GEODIS Launches First Dedicated Healthcare Cold Chain Facility in the Americas

GEODIS Opens First Cold Chain Cross-Dock Facility in the Americas

On April 22, 2026, GEODIS, a preeminent global logistics provider, proudly announced the opening of its inaugural dedicated healthcare cold chain cross-dock facility in Chicago, Illinois. This state-of-the-art facility, spanning 78,000 square feet, features a unique 5,200 square-foot temperature-controlled addition, specifically designed for handling healthcare products. As part of GEODIS’ expansive freight forwarding network, this facility provides vital short-term storage and specialized care necessary for both pharmaceutical imports and exports.

Choosing Chicago as the headquarters for this facility was a strategic decision due to the city’s significance as a major U.S. gateway. The bondage status of the Container Freight Station (CFS) situated near O'Hare International Airport empowers GEODIS to serve as a dynamic hub for both global air and ocean freight. This position enables the company to exert total control over temperature-sensitive healthcare cargo while it travels through their wide-ranging network, which currently encompasses operations in 170 countries.

GEODIS' commitment to quality is further showcased through its Chicago branch being certified as a Cargo Screening Facility (CCSF) for exports. The facility has earned the esteemed Center of Excellence for Independent Validators in Pharmaceutical Logistics (CEIV Pharma) certification from IATA, ensuring strict compliance with the associated guidelines and standards required by pharmaceutical manufacturers. This recognition indicates that GEODIS not only meets but exceeds industry standards for the safekeeping of healthcare products, making Chicago the first of GEODIS' U.S. branches to offer cold chain storage alongside certifications shared with their facilities in Atlanta, New York, and Los Angeles.

Josh Jungwirth, the Executive Vice President of Freight Forwarding at GEODIS for the Americas, emphasized the company's unwavering dedication to the integrity of the life-saving products in their care. He stated, "The opening of our first dedicated healthcare cold chain cross-dock in the U.S. shows our commitment to the efficacy and integrity of the life-saving products we handle. By providing full visibility and internal control within our growing network of certified sites, we ensure that these sensitive air and ocean shipments are protected every step of the way. In the healthcare sector, the stakes are uniquely high—at the end of every supply chain we manage is a patient. This Chicago facility is a milestone in our mission to be a reliable growth partner for clients who require the highest standards of care."

The newly designed cold chain storage facilities encompass two distinct temperature-controlled zones tailored to meet the specific requirements of the pharmaceutical world. The first area, which comprises 4,600 square feet, is meant for deep cold storage, operating between 15-25 degrees Celsius, and boasts an impressive 27 feet of clear ceiling height. The second zone, a 600 square-foot area, maintains true refrigerated conditions ranging from 2 to 8 degrees Celsius. This secure, temperature-controlled environment allows GEODIS to manage temperature-sensitive medications and healthcare products with heightened care and oversight.

The establishment of the cold chain storage in Chicago is a significant addition to GEODIS’ global cold chain capabilities, which already span their expansive network. The company operates similar specialized facilities across key global gateway cities, including France, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Germany.

For more information regarding GEODIS and their services, you can visit their official website at www.geodis.com. GEODIS, part of the SNCF group, is recognized globally for its expertise across all aspects of the logistics supply chain, serving as a growth partner tailored to client needs through four primary business lines: Global Freight Forwarding, Global Contract Logistics, Distribution & Express Transport, and European Road Network. With operations in nearly 170 countries and a workforce of around 50,000 employees, GEODIS generated an impressive €11.3 billion in revenue in 2024.