UPS Invests $48M in Cold-Chain Facilities as GLP-1 Demand Surges to 11% of Americans

In June, UPS announced a $48 million investment in temperature-controlled facilities as logistics companies including FedEx, C.H. Robinson and DHL race to expand cold-chain capabilities amid surging demand for GLP-1 medications. According to Growth Market Reports, the market for temperature-sensitive biologics is projected to grow at an 8.3% compound annual growth rate through 2033 and reach approximately $39.1 billion.

GLP-1 adoption has accelerated sharply, with a July Gallup poll finding that 11% of Americans take the drugs for weight loss in 2026, up from 3% in 2024. Most GLP-1 medications, including Novo Nordisk's Ozempic and Wegovy and Eli Lilly's Mounjaro and Zepbound, require refrigerated storage for shipment. The FDA has warned that improper temperature control during transport can compromise drug efficacy. FedEx reported healthcare transportation revenue of nearly $10 billion in fiscal 2026, while C.H. Robinson surpassed $1 billion in healthcare logistics revenue over the past year.