Product Offerings
Products:
Perishable Logistics Services: Air Freight, Ocean Freight, Ground Transportation
Cold Chain Warehousing: Temperature-Controlled Storage Solutions
Customs Brokerage: Documentation and Compliance Services
Commodity Forwarders Inc. (CFI), headquartered in Los Angeles, California, is a premier provider of temperature-sensitive logistics solutions, specializing in the transportation and distribution of perishable goods. Founded in 1974, CFI has grown to become a leading player in the cold chain logistics sector, offering a full suite of services to clients across the food, floral, and pharmaceutical industries.
Core Business and Service Portfolio
CFI’s operations are designed around the critical needs of perishable cargo, with services that include:
- Perishable Air and Ocean Freight: Specialized freight forwarding services for seafood, produce, meats, dairy, and other perishables.
- Cold Chain Warehousing: Strategically located, temperature-controlled storage facilities with real-time monitoring systems.
- Ground Transportation: Local and regional trucking services equipped with refrigerated vehicles to maintain cold chain integrity.
- Customs Brokerage and Documentation: Import/export compliance management, customs clearance, and regulatory support.
- Value-Added Services: Labeling, repacking, and quality inspection services tailored to customer specifications.
These offerings ensure that products arrive fresh and on time, maintaining their value throughout the global supply chain.
Specialization and Competitive Advantage
CFI’s competitive edge lies in its deep domain expertise in perishable logistics and its robust cold chain infrastructure. Key differentiators include:
- Strategic Network: More than 30 facilities across the U.S., including major air and sea gateway cities such as Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Chicago, Seattle, and Honolulu.
- 24/7 Operations: Around-the-clock service capabilities to meet the timing demands of international and domestic perishable shipments.
- Advanced Temperature Control: Multi-zone temperature warehousing ranging from deep freeze to cool storage.
- Real-Time Visibility: Integrated IT systems offering end-to-end cargo tracking, temperature logs, and alerts.
CFI is a critical logistics partner for global exporters and importers of highly perishable products, particularly those requiring stringent handling protocols.
Financial and Shipment Insights
As part of the Kuehne+Nagel Group since its acquisition in 2017, CFI benefits from the financial stability and global reach of one of the world’s top logistics providers. Trade data and market reports indicate:
- Handling over 250,000 tons of perishable cargo annually through its U.S. network.
- Primary commodities include seafood (salmon, tuna, shellfish), fresh fruits (berries, citrus), flowers, and pharmaceuticals.
- Shipment volumes have grown steadily at 7–9% CAGR over the past five years due to rising global demand for cold chain services.
- Major export and import partners include countries in Asia-Pacific, Europe, and Latin America.
This positions CFI as one of the largest U.S.-based freight forwarders for perishable commodities.
Target Market
CFI serves a broad base of clients including:
- Food Exporters and Importers
- Fisheries and Aquaculture Companies
- Retailers and Supermarkets
- Floral Distributors
- Pharmaceutical and Life Science Firms
- Custom Brokers and Logistics Aggregators
Clients range from small regional producers to large multinationals requiring integrated, scalable, and reliable cold chain solutions.
Infrastructure and Capabilities
The company maintains a highly specialized infrastructure network to handle temperature-sensitive freight:
- Over 600,000 square feet of cold storage capacity nationwide.
- USDA and FDA certified facilities in key gateway cities.
- In-house teams for perishables handling, documentation, and airline coordination.
- Airfreight consolidation services that optimize cost while preserving cargo integrity.
Each facility is equipped with backup power systems, remote temperature controls, and specialized docks for reefer containers and trucks.
Certifications and Compliance
Commodity Forwarders Inc. adheres to strict regulatory and industry standards, including:
- HACCP and FDA Compliance
- USDA Certification
- IATA Perishable Cargo Regulations (PCR)
- TSA Certified Indirect Air Carrier (IAC)
- Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) Participant
These certifications enable secure, compliant, and seamless operations in high-risk, regulated cargo categories.
Customer Reputation and Testimonials
CFI is widely recognized in the logistics and perishable goods industries for:
- Excellent customer service and problem-solving
- Exceptional on-time performance even in peak demand periods
- Strong relationships with airlines, customs agencies, and regulatory bodies
Customers frequently praise CFI for its proactive communication, flexibility, and reliability under time-sensitive conditions.
Major Achievements
- Acquired by Kuehne+Nagel in 2017 to strengthen its global cold chain network.
- Recognized as a Top 100 3PL Provider by Inbound Logistics magazine.
- Successfully supported logistics for global food brands, seafood producers, and fresh produce exporters in over 50 countries.
- Developed one of the largest dedicated perishable logistics networks in the U.S.
Commodity Forwarders Inc. remains a cornerstone in global cold chain logistics. With its focus on perishables, strategic infrastructure, and world-class service, CFI continues to set industry benchmarks in the safe, efficient, and timely transport of temperature-sensitive cargo worldwide.