Third-party contract logistics provider DHL Supply Chain has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with RLCold to develop more than 5 million ft2 of cold chain warehouse space across North America.
The partnership will focus on accelerating delivery of modern, multi-temperature distribution centres to support the evolving needs of the US food and beverage sector.
Under the agreement, DHL Supply Chain will contribute its operational expertise and customer insights, while RLCold will lead facility design, project management and construction.
The planned warehouses will be designed to meet requirements of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). They will feature multi-temperature zones and docks, humidity and air-quality control systems and high-clearance, high-density racking.
Building designs will also incorporate advanced refrigeration controls, airtight construction and energy-efficient systems aimed at reducing operating costs and environmental impact.
According to DHL Supply Chain, initial sites are expected to move into design and pre-development during 2026, with phased project delivery aligned to customer commitments and regional market needs.
“In top US markets, the average age of cold-storage warehouses is about 31 years making the need for modern, automation-ready facilities in the right locations a priority for food & beverage brands,” said Dennis Lutwen, president, consumer, DHL Supply Chain North America. “This effort is not simply about expanding capacity. It will close the critical gaps in today’s cold-chain infrastructure and deliver smarter, technology-enabled facilities online where they’re needed most.”
Demand for cold storage in the USA continues to rise as demographic shifts, online grocery growth and food delivery services reshape distribution patterns.
The DHL–RLCold partnership will offer both dedicated and multi-tenant facilities, giving food and beverage companies flexibility to scale by season, channel, and geography.
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