Refrigerated storage and distribution facilities throughout major Southeast ports in the U.S. are being put together due to rapid population growth and the shift in sourcing.
Key Takeaways:
- The market for cold storage in the U.S. is expected to reach $330.2 billion by 2030
- Georgia Ports Authority details plans for new refrigerated container racks at GCT
Developments of New Warehouses
Back in January 2023, one cold storage company, Flexcold, announced their new development of a new warehouse in Charleston, South Carolina as well as the expansion of its facility in Jacksonville, Florida.
As Inside Logistics notes, the new development will add 30,000 pallet spaces in Charleston – which will focus on imports and exports of seafood, and expanding the Florida building to 350,000 square feet.
“The investments that have been made in our port provide the capabilities for our region to efficiently accommodate growing consumer demand for fresh and frozen foods, including poultry and seafood,” JAXPORT CEO Eric Green stated.
Georgia Ports Authority also announced their plans to spend over $6 million in building seven new refrigerated container racks at their Garden City Terminal.
“Expansion among our cold storage partners in the Savannah market will drive greater volumes of chilled cargo crossing our docks,” GPA Executive Director Griff Lynch said.
Reefer Imports Continue to Grow
Annual reefer imports through the U.S. Southeast ports grew 23.5 percent from 2020 to 2022, which more than double the 11.6 percent growth rate recorded by the total U.S. reefer import market during the same two-year period, per the JOC.
Florida results in around two-thirds of the total cold storage under construction in the Southeast. Florida also has the fastest growing population of any U.S. state.
Additionally, Performance Team and Arcadia Cold, subsidiaries of Maersk, also opened facilities near Charleston last year.
Looking Ahead
Should you have any questions regarding this and how it could impact your shipments, please reach out to our team today.
Additionally, we have our weekly market updates that can provide you with relevant freight news, updates, developments across the industry, and more.