proper temperature control, accurate record keeping, validated equipment and trained staff. Compliance reduces the risk of product degradation and regulatory penalties.
Q2: How do I choose the right pharma cold chain logistics provider?
Assess your temperature requirements (refrigerated, frozen, cryogenic), network reach, monitoring capabilities and certifications. Look for providers investing in IoT, AI and sustainable packaging. Evaluate their M&A activity and track record for integrating new assets.
Q3: Why are real time monitoring and IoT important?
Real time monitoring uses sensors and cloud platforms to track temperature, humidity and location throughout the journey. Approximately 80 % of cold chain shipments now use real time monitoring. It enables immediate action when deviations occur, reducing spoilage.
Q4: What are sustainable packaging options for pharmaceuticals?
Sustainable options include reusable shippers (CCT Tower Elite, Credo Cube), fibre based containers (TailorTemp), biodegradable wraps and reusable cold packs. These reduce waste and support circular supply chains.
Q5: How will regulation change in 2025?
The DSCSA introduces full interoperability for the U.S. drug supply chain with serialization and traceability requirements. Europe enforces the Falsified Medicines Directive and updates to GDP guidelines. Companies must invest in data systems and training to comply.
Q6: Do I need cryogenic logistics for all biologics?
Not all biologics require cryogenic temperatures. Many monoclonal antibodies and vaccines remain stable at 2–8 °C or –20 °C. Cryogenic logistics (below –150 °C) are essential for cell and gene therapy products like mRNA vaccines and CAR T therapies.
Summary & Recommendations
The pharmaceutical cold chain has become a strategic priority as biologics and gene therapies proliferate. In 2024 the market reached US$18.61 billion and is forecast to exceed US$27 billion by 2033, driven by stricter regulations and rising demand for temperature sensitive therapies. Top providers such as UPS, DHL and FedEx have expanded through acquisitions, increasing cryogenic capacity and digital capabilities. Packaging innovators are introducing reusable and fibre based solutions that deliver long duration thermal stability. To choose a provider, assess your temperature requirements, network reach, innovation commitment and sustainability policies. Investing in IoT, AI and blockchain will enhance visibility and compliance. Sustainable practices like reusable containers and electrified fleets not only reduce emissions but also improve cost efficiency. By aligning with these trends, you can ensure safe deliveries while meeting regulatory and environmental expectations.
Actionable next steps
Map your product portfolio: Classify each drug by required temperature range (2–8 °C, –20 °C, cryogenic) and volume. This determines the type of logistics services and packaging needed.
Conduct a provider audit: Use the evaluation criteria above to shortlist providers. Request information on their certifications, monitoring systems, fleet composition and sustainability programmes.
Pilot digital solutions: Implement IoT sensors or blockchain pilots on a small scale to evaluate performance before full deployment.
Set sustainability goals: Define targets for reusable packaging adoption, carbon reduction and waste minimisation. Work with providers offering circular packaging and electrified fleets.
Stay ahead of regulations: Train staff on GDP, DSCSA and regional guidelines. Invest in data systems to meet serialization and track and trace requirements.
About Tempk
Tempk is a specialist in cold chain packaging solutions. Our mission is to make temperature controlled logistics simpler and more sustainable. We offer insulated boxes, gel ice packs, VIP shippers and reusable container systems designed to maintain stable temperatures across the entire shipping journey. Our products are backed by rigorous testing and certifications to meet GDP and ISO standards. By focusing on energy efficiency and recyclable materials, we help you reduce waste and lower costs while protecting patient safety. Partner with Tempk to build a resilient, compliant and environmentally friendly cold chain.
Next steps
Ready to safeguard your biologics? Contact our team for a consultation and discover how Tempk’s solutions can be tailored to your needs. Our specialists will analyse your shipping requirements, recommend the right packaging, and help you navigate regulatory and sustainability challenges.
