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If you’re responsible for sourcing a reliable food logistics company, the stakes are high. Food safety, compliance, temperature control, traceability, and on-time delivery all directly impact your brand, revenue, and customer trust. In 2025, food and beverage brands across the U.S. and Canada are being more selective than ever when choosing partners from the top food logistics companies in North America.
This guide is built for decision-makers actively comparing food logistics companies—not just browsing lists. We break down the largest food logistics companies, what makes the best food logistics providers stand out, and how to choose the right partner for your supply chain. We also include rankings-style insights, use-case guidance, and direct next steps if you’re ready to talk with an expert.
Note: If you’re specifically looking for a single “best” provider for your operation, see our related guide: Best Food 3PL Provider.
Before jumping into rankings, it’s important to understand how top food logistics companies are evaluated today. Size alone does not guarantee performance. The best food logistics company for your business will consistently deliver across the following areas:
Top providers strictly follow FDA and USDA regulations, including FSMA requirements, HACCP plans, sanitation controls, and audit readiness. Many maintain SQF, BRCGS, or equivalent certifications.
For reference, here’s the FDA’s official guidance on food safety compliance.
Cold chain integrity is no longer optional—it’s a baseline requirement. Modern food logistics companies must support:
The best food logistics companies in the U.S. and best food logistics companies in Canada offer strong regional coverage, cross-border expertise, and scalable distribution networks.
Leading providers use WMS, TMS, real-time inventory tracking, lot and batch traceability, and recall readiness tools to reduce risk and improve visibility.
Food logistics is not one-size-fits-all. The best food logistics providers have proven experience across:
Below is a curated list of the largest and best food logistics companies operating in North America. These companies are consistently chosen by food manufacturers, distributors, and brands that require reliability at scale.
Buske Logistics is a leading food logistics company known for customized, compliance-driven solutions for food and beverage brands. Unlike large, rigid networks, Buske focuses on tailored food-grade warehousing, contract logistics, and hands-on operational support.
Headquarters: U.S.
Best Food Logistics Company for: Enterprise and growing food brands needing flexibility, compliance, and service quality
Key strengths:
If you want a deeper breakdown of food logistics requirements, read our full guide: Food Logistics: Complete Guide.
Lineage Logistics is one of the largest food logistics companies in the world, specializing heavily in temperature-controlled warehousing. With hundreds of facilities across North America, Lineage supports frozen and refrigerated food supply chains at massive scale.
Headquarters: U.S.
Best Food Logistics Company for: Large food producers, frozen food brands, global distribution
Key strengths:
Americold is another dominant name among food logistics companies, offering cold storage, warehousing, and transportation services across the U.S., Canada, and global markets. With a vast temperature-controlled network, the company supports food producers, retailers, and distributors with reliable, end-to-end supply chain solutions.
Headquarters: U.S.
Best Food Logistics Company for: Enterprises with high-volume cold storage needs
Key strengths:
DHL Supply Chain operates one of the most advanced logistics networks in the world. Its food and beverage division serves large multinational brands requiring complex, multi-country distribution.
Headquarters: Global / North America operations
Best Food Logistics Company for: Global food brands with complex supply chains
Key strengths:
XPO is a major player among largest food logistics companies, especially in transportation and managed logistics. Their food-grade warehousing and dedicated fleets support time-sensitive food distribution.
Headquarters: U.S.
Best Food Logistics Company for: Brands needing strong transportation networks
Key strengths:
Kuehne + Nagel brings international logistics expertise to North American food supply chains, with a strong focus on import/export, temperature-controlled freight, and value-added services. Its global network and compliance-driven approach help food brands move products efficiently across borders while maintaining quality and safety.
Headquarters: Global / North America operations
Best Food Logistics Company for: Importers, exporters, and global food brands
Key strengths:
Penske Logistics supports food and beverage companies with warehousing, transportation management, and dedicated fleet solutions across North America. The company’s integrated logistics expertise helps brands improve efficiency, visibility, and reliability throughout their supply chains.
Headquarters: U.S.
Best Food Logistics Company for: Large domestic brands seeking integrated solutions
Key strengths:
The best food logistics companies in the U.S. tend to share a few traits: nationwide coverage, strong regulatory compliance, and experience serving major retailers and foodservice channels. Top performers include:
Each of these companies supports different food supply chain models. The right choice depends on your volume, product type, and service expectations.
Canada’s food logistics market requires expertise in cross-border shipping, bilingual labeling, and Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) compliance. Some of the best food logistics companies in Canada include:
Many U.S.-based food brands expanding north rely on providers with established Canadian networks to reduce risk and delays.
In the food industry, one logistics misstep can lead to spoiled products, compliance issues, and costly delays. Choosing from the best food logistics providers requires more than comparing price quotes. Use this checklist when evaluating partners:
Not all food logistic companies are built for every product type. Frozen foods, beverages, dry goods, and regulated ingredients all require different handling processes.
Many brands outgrow large, inflexible providers. A best food logistics company should adapt to your operation—not force you into a rigid system.
For a detailed look at tailored solutions, explore our capabilities here: Food Logistics Solutions.
In 2025, food brands are prioritizing accountability and transparency over brand-name recognition alone. Even brands working with large providers often switch due to:
A food logistics company specializes in food-grade warehousing, regulatory compliance, temperature-controlled storage, and full traceability, whereas general 3PLs may lack the infrastructure and certifications required to meet strict food safety standards.
Some of the top food logistics companies in North America include Buske Logistics, Lineage Logistics, Americold, DHL Supply Chain, and XPO, based on their extensive food-grade storage networks, capacity, and national distribution reach.
Food logistics companies should hold certifications such as SQF, BRCGS, HACCP, and FSMA compliance, ensuring proper food safety management, regulatory adherence, and risk control across the supply chain.
Yes, many leading food logistics companies operate integrated cross-border networks that support compliant food storage, transportation, and distribution throughout both the U.S. and Canada.
The cost of a food logistics company varies depending on storage requirements, shipment volume, temperature control, handling complexity, and transportation needs, with most providers offering customized pricing models.
You can verify compliance by requesting recent audit reports, recognized certifications, and documented food safety procedures, as reputable food logistics providers prioritize transparency and regulatory accountability.
Yes, the best food logistics companies offer scalable warehousing, transportation, and fulfillment solutions designed to support business growth, seasonal demand, and long-term expansion.
The top food logistics companies in North America offer more than storage and transportation—they help protect your brand, customers, and bottom line. Whether you’re evaluating the largest food logistics companies or looking for a more flexible partner, the right choice comes down to fit, performance, and trust.
If you’re in the process of comparing providers and want a clearer understanding of what will work best for your operation, speaking with a food logistics specialist can help you avoid costly missteps.
When you’re ready, you can connect with our food logistics team at Buske Logistics to discuss your requirements and explore a solution built around your supply chain.
