Why Cold Storage Near Ports Is the Future of Global Perishables

Fresh food doesn’t wait. Neither should your logistics.

As consumer demand for fresh and frozen goods continues to rise, the speed and precision of the cold chain are more critical than ever. For companies moving perishables, one of the smartest logistics decisions they can make is placing cold storage as close to port terminals as possible. Why? Because when it comes to imports and exports, proximity equals performance.

Global Ports Are Heating Up—And Not Just in Temperature

Ports across North America and Europe are seeing record growth in refrigerated cargo. In fact, North American ports are actively investing in new cold storage infrastructure to meet surging demand for perishable imports and exports.

In Europe, the cold chain logistics market is projected to grow to $113.8 billion by 2025, up from $97.79 billion in 2023. That jump isn’t just impressive—it’s a signal that location-based strategy is becoming a competitive differentiator.

Why Being Near a Port Matters for Perishables

In the cold chain, transferring goods from one form of transportation to another—such as ships to trucks—requires cold storage facilities as critical infrastructure. Unlike intermodal dry containers, maritime reefer containers are rarely transported very far inland. As a result, cold storage at or near the port is absolutely essential to facilitate the transition from maritime to ground transport modes while maintaining strict temperature control.

For incoming products, such as produce, seafood, or pharmaceuticals, time is of the essence. Having cold storage on or near port property ensures temperature-sensitive goods can be quickly offloaded and stored without risk of spoilage from transportation delays.

On the export side, staging perishable goods close to the port allows for last-minute consolidation, quicker containerization, and reduced trucking time—essential for meeting strict shipping schedules and minimizing emissions.

A Real-World Example: Cold Summit Wilmington

Take Cold Summit’s Wilmington, North Carolina facility. Positioned adjacent to the Port of Wilmington, it stands as one of the first cold storage operations near a port designed with built-in temperature flexibility. This enables seamless transitions between fresh imports and frozen exports within the same space—ensuring a continuous, unbroken cold chain whether you’re receiving perishable produce or shipping frozen proteins.

Turning Proximity into Profitability

Being near a port is more than just a logistical convenience—it’s a bottom-line decision. Reduced drayage costs, fewer temperature excursions, and faster turnarounds add up to a more resilient, efficient, and profitable operation.