How to Choose Vaccine Cold Chain Companies in 2025?
Vaccines are lifesaving medicines, but their efficacy relies on strict temperature control during manufacturing, transport and storage. Choosing the right vaccine cold chain company can mean the difference between safe immunization and wasted doses. This guide explains what makes a vaccine logistics partner reliable, compares leading providers and highlights 2025 trends shaping the industry. The information reflects the latest data available, including market sizes, corporate investments and technological innovations.
Why vaccine cold chain companies are crucial for public health and how their services differ from general logistics providers.
Key criteria for selecting a vaccine logistics partner, including temperature control, technology integration and regulatory compliance.
Profiles of leading vaccine cold chain companies such as UPS Healthcare, DHL Health Logistics, Maersk, Lineage Logistics and others, with their strengths and recent developments.
Emerging trends and innovations in 2025, including automation, sustainability, real-time tracking, AI and expansion of ultra cold infrastructure.
Frequently asked questions about vaccine cold chain logistics and practical advice for businesses.
Why Are Vaccine Cold Chain Companies Essential for Public Health?
Vaccines require narrow temperature ranges—often between 2 °C and 8 °C, and some mRNA vaccines require deep frozen transport around −70 °C. Even minor temperature excursions can render doses useless, creating health risks and financial losses. Cold chain companies provide specialized equipment and monitoring to prevent spoilage throughout manufacturing, warehousing, shipping and delivery.
Vaccine logistics versus general cold chain logistics
While cold chain logistics covers food, chemicals and other perishables, vaccine logistics occupies a distinct niche. Vaccines are biologics with tight thermal thresholds and sensitive to light, vibration and time. Regulatory requirements demand validated packaging, precise documentation and traceable temperature logs. Leading vaccine logistics providers invest in ultra low temperature freezers, IoT enabled thermal packaging and real time visibility software to maintain quality and comply with Good Distribution Practice (GDP) standards.
| Differentiator | Vaccine Logistics | General Cold Chain Logistics | Meaning for You |
| Temperature range | 2 °C–8 °C standard; some vaccines require −70 °C | Typically 0 °C–15 °C; not designed for ultra cold | Vaccine logistics partners provide deeper cooling to protect sensitive biologics |
| Regulatory oversight | Requires GDP compliance, validated processes and traceability | Fewer regulatory requirements | Ensures doses meet strict standards and reduces liability |
| Documentation and monitoring | Real time IoT sensors and continuous data logging | Periodic checks | Enables timely interventions and audit trails |
| Risk of spoilage | High—losses can endanger public health and finances | Moderate—spoilt food can be replaced | Necessitates robust contingency planning and exception management |
| Return logistics | Requires safe disposal and reverse logistics for unused doses | Often simpler for food | Specialized providers handle vaccine returns and waste management |
Real world impact
Routine immunization programs deliver billions of doses annually to remote locations, requiring specialized packaging and multi modal transport.
COVID 19 vaccination campaigns exposed vulnerabilities in cold chain infrastructure and spurred investments in ultra low temperature equipment.
Public–private partnerships such as Gavi’s Cold Chain Equipment Optimization Platform (CCEOP) fund solar refrigerators, digital vaccine vial monitors and training for health workers.
Practical tip: If you manage immunization programs, partner with a logistics company that offers temperature controlled packaging, regulatory expertise and last mile delivery solutions. Vaccines must stay within the specified temperature range at every point to remain effective.
Top Vaccine Cold Chain Companies in 2025: Who Leads the Market?
Industry rankings highlight firms that consistently deliver reliable cold chain services. According to industry sources, the global cold chain logistics market is projected to grow from USD 324.85 billion in 2024 to USD 862.33 billion by 2032. This expansion is fueling competition and raising expectations for service quality, technology integration and sustainability.
Integrated logistics leaders
Maersk – A.P. Moller–Maersk is renowned for its integrated cold chain solutions. The company owns its assets and offers seamless temperature controlled services across land, sea and air. Maersk’s remote management tool Captain Peter provides real time container tracking and predictive alerts. Maersk emphasizes a one provider approach, offering a single point of contact and transparent pricing. Its technology ensures customers can monitor reefer cargo conditions and receive notifications when something goes off plan, improving predictability and reducing delays.
UPS Healthcare – UPS’s healthcare division operates a streamlined cold chain network that delivers temperature controlled shipments globally. Its command centre monitors the real time temperature and location of each shipment, enabling next morning deliveries at −80 °C. In November 2025, UPS completed its USD 1.6 billion acquisition of Andlauer Healthcare Group, adding temperature controlled warehouses and trucking capacity. The deal reduces transit times, enhances end to end visibility and expands global reach for pharmaceutical customers. UPS positions its services as quality focused and patient driven, promising improved outcomes for high value treatments.
DHL Health Logistics – DHL plans to invest EUR 2 billion by 2030 to expand its life sciences and healthcare capabilities, with funds allocated to new GDP certified hubs, expanded cold chain capacity and state of the art cooling transport. The investment supports clinical trials, biopharma and cell and gene therapies and will improve passive and active packaging solutions. DHL already operates nearly 600 dedicated healthcare sites with 2.5 million m² of temperature controlled warehouse space.
| Company | Core Strength | Global Reach | What This Means for You |
| Maersk | Integrated cold chain management with remote visibility via Captain Peter | Worldwide across ocean, land and air | Confidence in consistent temperature control and transparency |
| UPS Healthcare | Streamlined network, thermal packaging and command centre monitoring, now bolstered by AHG acquisition | Global healthcare logistics with North American expansion | Reliable delivery of vaccines and pharmaceuticals with reduced transit times |
| DHL Health Logistics | Massive investment in multi temperature hubs and advanced packaging | Operates in over 130 countries and 600 facilities | Access to state of the art infrastructure and a growing network |
| Lineage Logistics | Largest cold storage capacity at 2.98 billion ft³; uses data science to minimize waste | Over 400 facilities worldwide | Reduced product loss through automated warehouses and data driven management |
| Americold | Comprehensive storage and distribution network; five fulfillment locations enable direct to consumer delivery in two days | Primarily North America with global expansions | Quick fulfillment for regional vaccination programs |
Specialized cold storage giants and innovators
Beyond the integrated leaders, several companies specialize in either cold storage capacity or innovative packaging:
FedEx – FedEx provides cold shipping packages that maintain temperatures between 2 °C and 8 °C for 48 or 96 hours without dry ice or gel packs. Its portfolio includes va Q tainer reusable containers for large shipments, PharmaTherm boxes that maintain cold temperatures for up to 120 hours, C Safe containers with active compressors for 2 °C to 8 °C and 15 °C to 25 °C, Credo Cube™ reusable units that provide cold temperatures for up to five days, and Envirotainer and Softbox solutions for pallet sized shipments.
Kuehne + Nagel – Its HealthChain certified network spans over 60 countries, offering 24/7 monitoring via HyperCare teams that track temperature and humidity for high risk shipments. Real time analysis uses IoT to monitor conditions and prevent counterfeit risks.
CEVA Logistics – Provides a network that offers air freight packaging specialists and a range of cold chain solutions with dry ice products and gel packs.
DSV – Leverages an extensive global infrastructure with air charter networks, road and ocean transport to maintain full control of the cold chain.
GEODIS – Specializes in healthcare logistics, providing door to door delivery with close monitoring and expert management.
These providers differ in scale and specialization, but all emphasize validated equipment, compliance and technology.
How to Select the Best Vaccine Cold Chain Partner?
Choosing a vaccine logistics provider involves more than looking at brand recognition. Evaluate potential partners based on product requirements, network capabilities, technology integration and certifications. Use this self assessment tool to determine your needs:
Assess your temperature requirements. Vaccines may require 2 °C–8 °C or ultra cold −70 °C shipping. Ensure the provider offers appropriate equipment, such as passive cooling containers or cryogenic freezers.
Evaluate network and capacity. If shipments cross borders, select a partner with an expansive global network. Maersk’s multi modal network and UPS’s expanded North American footprint reduce delays.
Inspect technology and visibility. Look for IoT sensors, data dashboards and 24/7 monitoring. Real time alerts allow quick intervention when temperature deviations occur.
Verify compliance and certifications. Providers should comply with GDP, ISO 22000 and other relevant standards. Ask about quality audits, training programmes and risk management procedures.
Consider sustainability. Modern cold chain companies invest in energy efficient refrigeration, renewable energy sources and sustainable packaging. Aligning with sustainable providers can reduce carbon footprint and meet corporate responsibility goals.
Real world examples
When shipping mRNA vaccines requiring −70 °C, UPS’s network of ultra cold freezers and dedicated re icing stations may be essential.
For large shipments of clinical trial materials, FedEx’s va Q tainer allows cost effective, reusable containers.
In remote regions, Kuehne + Nagel’s 24/7 HyperCare teams provide continuous monitoring and proactive intervention.
Practical tip: Create a short checklist of critical requirements (temperature range, transit time, geographical coverage, technology and certifications). Compare providers side by side before signing a long term contract.
Vaccine Cold Chain Packaging and Technology: What Options Exist?
Packaging plays a crucial role in maintaining vaccine integrity. Different technologies provide passive or active cooling, each suitable for specific transport durations and environments.
Passive versus active cooling
| Technology | Description | Suitability | Benefits |
| Passive cooling containers | Use phase change materials and insulation to maintain temperatures without mechanical cooling. Examples include FedEx Cold Shipping packages (2 °C–8 °C for 48 or 96 hours) and Credo Cube (up to five days). | Short to medium haul shipments where continuous power is unavailable. | Lightweight, reusable and cost effective; no need for external power or dry ice. |
| Active compressor units | Use mechanical refrigeration and heating elements to maintain precise temperatures. C Safe RKN and RAP units support 2 °C–8 °C and 15 °C–25 °C, while Envirotainer e1 and e2 units offer active cooling and electric heating. | Long haul air cargo or shipments requiring tight control across temperature zones. | Consistent temperatures over longer durations; remote monitoring and control. |
| Hybrid systems | Combine passive insulation with active sensors or heating elements. Softbox solutions maintain 2 °C–8 °C and 15 °C–25 °C for up to 120 hours. | Mid range shipments needing flexibility. | Balance between cost and reliability; easier handling than fully active systems. |
Importance of real time monitoring
Modern cold chain companies embed IoT sensors in packaging or transport containers to monitor temperature, humidity, vibration and light exposure. These sensors transmit data via Bluetooth or cellular networks to cloud dashboards, enabling proactive risk mitigation. According to industry reports, the hardware segment of cold chain tracking and monitoring held more than 76.4 % of the market share in 2022. Real time visibility helps logistics providers optimize routes, avoid traffic and ensure timely deliveries.
Impact on vaccine efficacy
Maintaining the correct temperature range preserves vaccine potency. Passive packaging solutions like Credo Cube can prevent potency loss during unexpected delays by maintaining cold temperatures for up to five days. Active systems such as Envirotainer provide precise control and remote adjustments, reducing the risk of spoilage during transcontinental shipments.
Trends and Innovations Shaping Vaccine Cold Chain Logistics in 2025
The cold chain industry is undergoing rapid transformation driven by technology, sustainability and evolving market demands. Understanding these trends helps businesses prepare for future challenges.
1. Automation and robotics
Labor shortages and the need for efficiency are driving adoption of automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS) and robotic handling in cold storage facilities. Robots minimize human error in inventory tracking and product handling and operate continuously without breaks, improving throughput. As about 80 % of warehouses remain non automated, there is significant room for growth.
2. Sustainability as a core value
Environmental concerns and stricter regulations push sustainability to the forefront. Energy efficient refrigeration systems, renewable energy sources and sustainable packaging are now essential. The global food cold chain infrastructure accounts for around 2 % of global CO₂ emissions, prompting companies to adopt biodegradable and recyclable materials and invest in solar or electric vehicles for last mile delivery.
3. End to end visibility with real time tracking
Maintaining unbroken visibility through IoT enabled tracking devices is becoming standard. Real time monitoring allows optimization of routes, prevents spoilage and ensures regulatory compliance. Customers benefit from shipment updates and reduced uncertainty. Hardware devices dominated the tracking market, suggesting increasing adoption.
4. Infrastructure modernization
Aging facilities need upgrading to meet modern efficiency and sustainability standards. Investments in insulation, refrigeration system data collection and on site renewable energy generation will be crucial. Modernizing infrastructure reduces exposure to volatile energy costs and supports compliance.
5. Artificial intelligence and predictive analytics
AI helps optimize routes, forecast demand and predict equipment maintenance needs, improving decision making and reducing costs. It can analyze historical and real time data to mitigate risks and anticipate disruptions, leading to smoother operations and better service reliability.
6. Growth in pharmaceutical cold chain
The pharmaceutical sector drives cold chain expansion. Approximately 20 % of new drugs are gene and cell based therapies requiring close temperature control. The global pharmaceutical cold chain market is projected to reach USD 1,454 billion by 2029 with a CAGR of 4.71 % from 2024–2029.
7. Investment in fresh food logistics and last mile delivery
Consumers’ demand for fresh produce and perishable goods increases the need for reliable cold chain logistics. North America’s food cold chain logistics market is expected to reach USD 86.67 billion in 2025. Online ordering and direct to consumer sales require warehouses and retailers to rethink last mile delivery strategies.
8. Strategic partnerships and supply chain integration
Collaboration across packaging suppliers, logistics providers and tech companies enhances product development and streamlines supply chains. Data standardization and smart containers enable seamless integration, with 74 % of logistics data expected to be standardized by 2025.
Latest Developments in Vaccine Cold Chain Logistics (2025)
Recent events highlight how the industry is evolving:
Market growth and regional dynamics: The global vaccine logistics market was valued at USD 3 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 3.8 billion by 2030 with a CAGR of 4 %. The transportation services segment is expected to reach USD 2.2 billion by 2030, while the warehousing services segment will grow at 4.5 % CAGR. The U.S. market was valued at USD 826.7 million in 2024, whereas China is forecast to grow at 7.3 % CAGR to reach USD 778.9 million by 2030.
UPS completes AHG acquisition (Nov 2025): UPS finalized its acquisition of Andlauer Healthcare Group, valuing AHG at CAD 2.2 billion (USD 1.6 billion). The transaction expands UPS’s specialized cold chain network across North America, reducing transit times and improving visibility.
DHL invests €2 billion in health logistics (Apr 2025): DHL announced a strategic investment of EUR 2 billion over five years to enhance life sciences and healthcare capabilities. 50 % of the investment is allocated to the Americas, 25 % to Asia Pacific and 25 % to EMEA. Plans include establishing new GDP certified hubs, expanding cold chain capacity, commissioning temperature controlled vehicles and adopting cutting edge IT systems.
Lineage and Americold expand capacity: Lineage leads global cold storage with 2.98 billion ft³, followed by Americold’s 1.45 billion ft³. Global cold storage space exceeded 8 billion ft³ in 2025, reflecting continued infrastructure investment.
Maersk introduces digital visibility: The Captain Peter service, built on a remote container management system tested by the USDA for in transit cold treatments, offers complete visibility and predictive alerts. Different packages provide container GPS location, off power period notifications and unlimited data log downloads.
These developments illustrate a growing focus on integrated solutions, sustainability, technology and global expansion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What temperatures must vaccines be kept at during transport?
Most vaccines require 2 °C–8 °C. Some biologics, particularly mRNA vaccines, need deep frozen transport at about −70 °C. Ensure your logistics partner can maintain the required range and has contingency plans for unexpected delays.
Q2: How long can passive cold chain packaging maintain temperatures?
FedEx’s Cold Shipping packages keep shipments between 2 °C and 8 °C for 48 or 96 hours, while Credo Cube containers maintain cold temperatures for up to five days. Always verify performance specifications against your route duration.
Q3: Do I need active cooling for domestic shipments?
Not necessarily. Passive packaging often suffices for domestic transport or last mile delivery. However, active compressor units like Envirotainer provide extra security for long international flights or if transit times are uncertain.
Q4: What certifications should vaccine cold chain companies have?
Key certifications include GDP (Good Distribution Practice), ISO 22000 (food safety), and compliance with regional guidelines. Leading providers invest in validated packaging and rigorous quality systems.
Q5: How can I reduce my vaccine logistics carbon footprint?
Choose providers investing in energy efficient refrigeration, renewable energy and sustainable packaging. Consolidate shipments, optimize routes through AI and select reusable containers like Credo Cube.
Q6: What is the difference between cold chain logistics and vaccine logistics?
Cold chain covers many perishable goods, whereas vaccine logistics is a subset requiring stricter temperature control, documentation and regulatory compliance.
Summary and Recommendations
Vaccine cold chain companies play a pivotal role in ensuring that life saving vaccines reach people in safe and effective condition. To select the best partner, assess temperature requirements, network coverage, technology integration, certifications and sustainability efforts. Integrated providers like Maersk, UPS Healthcare and DHL offer comprehensive solutions with global reach and real time visibility. Specialized companies such as FedEx, Kuehne + Nagel and Lineage Logistics provide packaging innovations, 24/7 monitoring and massive storage capacity. Emerging trends in automation, sustainability, AI and strategic partnerships will shape the market through 2025 and beyond.
Actionable next steps
Map your supply chain: Identify temperature requirements, route durations and regulatory constraints for your vaccine portfolio.
Shortlist providers: Use the evaluation criteria above to create a shortlist of logistics partners. Consider integrated leaders for global scale and specialists for niche needs.
Pilot test packaging solutions: Trial passive and active packaging options on small shipments to assess performance and cost.
Negotiate contracts: Seek agreements that guarantee real time visibility, contingency plans and sustainability commitments.
Monitor performance: Use IoT dashboards and data analytics to track shipment performance and identify continuous improvement opportunities.
About Tempk
Tempk is a technology driven company specializing in reusable cold chain packaging solutions. We design insulated boxes, ice packs and thermal pallets to maintain temperatures from 0 °C to 10 °C or below. Our products are reusable and recyclable, reducing waste and supporting sustainability goals. With an R&D center and Sedex certification, we deliver reliable and eco friendly packaging that helps you maintain vaccine integrity during transport.
Call to action: To explore Tempk’s insulated boxes or to receive a free consultation on your vaccine cold chain requirements, contact our team today.
