Client Overview
A U.S.-based rail provider sought to grow its refrigerated freight business by exploring the development potential of cold storage infrastructure on a company-owned parcel of land. To determine the feasibility of this initiative, the provider needed a comprehensive understanding of market dynamics, transportation trends, and land use planning. The goal was to evaluate how cold storage could attract new refrigerated cargo customers and drive increased rail volume through owned infrastructure.
Challenges
The rail provider faced a series of strategic challenges that required expert guidance and market insight. First, they needed to assess the regional demand for refrigerated rail transport to determine whether the location could support a cold storage facility. Additionally, the competitive presence of long-haul trucking as an alternative transportation mode posed questions around market share capture. There were also uncertainties around the best use of the land, and whether it could support scalable cold chain infrastructure. Lastly, the provider needed help identifying and attracting potential cold storage users to validate demand and generate early interest in the site.
Cold Summit’s Solution
Cold Summit applied its cold chain logistics, market analytics, and real estate development expertise to deliver a tailored solution. The engagement involved a full feasibility assessment, strategic advisory services, land planning, and targeted outreach efforts to help the client confidently assess their options and take action.
Refrigerated Market Analysis & Feasibility Study
Cold Summit performed an extensive analysis of transportation data, including current refrigerated rail volumes, competitive trucking flows, and shipping patterns for key commodities. This data-driven study provided the rail provider with quantifiable insights into refrigerated cargo potential, revealing both gaps in service and opportunities to capture new volume by introducing cold storage capacity near the rail line.
Industry Insights & Market Positioning
To help build a compelling internal case for investment, Cold Summit supported the creation and presentation of a comprehensive refrigerated market report. This included analysis of national and regional cold storage trends, identification of high-potential commodity categories, and a review of logistical gaps that a well-located facility could solve. The report equipped the rail provider with the information needed to understand their market positioning and competitive edge.
Land Use Planning & Conceptual Design
Cold Summit evaluated the rail-owned parcel and delivered customized conceptual site layouts designed to support refrigerated rail logistics. Plans addressed facility access, trailer circulation, dock positioning, and direct rail integration, with a focus on scalability and future development potential. The design concepts demonstrated the parcel’s viability as a logistics hub for temperature-sensitive goods.
Marketing Strategy & Targeted Industry Outreach
Following the feasibility validation, Cold Summit worked with the rail provider to craft marketing materials that emphasized the site’s strategic advantages. In parallel, Cold Summit led a targeted outreach campaign to key stakeholders in the cold chain industry—engaging cold storage operators, food distributors, and logistics companies to assess their interest in the location. This outreach not only generated industry awareness but also validated real demand for the site’s development potential.
Results & Impact
As a result of Cold Summit’s work:
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The rail company formally approved a marketing initiative to attract cold storage users to the site.
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Interest from industry leaders confirmed strong demand and the potential to shift refrigerated freight to rail.
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The provider is now actively reviewing development strategies, guided by Cold Summit’s feasibility insights, conceptual designs, and market feedback.
Conclusion
Cold Summit’s strategic analysis and advisory services helped the rail provider unlock a new opportunity for refrigerated freight growth. Through detailed market research, land use planning, and stakeholder engagement, Cold Summit delivered actionable insights and a clear development path. The company is now well-positioned to leverage its assets for future cold storage investment and expanded rail volume.
