DHL partners with RLCold to strengthen food cold-chain logistics across North America, improving efficiency, storage, and distribution.
DHL Supply Chain has entered into a strategic partnership with cold storage developer RLCold to develop more than five million square feet of next-generation, temperature-controlled logistics facilities across North America. The collaboration is aimed at upgrading ageing cold-chain infrastructure, improving food safety standards, and accelerating the adoption of automation in food and beverage logistics.
Under a newly signed memorandum of understanding (MOU), the two companies will combine DHL Supply Chain’s operational expertise and customer-driven insights with RLCold’s strengths in facility design, construction, and project management. Together, they will deliver turnkey, food-grade cold storage and multi-temperature distribution centres tailored to evolving market needs. Initial project locations are expected to move into design and pre-development phases in 2026, with phased rollouts aligned to regional demand and customer commitments.
Dennis Lutwen, President of Consumer, DHL Supply Chain North America, highlighted the urgency of the initiative, noting that the average cold-storage warehouse in major US markets is more than three decades old. He said the partnership is not merely about adding capacity but about closing critical infrastructure gaps and bringing smarter, automation-ready facilities to key food distribution hubs.
The new facilities will be designed to support US Food and Drug Administration Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) programmes. Features will include multi-temperature storage zones, advanced humidity and air-quality controls, and high-density racking systems to maximise space efficiency. Buildings will also incorporate airtight construction, advanced refrigeration controls, and sustainable energy solutions to reduce operating costs and lower carbon emissions.
Josh Lewis, President of RLCold, said food and beverage customers are increasingly seeking modern warehouses that offer higher throughput, precise temperature management, and improved energy efficiency. He added that the partnership with DHL Supply Chain will enable the delivery of purpose-built, flexible, and operationally optimised cold storage facilities at scale across North America.
The companies stated that the investment reflects major shifts in the food and beverage sector, including rising demand for fresh and premium products, continued growth in online grocery and meal-kit services, and increasing requirements for traceability and transparency across supply chains.
They also noted that upcoming FSMA traceability regulations, expected to take effect by July 2028, are likely to further accelerate demand for modern cold-chain infrastructure. The planned network will include both dedicated and multi-tenant facilities, allowing customers to scale capacity seasonally and across multiple distribution channels. DHL’s digital supply chain platforms will provide end-to-end visibility, strengthen food safety programmes, and help producers and retailers respond more effectively to changing consumer preferences.