Buying Cold Storage? Don’t Overlook These Key Factors
To buy cold storage space for perishable e-commerce products, you must partner with a specialized third-party logistics (3PL) provider. There are several key factors to consider to ensure you find the right fit. Before making the final choice, you should consider warehouse location, temperature control protocols and value-added services.
Warehouse Locations
Location impacts shipping times. A single distribution point will be less efficient than a nationwide network. Delivery speed impacts customer satisfaction and product integrity.
Temperature Control Protocols
Temperature control protocols should be clear, regardless of whether you require frozen, chilled or ambient storage. If they are not made publicly available, request them. Pay special attention to monitoring and documentation procedures.
Value-Added Services
Value-added services are add-ons that make services more attractive or convenient. Kitting, assembly, labeling, packaging customization and blast freezing are particularly beneficial for e-commerce operations.
Premier Third-Party Cold Chain Solutions Providers
These 3PL providers have temperature-controlled warehouses and direct-to-consumer (DTC) capabilities, making them ideal partners for e-commerce companies.
1. RealCold
RealCold has strategically placed cold storage space for perishable e-commerce products, enabling rapid delivery nationwide. It even provides overflow storage with flexible terms to help you manage demand surges. For specialized market coverage, it offers built-to-suit facilities tailored to your supply chain strategy.
This entity’s nationwide network spans over 61 million cubic feet. With temperature zones ranging from minus 20° Fahrenheit to 55° Fahrenheit, it can accommodate frozen and chilled goods, including ice cream. Its facilities are food-grade certified and SQF-compliant.
2. AMZ Prep
AMZ Prep provides fulfillment for Amazon, Shopify and DTC brands of all sizes. Since it has over 50 e-commerce fulfillment centers across the United States, Canada and Europe, it supports two-day shipping. Each month, the company ships millions of units across 100 countries.
Its warehouses maintain temperatures within 0.5° Fahrenheit of your specifications, guaranteed. In 2024, it was affected by a regional power outage, but backup systems kept inventory within the required range, ensuring business continuity. To demonstrate its confidence, AMZ Prep provides a real-time monitoring dashboard.
3. Arcadia
Arcadia has several temperature-controlled storage facilities with double-deep structural steel racking. It supports temperatures ranging from minus 20° Fahrenheit to 40° Fahrenheit. Select locations offer blast freezing.
This enterprise aims to be the most customer-centric cold chain solutions provider in North America. The Arcadia Cold™ service caters to individual locations. Its facilities are brand new and strategically located, so it can accommodate digital-first strategies and large supply chains.
Objectively Comparing These 3PL Providers
Storage space, typical shipping times and value-added services are among the most important factors to consider before buying cold storage space for perishable e-commerce products.
| 3PL Partner | Total Storage Capacity | Key Value-Added Services | Typical Shipping Time |
| RealCold | 61 million cubic feet | Kitting and assembly, network modeling, and cross-docking | One to two days |
| AMZ Prep | 800,000 square feet | Custom packaging, real-time tracking and cross-docking | Two days |
| Arcadia | 60 million cubic feet | Order management, blast freezing and cross-docking | One to two days |
Vital Questions to Ask When Vetting 3PL Partners
When contacting 3PLs, consider asking these questions to gain a more comprehensive understanding of their operations.
How Much Does Cold Storage Space Cost?
How can you purchase cold storage space for perishable e-commerce products without knowing the cost? Warehouse space may be priced at a fixed monthly fee or scale depending on inventory size.
How Do You Prevent Temperature Excursions?
Your goods must stay within acceptable temperature ranges during storage and transit to ensure product integrity and compliance. Inquire about real-time monitoring, backup power systems and packaging options.
What Is Your Experience With My Industry?
Ideally, your partner should have extensive expertise in your market. However, not all have comprehensive experience. They may still be able to meet your business-specific needs, but that is for you to decide.
Choosing Cold Storage Solutions for E-Commerce
You must carefully vet potential partners before buying cold storage space for perishable e-commerce products. Doing your due diligence can help you navigate future demand surges and supply chain disruptions.
*Please note that this list includes sponsored content. Some of the companies, products, or services featured have entered into commercial agreements for placement. Sponsored placements do not necessarily reflect an endorsement and should be considered alongside other options in the marketplace.