#United States #Los Angeles #logistics #DHL #Cold Storage

DHL Global Forwarding Enhances Cold Storage Facilities at LAX

DHL Global Forwarding, recognized for its leadership in air and ocean freight logistics as part of Deutsche Post DHL Group, has made significant strides by expanding its cold storage facilities near Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). This expansion, which amounts to an investment of $1.5 million, is directed towards bolstering capacity to manage the increasing necessity for temperature-sensitive logistics. This is crucial for the safe handling of pharmaceuticals and healthcare products, catering to diverse sectors.

Eduardo (Eddie) Cortadillo, the Head of International Transportation and Customs at bioMérieux, expressed his satisfaction with the partnership, highlighting the trust instilled in DHL’s capabilities to maintain product integrity throughout their supply chain. The newly enhanced LAX facility aligns with DHL's comprehensive Health Logistics strategy, prioritizing investments in infrastructure that supports temperature-sensitive needs and utilizes digital solutions and specialized teams.

This facility expansion is part of DHL Group's ambitious plan, which involves a €2 billion investment over the next five years. Of this, half is dedicated to the Americas, reflecting a concentrated effort towards boosting logistics operations in the life sciences and healthcare sectors. Moreover, the investment aims to deliver integrated and patient-centric logistics solutions across multiple regions, supporting users no matter where they operate.

The upgraded facility at LAX is not just about increased space; it showcases advanced technology and refined processes. It significantly enhances temperature-controlled trans-shipments across the U.S. and the Americas, solidifying Los Angeles's pivotal role in facilitating trade flows from Asia Pacific and LATAM. Here are some key features of the newly expanded cold storage facility:

1. Advanced Temperature Control: The implementation of cutting-edge systems ensures optimal conditions are consistently maintained for pharmaceutical products and medical items.
2. Automation and Digital Solutions: The facility incorporates a Real-time Environmental Monitoring System (EMS), coupled with temperature monitoring dashboards and enhanced surveillance, fostering audit-ready, transparent operations.
3. Increased Capacity: The expansion not only boosts storage capabilities for temperature-sensitive shipments but also enables DHL to meet regional customer demands more effectively.
4. Sustainability Focus: The new site adheres to DHL's GoGreen Plus program, featuring electric forklifts, energy-efficient lighting, and initiatives aimed at recycling and reducing emissions, contributing to the goal of net-zero emissions by 2050.
5. Specialist Workforce: The facility employs 31 Life Sciences Specialists, cumulatively possessing 560 years of industry expertise, certified in TAPA, CEIV Pharma, and HAZMAT, and regularly trained under standardization measures including ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001.
6. Global Compliance Standards: The facility’s operations adhere strictly to the World Health Organization's best practices for distribution and storage, equipped with DHL Air GxP certification, which acts as a foundational baseline for quality assurance throughout all DHL pharma stations. Additionally, the IATA CEIV Pharma certification validates DHL’s proficiency in handling valuable and time-critical pharmaceutical consignments.

Fabian Rybka, the Station Manager for DHL Global Forwarding at LAX, expressed enthusiasm about the expansion, remarking on the provision of customized solutions in healthcare logistics. Michael Young, the CEO for North America at DHL Global Forwarding, noted that this investment is a testament to their commitment to addressing the increasing demand for temperature-sensitive logistics while reinforcing their competitive edge in the logistics arena.

As part of a global cold chain network, the LAX facility will seamlessly connect with 112 Air GxP-certified and 22 IATA CEIV Pharma-certified stations worldwide. This development not only meets the burgeoning demands of the U.S. market but also enhances Los Angeles's strategic role in facilitating temperature-sensitive exchanges between the Americas and the Asia-Pacific region. Young emphasized how this expansion aligns with the strategy to fortify the North American logistics network, catering to the rising clientele needs. He pointed out that the estimated market for cold storage in North America is projected to reach USD 46.5 billion in 2025 and expected to more than double by 2032, positioning DHL favorably to support this anticipated growth.

DHL Global Forwarding continues to showcase its commitment to enhancing healthcare logistics, along with paving the way for innovative and reliable solutions in temperature-sensitive logistics. The company's emphasis on sustainability and compliance further ensures that it remains at the forefront of industry standards and practices.