DHL Supply Chain and RLCold signed a memorandum of understanding on February 4, 2026, to develop over 5 million square feet (approximately 464,515 m²) of advanced temperature-controlled cold-chain warehousing across North America. The agreement combines DHL's operational expertise and customer insights with RLCold's design, project management, and construction strengths to deliver modern cold-storage infrastructure in key U.S. regions. Initial facilities are scheduled to enter design and pre-development phases in 2026, with construction to proceed in stages according to customer demand.1DHL Supply Chain Signs MOU With RLCold to Accelerate Next-Generation Food & Beverage Cold-Chain Infrastructure - DHL - Canada
Background
U.S. cold-storage infrastructure averages 31 years in age, underscoring a need for modernization to support current supply-chain requirements. Manufacturers and retailers, particularly in food and beverage, increasingly seek high-throughput, multi-temperature, automation-ready warehouses. These facilities enable stricter freshness standards, improve traceability, and reduce waste.1DHL Supply Chain Signs MOU With RLCold to Accelerate Next-Generation Food & Beverage Cold-Chain Infrastructure - DHL - Canada
Developing both multi-tenant and dedicated warehouses allows for supply-chain flexibility, supporting seasonal scaling and adaptable responses to shifting sales channels and consumer trends.1DHL Supply Chain Signs MOU With RLCold to Accelerate Next-Generation Food & Beverage Cold-Chain Infrastructure - DHL - Canada
Details
The planned warehouses will include multi-temperature zones, docks optimized for high-clearance and high-density racking, humidity and air-quality controls, airtight building envelopes, advanced refrigeration, and sustainable energy solutions to reduce operational costs and carbon impact. These features are designed to meet U.S. Food and Drug Administration Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) requirements.1DHL Supply Chain Signs MOU With RLCold to Accelerate Next-Generation Food & Beverage Cold-Chain Infrastructure - DHL - Canada
Dennis Lutwen, DHL's North American president for consumer, stated the partnership is focused on addressing structural cold-chain gaps by introducing tech-enabled facilities in strategic locations.1DHL Supply Chain Signs MOU With RLCold to Accelerate Next-Generation Food & Beverage Cold-Chain Infrastructure - DHL - Canada RLCold President Josh Lewis noted the goal to deliver these warehouses efficiently, at scale, and with operational models suited to food and beverage customers.1DHL Supply Chain Signs MOU With RLCold to Accelerate Next-Generation Food & Beverage Cold-Chain Infrastructure - DHL - Canada
Outlook
DHL and RLCold plan to begin design and pre-development in 2026, with facility rollouts dependent on customer commitments and regional demand. The expanded cold-chain infrastructure is intended to strengthen supply-chain resilience, support fresher food and beverage distribution, and increase agility for both seasonal and omnichannel logistics.
