North America Insulated Shipping Containers - Market Share Analysis, Industry Trends & Statistics, Growth Forecasts (2024 - 2029)

The North America Insulated Shipping Containers Market size is estimated at USD 1.74 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 2.37 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 6.46% during the forecast period (2024-2029).

Key Highlights

• Storage containers are frequently used to protect against extreme temperature swings by insulating transport containers. Many different kinds of fruits and vegetables are grown utilizing organic methods worldwide. These packing materials are, therefore, widely employed to keep fruit fresh during transportation.
• To protect from infection, products such as chemicals, medicines, fresh vegetables, beverages, and frozen goods require precise temperature control. As the air entering and leaving the containers must be filtered, insulation plays a significant role. It maintains the condition of the conveyed products by completely closing off a shipping container from the outside.
• Thermal packing insulated shipping container liner kits are the most economical way to protect products in storage since they are made to lower the risk of moisture considerably. Perishable commodities that must be mandatorily transported at steady temperatures, such as food, beverages, and medicines, can also be preserved using liners.
• Expanded polystyrene (EPS) containers are among the most frequently used insulated transportation containers in the food and pharmaceutical industries. EPS coolers provide several benefits, including thermal insulation, being lightweight, and being affordable. Due to their negative environmental effects and lack of biodegradability, polystyrene foam products are prohibited in over 100 counties across the United States, including New York, Los Angeles, Washington, DC, and Portland.
• The environment in which medicine is kept significantly impacts how quickly it changes temperature. When left unprotected and exposed to heat or cold, a vaccination can leave the necessary temperature range within a short period, thereby disrupting its efficacy. Because of such factors, the usage of insulated shipping containers is fueling market expansion.
• Warehouses across the market are increasingly stocking a substantial volume of chilled food products. Notably, the US Department of Agriculture recently highlighted a significant inventory of frozen vegetables across US warehouses, closely trailed by dairy products and frozen potatoes. This surge in inventory is poised to drive up the demand for insulated shipping containers over the forecast period.
• Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, high-quality cold transport containers emerged as a vital component in the transportation of pharmaceuticals, guaranteeing that pharmaceutical companies could overcome the many shipping obstacles since container makers abide by stringent regulatory standards for the benefit of the general population. The US Food and Drug Administration and other regulatory authorities have strict rules governing pharmaceutical substances, goods, and the containers used to carry them.

North America Insulated Shipping Containers Market Trends

The Life Sciences and Pharmaceutical Segment Holds a Significant Market Share

• In the United States, many temperature-sensitive medications are produced and shipped, including expensive and highly specialized cancer therapies and vaccines against infectious diseases. Insulated shipping containers, therefore, prove crucial in preventing the loss of expensive drugs due to temperature variations.
• Rising demand for handling temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals is fueling a sales increase for insulated shipping containers. A growing regulatory emphasis on compliance with storage temperature standards will promote demand in medicine and medical applications.
• Due mostly to its investments in biomedical research, the United States has emerged as a global leader in drug discovery and development, with a sizable number of manufacturers. The demand for these containers is considerable and is expected to continue to rise with the increase of production in the United States and Canada, which have notable life sciences and pharmaceutical industries.
• In February 2024, DHL Supply Chain, a contract logistics company, unveiled plans for a USD 200 million investment, specifically earmarked for bolstering its life sciences and healthcare capabilities. This strategic initiative encompasses the development of warehouse facilities, poised to expand the company's operational space to a staggering 13 million sq. ft. Moreover, DHL plans to channel funds into advanced technologies aimed at streamlining operations and fortifying the resilience of its healthcare and life sciences supply chains. This substantial investment underscores DHL's unwavering dedication to furnishing the industry with dependable, efficient, and temperature-controlled logistics solutions.
• The growth in this industry is primarily fueled by the pharmaceutical segment's rise, marked by a consistent influx of innovative treatments, notably those targeting weight management and diabetes. This trend, alongside the resurgence of local drug manufacturing, has catalyzed a surge in demand for expanded capacity. With more brands pivoting toward domestic production, the necessity for streamlined inbound logistics to support these manufacturing lines has become paramount.

The United States is Expected to Register the Highest Growth Rate

• North America is considered one of the important markets worldwide for insulated shipping containers, with the United States making up a sizeable portion of that market. The substantial presence of numerous vendors, exports, and imports can be linked to the nation's high demand. The use of insulated shipping will see substantial prospects as a result of this expansion in export trade.
• Additionally, there are several laws pertaining to the industry in the nation. For instance, the Food and Drug Administration in the United States heavily regulates the industry of food-contact packaging. The rules are anticipated to encourage the use of insulated shipping containers nationwide because food is one of the most delicate things to move and store.
• The market is expanding, as was witnessed by the announcement of a new USD 355 million bacon manufacturing facility made by Tyson Foods, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, and Bowling Green city leaders. The 450 workers at the 400,000 sq. ft plant, scheduled to debut in 2023, aimed to help meet growing demand for the company's Jimmy Dean and Wright brands. These developments increase the demand for insulated shipping containers for moving food.
• According to the US Department of Commerce's Census.gov website, e-commerce sales in the United States have shown a consistent upward trend for over a decade, with particularly notable increases in the last two years. Data from the US Census Bureau Trade Data reveals that in 2023, the country's fresh fruit and vegetable exports were valued at USD 7.0 billion, marking a 2% rise over the previous year. This surge in demand for fresh produce exports is expected to be a key driver of market growth in North America.
• Recent events underscore the critical need for agile and resilient supply chains in the life sciences and healthcare industries, both in the United States and worldwide. Consequently, market vendors are ramping up investments in technology and strategic locations. This move aims to equip their customers with tools to proactively tackle disruptions, thereby safeguarding the seamless flow of essential supplies.

North America Insulated Shipping Containers Industry Overview

The North American insulated shipping containers market is fragmented due to the presence of many players, such as Polar Tech Industries, Sonoco Thermosafe, Custom Pack Inc., TemperPack, and Sofrigam, which are making the market competitive.

• In May 2024, Conexwest, a supplier of standard and modified storage and shipping containers, unveiled a new range of insulated cold storage reefer containers for both purchase and rental. These containers come in sizes varying from 10 to 45 feet. The fabricators and retailers of these storage containers can now provide companies in Fontana and Los Angeles with the most extensive and top-quality line of cold storage solutions. Conexwest has been prioritizing using the highest-quality materials and energy-efficient insulation in all its container fabrications. This commitment not only ensures an affordable purchase or rental price for customers but also promises long-term energy savings.
• In May 2024, CJ Logistics America, an innovative supply chain and technology firm, revealed plans to inaugurate a new cold storage warehouse in New Century, Kansas, a mere 30 miles from Kansas City. This venture, a collaboration between national cold storage developer Yukon Real Estate Partners and BGO, a prominent player in cold storage real estate, features a 291,000 sq. ft warehouse equipped with Alta EXPERT refrigeration. The facility is set to commence operations in Q3 2025. Customers stand to gain significantly, with reduced logistics costs, alongside enhanced environmental sustainability and heightened shipping efficiency, both domestically and internationally.

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