DHL Global Forwarding, who not only specializes in air and ocean freight but is a part of Deutsche Post DHL Group, is growing its cold storage facilities that are located close to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).1 With the help of a $1.5 million financial commitment, the plant will be more prepared to tackle the increase in demand that comes with temperature-sensitive logistics, while also providing safe handling of various goods, including those in the pharma space.

Part of a broader $2.3 billion global health logistics investment

The latest project represents one component of DHL Group's mission to invest $2.3 billion over the next five years toward boosting its logistics services in this sector.

"We are thrilled to expand our cold storage capabilities at LAX supporting our customers with tailored solutions in healthcare logistics," said Fabian Rybka, station manager, Los Angeles (LAX) at DHL Global Forwarding.

The total investment is expected to be divided as follows:

• 50% of the investment will go toward the Americas
• 25% to Asia Pacific
• 25% to the EMEA region

The LAX location houses modern tech and processes, along with an experienced workforce. Located in Los Angeles—a vital strategic location for trade—it has the capabilities to offer temp-controlled trans-shipments across the US and the Americas

Advanced technology, sustainability, and compliance at the new facility

More specifically, DHL’s new cold storage facility combines advanced temperature-controlled infrastructure with automated, digital monitoring to ensure secure, audit-ready handling of pharmaceutical and healthcare products. It also includes:

• Real-time environmental monitoring, transparent dashboards, and surveillance systems that support strict quality oversight, while added capacity significantly increases storage for temperature-sensitive shipments to better serve regional demand.
• Alignment with DHL’s sustainability commitments under its GoGreen Plus program and Strategy 2030, incorporating energy-efficient systems, electric equipment, paperless processes, and low-emission design to support a net-zero emissions goal by 2050.
• An operations focus, as its powered by rigorous ISO standards (including 9001,14001, and 45001)
• From a compliance standpoint, the facility has IATA CEIV Pharma certification, representing its ability to safely and reliably manage high-value, time- and temperature-critical pharma shipments worldwide

Leadership perspective on market rowth and North American strategy

Highlighting the strategic rationale behind the investment and the broader market opportunity, Michael Young, CEO North America, emphasized how the expansion fits within DHL’s long-term North American growth plans, noting: “This investment reflects our commitment to meeting the growing demand for temperature-sensitive logistics solutions and reinforces our position as a leader in the logistics industry. The expansion aligns with our strategy to strengthen our North American logistics network and deliver tailored services to meet growing customer demand.

"The North American cold storage market, estimated at USD 46.5 billion in 2025, is projected to more than double by 2032, and this facility positions us to support that growth effectively while complementing DHL Group's regional investments in health logistics."

In other DHL news, DHL Supply Chain earlier this year agreed2 to purchase SDS Rx, a provider of final-mile delivery and specialized healthcare transportation services for long-term care and specialty pharmacies, radiopharmacies, and health system networks.

As a result, DHL grew its life sciences and healthcare (LSHC) capabilities, especially across this specific supply chain, expanding upon its existing healthcare logistics portfolio under DHL Health Logistics.

Handling specialized healthcare deliveries from over 200 US locations, SDS Rx is expected to bolster DHL’s healthcare transportation network with last-mile logistics services, while enhancing the logistics provider’s same-day and expedited delivery options at the same time.

References

1. DHL Global Forwarding Expands Cold Storage Facilities at Los Angeles (LAX) to Enhance Temperature-Sensitive Logistics. PR Newswire. December 17, 2025. Accessed December 19, 2025. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/dhl-global-forwarding-expands-cold-storage-facilities-at-los-angeles-lax-to-enhance-temperature-sensitive-logistics-302642768.html

2. Saraceno N. DHL Supply Chain Acquires SDS Rx, Expanding Last-Mile Healthcare Logistics. Pharmaceutical Commerce. September 12, 2025. Accessed December 19, 2025. https://www.pharmaceuticalcommerce.com/view/dhl-supply-chain-acquires-sds-rx-expanding-last-mile-healthcare-logistics