Global population growth, increased consumer demand for fresh produce and perishables are fueling an unprecedented need for cold storage capacity. With occupancy rates at these facilities in constant flux, companies must continuously sharpen their efficiency to make the most of every square foot available.
Penske Logistics meets this challenge head-on by operating both ambient temperature and dedicated cold storage facilities for fresh channel clients - including grocers and convenience stores. To keep operations running at peak performance, the company leverages a powerful combination of advanced technology, associate expertise and hands-on operational experience.
Our expertise spans lean supply chain management - streamlining processes, cutting costs and boosting productivity, all while maintaining a strong core competency in running best-in-class warehouse operations.
Top grocers recognize that partnering with a specialized third-party logistics (3PL) provider like Penske delivers real value. By outsourcing logistics, grocers can focus on what matters most - their customers and the products they sell - while Penske handles the critical work of getting those products to the store efficiently and reliably.
Penske offers flexible warehousing solutions - whether at our own facilities or at customer locations - that are clean, safe and built to scale. We apply our deep expertise to drive efficiencies both within the warehouse and across the entire movement of goods. Here are eight ways Penske streamlines cold storage and fresh channel options:
1. Network Management
Customers increasingly want to get their storage facilities closer to the grocery stores to ensure freshness. Penske helps its customers evaluate their overall distribution network and the role of national vs. regional distribution.
2. Shrink Reduction
Reducing the amount of shrinkage and product loss is crucial in the cold chain. Accurate shipping and receiving are vital to maximizing sales and preventing potential losses and will enhance business success.
To minimize shrinkage, Penske uses a robust warehouse management system (WMS) and can either use its own technology or its customer's.
Penske also leverages checks and balances within the technology to ensure proper product handling. In addition, it provides employees with extensive training to minimize the risk of product damage or contamination.
3. Employee Training
All employees within a Penske-managed cold storage facility undergo training on overall food safety and sanitation. Employees are also educated on the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), which outlines strict record-keeping and safety procedures, so they understand cross-contamination and the risks associated with food.
Within each distribution center, several employees are Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point-certified (HACCP). HACCP, administered by the Food and Drug Administration, is a management system in which food safety is addressed through the analysis and control of biological, chemical and physical hazards. This includes raw material production, procurement and handling, manufacturing, distribution and consumption of the finished product.
4. Combined Distribution Center and Transportation Management
By managing the distribution center as well as the dedicated contract carriage, Penske can collaborate better with the cold storage transportation group and increase visibility into the operation. This improves on-time deliveries and provides cost savings.
5. Efficient Slotting Patterns
The layout and slotting of product can drive replenishment rates and the efficient movement of goods within the warehouse. How product is slotted varies by location. For one distribution center, Penske created a system where three pallets could be placed in a rack at one time.
6. Standard Operating Procedures
Penske can create and maintain efficiency through its standard operating procedures, which may cover everything from how products are received, stored and put away to how they are picked, packed and shipped. This maintains quality throughout the supply chain.
For example, Penske creates standardized processes around receiving through its WMS, which is integrated with its enterprise resource planning (ERP) system that gets the orders.
This allows us to know what's on the trailer before it gets to the dock.
That enables Penske to be more efficient when offloading and slotting product. We place the heaviest items on the bottom of the pallet, so when they unload it at the store, they can do it most efficiently.
7. Cross-Docking Operations
Within facilities, Penske Logistics handles cross-docking operations for fresh food and flowers. Cross-docking is the practice of unloading product from an inbound truck and loading it directly onto an outbound truck, reducing the need to store things in a warehouse.
At one location, cross-docking helps bring fresh-baked goods, including donuts, cookies, and brownies, to stores each day. Our warehouse is about two miles from the bakery, which is baking daily.
The bulk-baked goods arrive at the warehouse via shuttle loads and are cross-docked in a temperature-controlled area, with Penske putting together the racks that will be delivered to each individual store.
Then we're consolidating truck routes based on product need for each store.
The building also includes a 30,000-square-foot refrigerator, which stores sandwiches and salads for daily deliveries. We build a store order of the required amount of sandwiches and salads. Each full bin with cable ties to ensure no one can tamper with the food products.
8. Product Thawing
For retail outlets that offer freshly prepared products in the store, Penske can deliver flash-frozen goods, which it thaws before shipping to the stores, so they can be baked on site.
We manage the regional distribution centers, consolidated distribution centers (CDC), and dedicated contract carriage to deliver products to the stores for one customer.
Within each CDC, we are taking the product, such as croissants, that are baked to 70 to 75%, freezing them and sending them to one of our cold storage facilities. Based on demand, we then take them from a freezer to a refrigerated area, then to the trailers to deliver the thawed product to the stores. At that point, they do the final bake at the store.
Partner with Penske for Cold Storage Excellence
From network optimization and shrink reduction to cross-docking and precision thawing protocols, Penske brings a comprehensive, proven approach to every aspect of cold storage and fresh channel distribution. In an industry where margins are tight, product integrity is non-negotiable and consumer expectations continue to rise, having the right logistics partner isn't just an operational advantage - it's a competitive necessity. Penske's integrated model, combining cutting-edge technology, rigorous employee training and decades of hands-on expertise, empowers grocers and retailers to deliver fresher products, reduce waste and scale with confidence. When every degree, every pallet and every delivery window matters, Penske delivers.
Ready to optimize your cold storage and fresh channel operations? Contact an expert today to discuss a customized solution that keeps your product moving, your customers satisfied and your bottom line strong.
