United States Pharmaceutical Logistics Market Assessment, By Type, By Procedure, By Component, By Application, By Operation, By Region, Opportunities and Forecast, 2018-FY2032F

United States pharmaceutical logistics market is projected to witness a CAGR of 7.91% during the forecast period 2025-2032, growing from USD 24.69 billion in 2024 to USD 45.40 billion in 2032F, owing to biologics taking center stage, rapid innovations in cold chain monitoring, and increasingly distributed clinical trial activity. This market has quietly become one of the most complex and mission-critical logistics sectors globally. With a market built on precision, compliance, and temperature integrity, pharmaceutical logistics in the United States not only moves goods but also safeguards public health.

For instance, in April 2025, DHL Group announced a USD 2.3 billion (EUR 2 billion) strategic investment over the next five years to boost its logistics capabilities in the life sciences and healthcare sector. Supporting its "Strategy 2030," the investment will enhance DHL's infrastructure, technology, and cold chain solutions globally, with 50% allocated to the Americas and the remainder to other regions.

Cold Chain Infrastructure Expansion to Meet Biologic and Vaccine Demands Leads to Market Growth

Biopharmaceuticals and vaccine logistics have emerged as key growth areas in the United States pharmaceutical logistics, driven by heightened demand for temperature-sensitive therapies and the need for ultra-cold storage. For instance, in April 2024, Americold Realty Trust broke ground on a new 335,000-square-foot temperature-controlled facility in Missouri, in partnership with CPKC Rail. A few of the facility's features include deep-frozen zones, real-time monitoring, and rail access right outside the door. All designed to keep cross-border pharma moving, fast, safe, and at the right temperature. Every detail screams pharma-grade-nothing left to chance. These investments reflect a broader trend as cold storage is now central to logistics strategy, not just an operational add-on.

Increasing Regulatory Compliance and Certification for Pharma Handling

United States logistics firms are actively investing in globally recognized pharma certifications to win high-value contracts and ensure compliance with stringent domestic and international handling protocols. For instance, in May 2025, FedEx became the first global integrator to earn IATA CEIV Pharma corporate certification for its entire ground-handling network. This move reinforced its leadership in temperature-sensitive and compliant logistics. This milestone underscores how compliance has become a key competitive advantage. With increasing FDA scrutiny and pharmaceutical clients demanding zero-defect delivery, certified partners are becoming the default.

Specialized Pharma Driving Service Differentiation Across Logistics Chains

Specialized pharmaceuticals, from gene therapies and personalized oncology drugs to treatments for rare diseases, are reshaping the United States logistics landscape. These products demand ultra-narrow handling tolerances, GPS-enabled real-time monitoring, and delivery windows that leave no margin for error. In April 2025, United Parcel Service, Inc. expanded its specialty temperature-controlled facilities and specialized in cold chain transportation network through the acquisition of Andlauer Healthcare Group Inc. for USD 1.6 billion. This acquisition will enhance our end-to-end capabilities and services to healthcare customers requiring temperature-controlled logistics solutions in United States.

This reflects a larger trend, as therapies get more individualized, so must the logistics behind them. Custom kitting, end-to-end tracking, and validated SOPs are no longer differentiators; they are minimum requirements.

Impact of U.S. Tariffs on United States Pharmaceutical Logistics Market

Tariffs on imported APIs, medical supplies, and logistics equipment increase production and transportation expenses. Pharma companies often pass these costs to consumers, leading to rising drug prices.

Dependence on China and India for APIs forces companies to diversify suppliers or shift production to the U.S./Mexico. Temporary shortages and stockpiling occur due to trade uncertainties.

Refrigeration units, packaging materials, and tracking devices become more expensive due to tariffs. Increased demand for U.S.-based cold storage as companies hold more inventory domestically.

Switching suppliers requires FDA reapprovals, slowing down drug distribution. Companies invest in AI, blockchain, and nearshoring to optimize tariff-affected supply chains.

Key Players Landscape and Outlook

Major players dominate the United States pharmaceutical logistics market, with some being global and others homegrown. They promise cold chain warehousing, certified transport, and real-time tracking. They cater to biologics, vaccines, and clinical trials. Then you have the cold storage experts. Americold and Lineage Logistics are investing heavily, expanding, automating, and upgrading for the pharmaceutical industry. SEKO Logistics and Expeditors are tightening air-cargo links. Owens & Minor, All about medical fulfillment and hospital supplies. Personalized medicine is booming. Temperature-sensitive therapies are everywhere. Regulations are more challenging than ever. Now, it is not just about trucks and warehouses; it is about compliance, traceability, and speed.

For instance, in April 2025, Lineage, Inc. announced a significant expansion of its United States cold-storage network through a series of acquisitions, greenfield developments, and advanced automation projects. As part of this initiative, Lineage has entered a definitive agreement to acquire multiple cold storage warehouses from Tyson Foods, Inc., strengthening its longstanding partnership. Additionally, Lineage will design, build, and operate two next-generation, fully automated cold storage facilities in key United States distribution markets, with Tyson Foods serving as the anchor tenant. Lineage plans to invest approximately USD 1 billion in these acquisitions and new developments over the coming years.