DHL Global Forwarding expands cold storage facilities at LAX to improve temperature-sensitive logistics
Key takeaways
- DHL expands LAX cold storage to handle growing demand for temperature-sensitive pharmaceutical and health care shipments.
- Facility upgrades include real-time monitoring, compliance certifications, and a specialist workforce for secure logistics.
- Expansion supports DHL’s health logistics strategy and strengthens trade flows between the Americas and Asia-Pacific.
DHL Global Forwarding recently expanded its cold storage facilities near Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). The company, which specializes in air and ocean freight for Deutsche Post DHL Group, is investing $1.5 million to meet growing demand for temperature-sensitive logistics and ensure safe handling of pharmaceutical, life science, and health care goods. The facility strengthens DHL's network of 112 Air GxP and 22 IATA CEIV Pharma-certified stations worldwide, supporting secure, compliant, and efficient supply chains for health care products.
Features of the new cold storage facility:
- Temperature control: Systems maintain optimal conditions for pharmaceuticals, medical products, and consumer health care items.
- Automation and digital solutions: Real-time Environmental Monitoring System (EMS), dashboards, and video surveillance ensure transparent operations.
- Increased capacity: Expansion allows DHL to better serve temperature-sensitive shipments in the region.
- Sustainability focus: Electric forklifts, energy-efficient lighting, paperless workflows, recycling programs, and low-emission infrastructure support net-zero goals.
- Specialist workforce: The facility employs 31 Life Sciences Specialists with 560 combined years of experience, trained under ISO 9001, 14001, and 45001 standards.
- Global compliance standards: Air GxP and IATA CEIV Pharma certifications ensure quality and regulatory compliance.
The LAX facility complements DHL Group’s broader health logistics strategy and connects with the global cold chain network, enhancing trade flows between the Americas and Asia-Pacific. The expansion is part of a $2.1 billion DHL Group investment over five years, with half allocated to the Americas.
"The expansion aligns with our strategy to strengthen our North American logistics network and deliver tailored services to meet growing customer demand," Michael Young, CEO North America at DHL Global Forwarding, said. "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."
