The International Association of Refrigerated Warehouses (IARW) is an inter-warehouse organization. Founded in 1891, IARW was created when a group of conventional (non-refrigerated) warehouse owners began sharing knowledge about storing perishable food. As perishable food storage is complex, this organization soon became known industry-wide for their expertise about temperature controlled storage facilities.^{[citation needed]}

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IARW's goals and activities have broadened over the years. Today, in addition to collecting information and encouraging the exchange of ideas, the association promotes efficiency in distribution, aids members in adopting new technology, advises legislators on behalf of the food industry, assists members in complying with U.S. and international regulations, and participates in alliances with international organizations to build an efficient world food logistics community. All active members of IARW are also members and beneficiaries of the work of The World Food Logistics Organization (WFLO).

The Global Cold Chain Alliance officially launched in April 2007. The Alliance now acts as the platform for communication, networking and education for each link of the cold chain. It serves as the voice of the cold chain industry.

The International Association of Refrigerated Warehouses (IARW) and the World Food Logistics Organization (WFLO) have a history of serving the food industry through the twentieth century and the impressive development of refrigeration in the movement of food products.

In the 21st century, many IARW and WFLO members realized changes in their business models were necessary as global conditions required greater integration of the cold chain. This reform of integration created closer relationships among all players in the supply chain, which lead to developments such as dedicated distribution facilities and public refrigerated warehouse (PRW) trucking assets.

IRTA is an international non-profit organization established in 1994 to meet a growing demand in the transportation industry for chilled and frozen food products. IRTA is led by a core group of international companies, including companies which specialize in transportation categories across the cold chain. IRTA members may be companies primarily involved in ports, trucking, warehousing, logistics, marine shipping, railroads, and airplane transportation, or any combination of these industries.