Dachser UK

Responding to the continued increase in demand for storage and distribution services the international logistics operator DACHSER UK is investing in additional warehousing at its Brackmills, Northampton base. A new 112,000 square foot building providing an extra space for 20,000 pallets is now available.

Northampton, 17 September 2024: Developing its contract logistics capacity in the UK is a key strategic target of Dachser.  Utilizing its interlocking service capabilities that incorporate a comprehensive European groupage network together with global Air & Sea Logistics, Dachser can facilitate its customers’ end-to-end supply chain needs. 

The new warehouse is located directly next to the logistics company’s central domestic and international distribution hub, which operates all UK and European destinations on a daily basis. This provides customers in the UK with an integrated storage, inventory management and Europe-wide distribution.

The 105,250 square foot warehouse space has an internal clearance of twelve metres, ten dock level loading doors and a further two at ground level.  The storage capacity for 20,000 pallets provides ample space available for strategic growth.  The  workforce  enjoy a state-of-the-art working environment that reaches the highest standards of sustainability.  BREEAM rated as ‘very good’, the building has the highest specification LED lighting and lithium-ion battery powered handling equipment.  

“Acquiring this additional warehouse I believe demonstrates Dachser’s continued desire to grow Contract Logistics within the UK,” comments Ian Brunt General Manager & Head of Contract Logistics.  “The increased capacity provides a platform for us to further demonstrate our high quality and best in class capabilities to a wider range of customers and industry sectors”.  

Indeed, Dachser’s contract logistics operations in  Northampton all operate as multi-user sites intended for multiple customers drawn from a variety of sectors — DIY, industrial, retail, wines & spirits, consumer among others. Its location within the UK’s critically located ‘golden triangle’ is perfectly suited for Dachser’s road services in the UK and Europe as well as integration with air and sea logistics around the world.

Brunt continues, “Now with over 400,000 square feet of warehousing, in Northampton we have our UK Contract Logistics centre of excellence, where our sales, customer service and process efficiency teams are all located to provide a fully integrated solution to our customers.  The array of synergies across our global forwarding and European distribution network dovetail with Contract Logistics to provide a truly seamless supply chain solution for our customers.”

About DACHSER

Dachser, a family-owned company headquartered in Kempten, Germany, provides transport logistics, warehousing, and customized services in two business fields: Dachser Air & Sea Logistics and Dachser Road Logistics. The latter consists of two business lines: Dachser European Logistics and Dachser Food Logistics. Comprehensive contract logistics services and industry-specific solutions round out the company’s range. A seamless shipping network—both in Europe and overseas—and fully integrated IT systems ensure intelligent logistics solutions worldwide.

Thanks to some 34,000 employees at 382 locations all over the globe, Dachser generated consolidated net revenue of approximately EUR 7.1 billion in 2023. The same year, the logistics provider handled a total of 77.4 million shipments weighing 40.0 million metric tons. Country organizations represent Dachser in 43 countries. For more information about Dachser, please visit dachser.com

Foremost European groupage network operator introduces a direct daily service from the UK to Italy. Customers benefit from its long-term Italian partner becoming part of the DACHSER network following the recent acquisition of a controlling share of FERCAM’s groupage and contract logistics divisions.

Northampton, Wednesday, 26 June 2024: DACHSER UK is pleased to announce the launch of its new enhanced direct daily service from the UK to Italy. This development further strengthens its position as a quality market-leading groupage network across Europe.

Having started on Monday, 3rd June, this direct line between the UK and Milan in Northern Italy follows the successful implementation of the new Smart Border Connect solution by DACHSER UK last month. This innovation has created significant market demand for even more additional direct European export connections.

The new direct daily service comes a few months after the creation of the new company DACHSER & FERCAM Italia following the 80% acquisition of FERCAM’s shares in their groupage and contract logistics divisions by DACHSER. By enhancing the in-house network, UK exporters can be assured of the continuation of a quality, coordinated service at both origin and destination.

FERCAM has been a proud partner of DACHSER for over twenty years. Already the market leader in Italian export groupage offering customers 40 daily departures to all EU countries, this rich history of collaboration has allowed DACHSER UK to further enhance their service offering to Italy.

“DACHSER has always had daily services to all European markets from the UK via our three Eurohubs and we are now excited to introduce this additional daily direct service to Italy which will service both British and Irish exporters,” said Mark Cosgrove, Regional Sales & Commercial Manager UK & Ireland.

“Our recently launched Smart Border Connect solution has proven to be very successful in delivering pre-Brexit transit times through our quality market leading European groupage network. This new daily direct service to Milan will reduce terminal handling and also improve our transit times, benefiting our valued customers.”

The service will provide immediate connectivity to DACHSER & FERCAM Italia’s extensive Italian network, ensuring seamless and efficient logistics operations across the region. By working closely with our Italian colleagues, DACHSER UK is not only solidifying the partnership but also enhancing its capacity to meet the growing needs of customers.

Andy Wolstenholme, Operations Manager at DACHSER Rochdale, added, “The launch of this direct daily service to Milan is a testament to the strong partnership and rich heritage between ourselves and DACHSER & FERCAM Italia, now a confirmed member of the DACHSER family. Our combined expertise and commitment to innovation enable us to offer ever-evolving solutions, further improving our service offerings and transit times.”

About DACHSER

Dachser, a family-owned company headquartered in Kempten, Germany, provides transport logistics, warehousing, and customized services in two business fields: Dachser Air & Sea Logistics and Dachser Road Logistics. The latter consists of two business lines: Dachser European Logistics and Dachser Food Logistics. Comprehensive contract logistics services and industry-specific solutions round out the company’s range. A seamless shipping network—both in Europe and overseas—and fully integrated IT systems ensure intelligent logistics solutions worldwide.

Thanks to some 34,000 employees at 382 locations all over the globe, Dachser generated consolidated net revenue of approximately EUR 7.1 billion in 2023. The same year, the logistics provider handled a total of 77.4 million shipments weighing 40.0 million metric tons. Country organizations represent Dachser in 43 countries. For more information about Dachser, please visit dachser.com

Renault Trucks and Dachser are cooperating on the gradual decarbonization of road freight transport. In total, the logistics service provider is expanding its fleet by fifteen Renault Trucks vehicles. The all-electric trucks complete local and long-distance transport tours at seven Dachser locations in Germany every weekday.

Five Renault Trucks E-Tech D are already in use for Dachser. Seven more vehicles of this type and three Renault Trucks E-Tech T tractors are now being delivered. The latter are used at Dachser in Öhringen, Neuss and Langenhagen.

“We are convinced that in the long term, only those companies that position themselves sustainably will have a future,” says Alexander Tonn, COO Road Logistics at Dachser. “We therefore want to make a valuable contribution to environmental and climate protection and be a driving force for the logistics industry with measures on many levels. Bringing emission-free vehicles into practical use plays an important role in this. With Renault Trucks, we have a reliable partner with whom we can embark on what is still a long journey to decarbonise our road transports.”

As part of its sustainability and climate protection strategy, the logistics service provider Dachser is preparing for the gradual transformation towards zero-emission vehicles and the corresponding charging infrastructure. Since January 1, 2022, the company has been sourcing its electricity entirely from renewable energies worldwide. Dachser wants to steadily increase the number of BEVs (battery electric vehicles) and FCEVs (hydrogen-powered) trucks in both the local and long-distance transport networks, depending on performance, charging infrastructure and cost-effectiveness.

“At Renault Trucks, we are aware that we can only implement a long-term climate protection strategy together,” says Frederic Ruesche. “I am all the more pleased that we are working with Dachser to drive forward the reduction of CO₂ emissions in the short- and long-haul segments.”

Renault Trucks is the first and only manufacturer to offer the entire range as all-electric trucks. From the 2.8-tonne light commercial vehicle (LCV) to the 44-tonne truck for long-haul transport, every segment can be operated electrically. In addition, Renault Trucks is the first manufacturer to convert diesel vehicles into electric trucks in the spirit of the circular economy.

About Dachser

With around 34,000 employees at 382 locations worldwide, the family-owned company Dachser generated consolidated sales of around 7.1 billion euros in 2023. The logistics service provider moved a total of 77.4 million shipments weighing 40.0 million tons. Dachser is represented by its own national companies in 43 countries. You can find more information about Dachser at dachser.de.

About Renault Trucks Germany The German market company of the French truck manufacturer Renault Trucks is based in Ismaning near Munich and, as part of Volvo Group Trucks, has a sales and service network of 20 owned and more than 130 partner companies throughout Germany. Renault Trucks has been active in Germany for over 45 years. In France, the commercial vehicle manufacturer has been offering professional transport solutions since 1894: from electric cargo bikes and light commercial vehicles to heavy tractors. Renault Trucks is committed to the energy transition, offering fuel-efficient vehicles and a complete range of 100% electric trucks, whose lifespan is extended through a circular economy concept. Renault Trucks is part of the Volvo Group, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of trucks, buses, construction equipment, industrial and marine engines. The group also offers comprehensive financing and service solutions.

DACHSER LAUNCHES NEW SERVICE PROVIDING UK EXPORTERS WITH FRICTIONLESS EU MARKET ACCESS.

Northampton – 10 April 2024 : DACHSER have today announced the formal launch of their new Smart border connect services, connect40 and connect42. These services will provide UK exporters, shipping on DDP incoterms, with frictionless access to DACHSER’s quality market leading European groupage network which transported 65.7million intra European shipments in 2023.

Commenting on the launch the UK and Ireland Sales and Commercial Manager, Mark Cosgrove said: “As more and more UK exporters chose to minimise the impact of post Brexit trading conditions on their EU customers by shipping on DDP incoterms DACHSER has developed a scalable, cost-effective solution, to meet this growing demand.”

Since Brexit DACHSER has created many bespoke customer DDP solutions, however Smart border connect is designed to give UK exporters, of all sizes frictionless access to what has always been its most important asset, Europe’s quality market leading groupage network.

Smart border connect was piloted at the beginning of February, and since then there has already been huge demand from both existing and new customers. Many have now taken the decision to renegotiate their existing DAP incoterms to DDP to take advantage of the fastest transit times in the market.

UK Export Market Perspective

 “From an overall market perspective, we are entering an important new phase in post Brexit UK / EU distribution trends,” continued Cosgrove,  “Customs solutions are no longer the primary driver of customer procurement consideration, and we return to the historic logistics purchasing drivers of speed to market (i.e., transit times) and quality of service allied with competitive pricing.”

DACHSER is convinced that the new Smart border connect services will assist UK exporters in regaining and maintaining their competitiveness on an even playing field with their European competitors in what are incredibly challenging global economic conditions.

About DACHSER

Dachser, a family-owned company headquartered in Kempten, Germany, provides transport logistics, warehousing, and customized services in two business fields: Dachser Air & Sea Logistics and Dachser Road Logistics. The latter consists of two business lines: Dachser European Logistics and Dachser Food Logistics. Comprehensive contract logistics services and industry-specific solutions round out the company’s range. A seamless shipping network—both in Europe and overseas—and fully integrated IT systems ensure intelligent logistics solutions worldwide.

Thanks to some 34,000 employees at 382 locations all over the globe, Dachser generated consolidated net revenue of approximately EUR 7.1 billion in 2023. The same year, the logistics provider handled a total of 77.4 million shipments weighing 40.0 million metric tons. Country organizations represent Dachser in 43 countries. For more information about Dachser, please visit dachser.com

• Investments in several acquisitions and new joint ventures worldwide. 
• European overland transport provides stability; air and sea freight suffers from overcapacity and decline in rates.
• Investments totaling around EUR 500 million are planned for 2024.

Kempten/Munich, March 21, 2024 – After the economic boom in logistics resulting from the coronavirus pandemic and worldwide disruption to supply chains, normalcy returned to the industry in 2023. Dachser was among those whose financial year was marked by weak demand for logistics services in the face of significant overcapacity and a sharp decline in air and sea freight rates.

As a result, Group revenue decreased to some EUR 7.1 billion, 12.5 percent down on the previous year. Transported volumes fell by 4.6 percent to approximately 77.4 million shipments, while tonnage decreased by 6.5 percent to some 40.0 million metric tons.

“Against the backdrop of an ailing global economy and a challenging market environment, supply chains were under considerably less strain in 2023, which allowed us to focus on improving productivity, capacity utilization, and quality. At the same time, we made considerable investments in the expansion of our networks,” says Burkhard Eling, CEO of Dachser.

Compared to the last pre-crisis year 2019, turnover in 2023 was over 25 percent higher. At that time, Dachser had reported turnover of around EUR 5.7 billion.

Significant expansion of the global network

In 2023, the company made strategic acquisitions and established new joint ventures in the Netherlands (Müller Fresh Food Logistics), Australia and New Zealand (ACA International), Japan (50% joint venture Dachser Japan), Italy (80% joint venture Dachser & Fercam Italia), South Africa (100% share acquisition Dachser South Africa), and Sweden (Frigoscandia). Of these, only the acquisitions in the Netherlands and Oceania in the first half of the year feature in the revenue figures for 2023.

“In 2023, we deliberately took a countercyclical and farsighted approach to investments: we completed our European groupage network in Italy with the third-largest acquisition of our company history. We tapped key food logistics markets in the Benelux and Nordic countries. Moreover, we now have our own locations in the large overseas markets of Japan and Australia,” Eling says.

Given the conservative economic forecasts, Dachser still expects low volumes and only slight revenue growth in 2024. “In pursuit of our goal of becoming the world’s most integrated logistics provider, we are continuing to invest in expanding and enhancing our networks, in digitalization, in climate action, and of course in our employees,” Eling says. In 2023, Dachser invested more than EUR 244 million; it plans to increase that figure to over EUR 500 million in 2024.

Business development in detail

Dachser’s Road Logistics business field—which comprises the transport and warehousing of industrial and consumer goods (European Logistics) and food (Food Logistics)—increased its revenue by 1.8 percent to EUR 5.8 billion in 2023. By way of contrast, the number of shipments fell by 4.7 percent and transported tonnage by 6.5 percent.

The European Logistics business line generated revenue of EUR 4.4 billion, roughly on a par with the record year of 2022. Business was good across European business units, with Iberia coming out on top with a revenue increase of more than 2 percent. Shipment numbers and tonnage declined overall due to Germany’s weak economy, which also had a negative impact on the close-knit countries in the North Central Europe region.

The Food Logistics business line also had a successful financial year in 2023, recording a 9.7 percent increase in revenue to EUR 1.4 billion. This jump in revenue stemmed from positive business development at branches in Germany as well as from inorganic growth through the acquisition of Müller Fresh Food Logistics in the Netherlands and the purchase of the remaining shares in Dachser Hungary. In total, Dachser Food Logistics transported 10.9 million shipments, slightly more than in the previous year, while tonnage fell by 3.8 percent.

In the Air & Sea Logistics business field, the combination of weak demand and substantially more capacity in air and sea freight had a profound effect. Plummeting freight rates were responsible for a drop in revenue of 46.3 percent—compared to 2022—to EUR 1.3 billion. The number of shipments rose by 2.4 percent, while tonnage fell by 7.9 percent.

Contract Logistics—a combination of transport, warehousing, and customer-specific value-added services—also underwent large-scale expansion in 2023. Dachser invested in additional capacity during the year and increased the number of pallet spaces to just under 400,000. Dachser now offers a total of more than 3 million pallet spaces across 164 warehouse locations on five continents.

Looking to the future, Eling announced that Dachser will focus even more on closely integrating the Road Logistics and Air & Sea business fields. “In the coming years, significant growth impetus will come from markets outside Europe. In order to continue serving our customers worldwide with high quality and reliability, we are linking the processes and systems of our two business fields even more closely together in order to develop an integrated global, door-to-door groupage solution that we call ‘Global Groupage’.”

Dachser’s workforce grew in 2023 by more than 1,100 people to a total of approximately 34,000. This is a reflection of the expansion of sales and IT teams, as well as the acquisitions of Müller Fresh Food Logistics and ACA International.

Overview of revenue:

About Dachser

Dachser, a family-owned company headquartered in Kempten, Germany, provides transport logistics, warehousing, and customized services in two business fields: Dachser Air & Sea Logistics and Dachser Road Logistics. The latter consists of two business lines: Dachser European Logistics and Dachser Food Logistics. Comprehensive contract logistics services and industry-specific solutions round out the company’s range. A seamless shipping network—both in Europe and overseas—and fully integrated IT systems ensure intelligent logistics solutions worldwide.

Thanks to some 34,000 employees at 382 locations all over the globe, Dachser generated consolidated net revenue of approximately EUR 7.1 billion in 2023. The same year, the logistics provider handled a total of 77.4 million shipments weighing 40.0 million metric tons. Country organizations represent Dachser in 43 countries. For more information about Dachser, please visit dachser.com

Focus on growth in global markets and integrated groupage transport

Kempten, January 11, 2024 – Since the turn of the year, Dr. Tobias Burger (46) has been the new Chief Operations Officer (COO) Air & Sea Logistics and a member of the Executive Board at logistics provider Dachser. The former Deputy Director Air & Sea Logistics replaces Edoardo Podestà (61), who has retired from active professional life after a career at Dachser spanning more than 20 years, the last four of which he spent leading the air and sea freight business. 

“The thoroughly prepared handover at the top of the Air & Sea Logistics business field reflects the targeted and long-term oriented further development of our intercontinental network,” explains Bernhard Simon, Chairman of the Supervisory Board at Dachser. “Edoardo Podestà has built up our Asian business since 2003 and has made a significant contribution to the growth of our company over the past four years as COO Air & Sea Logistics. With Dr. Tobias Burger, we now have an experienced logistics strategist at the helm of our Air & Sea Logistics organization who has a deep and holistic understanding of the complex challenges facing the global logistics markets now and in the future.”    

The central task of Tobias Burger as COO Air & Sea Logistics is to drive Dachser’s growth in the global markets. “We are convinced that the main impetus for our future growth will come from our business in Asia and the Americas,” says Burkhard Eling, CEO of Dachser. “By closely interlinking intercontinental transport with our efficient European overland transport network, we want to offer our customers a comprehensive solution for groupage services around the world. This Global Groupage offering, delivered by an integrated network with comprehensive contract logistics capabilities, definitely calls for a powerful air and sea freight organization with a global presence.”     

Burger holds a doctorate in business administration, and he began his career as a strategy consultant at Siemens Management Consulting. He joined Dachser in 2009. After working in controlling and strategy development, he was given responsibility for Corporate Governance. At that time, he was already overseeing the strategic development of the global air and sea freight network. Burger was appointed Deputy Director Air & Sea Logistics in 2019, becoming Podestà’s right-hand man. During this time, he was initially global sales manager for the air and sea freight business. In 2021 and 2022, Burger led the ASL EMEA business unit’s operations as Managing Director with great success.

Edoardo Podestà: Two decades of growth and profitability for Dachser ASL

Podestà concludes his successful career as a logistics manager by handing over the reins to Burger. An Italian who has lived in Hong Kong for many years, Podestà joined Dachser in 2003 following its acquisition of a joint venture. As Managing Director, he was initially responsible for Greater China; as Dachser’s Asian business grew, he soon took on responsibility for the entire Asia-Pacific business unit. Since 2019, he had also been at the helm of the global air and sea freight business as COO Air & Sea Logistics. “Against the backdrop of an extremely volatile market environment, he applied his depth of experience and his creativity to always chart a clear course for growth and profitability,” Eling says. 

About Dachser

Dachser, a family-owned company headquartered in Kempten, Germany, provides transport logistics, warehousing, and customized services in two business fields: Dachser Air & Sea Logistics and Dachser Road Logistics. The latter consists of two business lines: Dachser European Logistics and Dachser Food Logistics. Comprehensive contract logistics services and industry-specific solutions round out the company’s range. A seamless shipping network—both in Europe and overseas—and fully integrated IT systems ensure intelligent logistics solutions worldwide.

Thanks to some 32,850 employees at 379 locations all over the globe, Dachser generated consolidated net revenue of approximately EUR 8.1 billion in 2022. The same year, the logistics provider handled a total of 81.1 million shipments weighing 42.8 million metric tons. Country organizations represent Dachser in 41 countries. For more information about Dachser, please visit dachser.com

High roof cargo vans underlines DACHSER’s commitment to its environmental responsibilities in Dublin city distribution

DACHSER Ireland is excited to reveal the successful integration of three high roof cargo van electric vehicles (EVs) into its Dublin city distribution operations. These electric vehicles have been in service for several months, catering primarily to the dynamic life science sector in the greater Dublin area.

The electric vehicles, seamlessly incorporated into DACHSER’s delivery services since their introduction, have brought about a transformative impact on our Dublin city distribution. Embracing electric mobility aligns with DACHSER’s goal of minimising the environmental footprint of its operations while ensuring the provision of efficient and reliable transportation solutions.

The electric vehicles boast high roof cargo capacity, allowing for the efficient delivery of essential goods to the life science sector. With versatile cargo space, these vehicles significantly enhance our ability to meet the unique logistical requirements of our valued customers in the pharmaceutical, medical and hazardous industries in an environmentally sustainable way.

First Of Their Kind In Irish Distribution

A standout feature of the electric vans is their compliance with ADR regulations, marking them as the first of their kind in Irish distribution. This underscores DACHSER’s market leading position in Ireland in the transportation of hazardous materials whilst maintaining the highest safety standards.

The integration of these electric vehicles has already resulted in a substantial reduction of 32,000 kg in our annual carbon footprint. This achievement aligns with the company’s long-term sustainability objectives.

John Van den Berg, Managing Director of DACHSER Ireland, expressed enthusiasm about the ongoing project, stating, “The introduction of these electric vehicles into our operations marks a significant milestone. This investment reaffirms our commitment to sustainable logistics and positions DACHSER as a pioneer of environmentally friendly solutions in the Irish logistics industry. Through the adoption of electric mobility, we’ve made substantial strides in reducing our carbon emissions while consistently delivering exceptional service to our valued customers in the life science sector and beyond.”

About Dachser:

Dachser, a family-owned company headquartered in Kempten, Germany, provides transport logistics, warehousing, and customized services in two business fields: Dachser Air & Sea Logistics and Dachser Road Logistics. The latter consists of two business lines: Dachser European Logistics and Dachser Food Logistics. Comprehensive contract logistics services and industry-specific solutions round out the company’s range. A seamless shipping network—both in Europe and overseas—and fully integrated IT systems ensure intelligent logistics solutions worldwide.

Thanks to some 32,850 employees at 379 locations all over the globe, Dachser generated consolidated net revenue of approximately EUR 8.1 billion in 2022. The same year, the logistics provider handled a total of 81.1 million shipments weighing 42.8 million metric tons. Own organizations represent Dachser in 41 countries. For more information about Dachser, please visit dachser.com

Long-standing partnership leads to foundation of a joint venture for groupage and contract logistics

Kempten/Bolzano, August 23, 2023 – Fercam is set to transfer its Distribution (groupage) and Logistics (contract logistics) divisions to a joint venture with Dachser under the name “Dachser & Fercam Italia S.r.l.”. Dachser’s 80 percent share in the new venture strengthens and rounds off its European network. The transfer of control is still subject to approval by the relevant competition authorities.

According to the terms of the contract signed by the two companies, Fercam will detach its Fercam Distribution (groupage) and Fercam Logistics (contract logistics) divisions from Fercam AG and integrate them into the new company by the end of the year. These two divisions, which employ 920 people at 43 locations in Italy, generated some EUR 400 million in revenue in 2022.

From the beginning of 2024, the independent company will operate under the name “Dachser & Fercam Italia S.r.l.” and report directly to Alexander Tonn, COO Road Logistics at Dachser. As before, the groupage and contract logistics business in Italy will be managed by Fercam´s Distribution and Logistics manager Dr. Gianfranco Brillante and his proven team, whose expertise will provide continuity in the Italian market. Fercam AG will own a 20 percent share in Dachser & Fercam Italia S.r.l.

Fercam Transport (national and international road and rail transports), Fercam Air & Ocean, and Fercam Special Services (Fine Art, Fairs & Events, Home Delivery, Removals & Relocation, Archive & Documents Management)—including all international subsidiaries—remain exclusively owned by Fercam AG and will not become part of the new joint venture. Fercam plans to promote further growth and internationalization of these divisions in the future, including overseas.

“As family-owned companies, Dachser and Fercam are united by an understanding of values-oriented management that ensures the future viability of the company over generations. So we’re all the more pleased that we’re now strengthening our bond even more, building on our 20 years of collaboration to found this joint venture in Italy,” says Bernhard Simon, Chairman of the Supervisory Board at Dachser.

“Dachser is a dynamically growing family-owned company with similar goals and short decision-making channels, making it an outstanding and reliable partner for us for all European transports. Over the course of our partnership, however, conditions have changed considerably, with market share concentrated among only a few European and global players. That’s why we decided to launch a joint venture exclusively for groupage and contract logistics. It´s a win-win situation for both sides”, says Thomas Baumgartner, Chairman of the Supervisory Board at Fercam. “This allows us to further strengthen our ties with our partner company while simultaneously solidifying our own position,” explains Hannes Baumgartner, Managing Director of Fercam. “Being a part of Dachser’s European network opens up additional opportunities for growth, particularly in exports. That creates security and stability for the future.”

Completing the European network

The majority takeover of Fercam’s groupage and contract logistics business is the third major acquisition Dachser has made to expand its transport and logistics network in Europe, following Graveleau (France, 1999) and Azkar (Spain, 2013). “With this acquisition, we are closing the last remaining gap and rounding off our own groupage and contract logistics network in the major continental European markets,” explains Burkhard Eling, CEO of Dachser. “Our focus remains on growing organically and sustainably. In addition, this year we’ve strengthened our presence in key markets such as Benelux, Australia, Japan, and now Italy through targeted acquisitions.”

Customers stand to benefit from uniform processes and systems

“Dachser and Fercam have been working together with great success for 20 years. During this time, we’ve gotten to know each other very well and gained an appreciation for one another,” adds Alexander Tonn, COO Road Logistics at Dachser. Family-owned Fercam, headquartered in Bolzano, South Tyrol, has been handling the distribution of all groupage shipments with industrial and consumer goods from Dachser’s European network in Italy since the start of the partnership, and feeds corresponding shipments from Italy into this network. “Fercam is a guarantor of continuity and expertise in Italy. Through this acquisition and other investments, we can further accelerate our growth—especially in the Italian market—and improve the quality of our offering even more. Our customers in Europe, Italy, and worldwide will benefit from consistent processes and uniform systems in the medium term,” Tonn says regarding the synergies and customer benefits of the new joint venture.

Thanks to their long-standing partnership, Dachser and Fercam are already fully in sync when it comes to operational groupage handling. Fercam makes a point of continuously investing in its logistics facilities, digital systems, and climate protection—the two companies are an excellent fit in this respect, too.

Joint venture without duplicate structures

Dachser’s European Logistics business line did not previously have any locations of its own in Italy, so the joint venture will not result in any duplicate structures. All employees of Fercam’s Distribution and Logistics divisions will work for Dachser & Fercam Italia. Dachser’s acquisition of shares in these two divisions is also a symbol of the company’s commitment to make additional, sustainable investments in its Italian locations.

In the Food Logistics business line, which handles the transport and storage of chilled and non‑chilled food, Dachser has been represented in Italy since 2017 with three locations and around 270 employees. 

About Dachser

Dachser, a family-owned company headquartered in Kempten, Germany, provides transport logistics, warehousing, and customized services in two business fields: Dachser Air & Sea Logistics and Dachser Road Logistics. The latter consists of two business lines: Dachser European Logistics and Dachser Food Logistics. Comprehensive contract logistics services and industry-specific solutions round out the company’s range. A seamless shipping network—both in Europe and overseas—and fully integrated IT systems ensure intelligent logistics solutions worldwide.

Thanks to some 32,850 employees at 379 locations all over the globe, Dachser generated consolidated net revenue of approximately EUR 8.1 billion in 2022. The same year, the logistics provider handled a total of 81.1 million shipments weighing 42.8 million metric tons. Country organizations represent Dachser in 41 countries. For more information about Dachser, please visit dachser.com

About Fercam

Fercam is based in Bolzano in South Tyrol, Italy. In 2022, the family-owned company generated revenue of EUR 1.128 billion. The transport and logistics provider has branches in 21 countries and a close-knit network of forwarding agents worldwide. Fercam offers specialized services in a wide range of transport and logistics areas:

Fercam Transport for road and rail transports, Fercam Air & Ocean, which handles imports and exports with its own customs clearance offices, and Fercam Special Services covering Fine Art, Fairs & Events, Removals & Relocation, as well as Archive & Documents Management.The activities of the divisions for groupage and contract logistics will soon be performed by the joint venture with Dachser: Dachser & Fercam Italia S.r.l.

For more information about Fercam, please visit fercam.com

By the end of 2025, the number of cities served by DACHSER Emission-Free Delivery will have doubled to 24.

Kempten, July 19, 2023 – Dachser is significantly expanding its emission-free delivery of non-chilled groupage shipments to defined downtown areas. By the end of 2025, the logistics provider plans to launch DACHSER Emission-Free Delivery in twelve more European cities: Amsterdam, Barcelona, Dublin, Hamburg, Cologne, London, Malaga, Rotterdam, Stockholm, Toulouse, Warsaw, and Vienna. In addition, the company will expand its existing zero-emission delivery area in Paris.

“We deliberately set ourselves the ambitious goal of doubling the number of cities served by DACHSER Emission-Free Delivery by the end of 2025,” says Alexander Tonn, COO Road Logistics at Dachser. “Our network locations are highly motivated to meet our customers’ desire for more sustainable city deliveries. Achieving our goal is based on our expectations that light electric trucks will become much more readily available and expansion of the charging infrastructure will pick up pace across Europe.”

DACHSER Emission-Free Delivery: Turning 12 into 24

Thanks to its modular system, DACHSER Emission-Free Delivery is theoretically suitable for any European city. DACHSER Emission-Free Delivery is already available in twelve defined city-center delivery areas, namely in Berlin, Copenhagen, Dortmund, Freiburg, Madrid, Munich, Oslo, Paris, Porto, Prague, Strasbourg, and Stuttgart. The twelve city-center areas announced today will be added by the end of 2025. Using a modular system adapted to local requirements, the Dachser branches deploy battery-electric vans and trucks as well as electrically assisted cargo bikes. The bikes are specially designed for groupage and heavy palleted goods. Depending on a location’s specific requirements, this concept also involves the use of small transit terminals—known as microhubs—near city centers. In such cases, the cargo bikes start their tours at the microhub and carry goods into busy pedestrian zones. The e-trucks in turn supply the microhubs with goods or, for parcels and pallets that are too large or too heavy for bike transport, deliver the goods directly to recipients.

“Geography, social structure, administration: each city has its own unique profile, which we take into account when planning and implementing a zero-emission delivery area,” explains Tara Li, Project Manager DACHSER Emission-Free Delivery. “At the same time, we can draw on our experience gained in twelve European cities to identify synergies and potential for optimization.”

Positive effects on the environment and for drivers

Dachser’s city-center deliveries with zero local emissions help city administrations improve air quality and reduce traffic noise. Because the battery-electric trucks and cargo bikes emit no air pollutants, they play a major part in keeping the air clean. Dachser purchases only electricity generated from renewable resources to charge its fleet. This brings operational greenhouse gas emissions for the last mile down to zero. It also greatly reduces noise emissions, while using cargo bikes means less truck-related congestion. Battery-electric vehicles are good news for drivers, too, who are no longer exposed to engine vibrations in the cab.

Part of the long-term climate protection strategy
DACHSER Emission-Free Delivery supports the logistics provider’s long-term climate protection strategy. By promoting sustainable business development and focusing on process and energy efficiency, innovation, and inclusive responsibility, the family-owned company is paving the way for sustainable logistics together with its customers and partners.

About Dachser

Dachser, a family-owned company headquartered in Kempten, Germany, provides transport logistics, warehousing, and customized services in two business fields: Dachser Air & Sea Logistics and Dachser Road Logistics. The latter consists of two business lines: Dachser European Logistics and Dachser Food Logistics. Comprehensive contract logistics services and industry-specific solutions round out the company’s range. A seamless shipping network—both in Europe and overseas—and fully integrated IT systems ensure intelligent logistics solutions worldwide.

Thanks to some 32,850 employees at 379 locations all over the globe, Dachser generated consolidated net revenue of approximately EUR 8.1 billion in 2022. The same year, the logistics provider handled a total of 81.1 million shipments weighing 42.8 million metric tons. Country organizations represent Dachser in 41 countries. For more information about Dachser, please visit dachser.com

Alfred Miller will retire at the end of the year and be succeeded by Alexander Tonn, COO Road Logistics

Kempten, June 30, 2023 – Alfred Miller, long-serving Managing Director of Dachser Food Logistics, will retire at the end of this year. Effective January 1, 2024, Alexander Tonn will head the business unit in conjunction with his other role as COO Road Logistics. Tonn will further develop Dachser’s food logistics strategy, in particular in an international context.

Alfred Miller (60) has headed Dachser Food Logistics since 2010.Under his leadership, the business line has substantially expanded its market position, most notably in contract logistics. This has been accompanied by continuous revenue growth, from EUR 480 million in 2010 to EUR 1.3 billion in 2022.

“As both a stability factor and growth driver, Dachser Food Logistics has played a major role in the dynamic and sustainable business development of the entire company. For many years now, food logistics has been a key pillar of our business model,” says Bernhard Simon, Chairman of the Dachser Supervisory Board. “In addition, over his long career at Dachser, Mr. Miller has always demonstrated his commitment to advancing the company as a whole.”

“Over the past 13 years, we’ve written an impressive food logistics success story,” says Alexander Tonn, Chief Operations Officer (COO) Road Logistics at Dachser. “As an outstanding leader and through tireless effort, Mr. Miller has taken our activities in this area to a whole new level. That goes for quality and growth as well as for his close relationships with employees and customers.”

Focusing on internationalization

Many of the milestones Dachser Food Logistics has achieved since 2010 have been related to internationalization. “Prominent examples include the acquisition of Dutch provider Müller Fresh Food Logistics at the beginning of the year, and of course the establishment ten years ago of the European Food Network under Dachser’s system leadership,” Tonn says. In that time, this network for food groupage transports has achieved a solid position in the European market. Together, its 23 members now cover 34 countries.

Planned succession

Alexander Tonn will take the helm at Dachser Food Logistics as of January 1, 2024. He will be supported by Stefan Behrendt (46), who will take up the newly created post of Deputy Managing Director Food Logistics on October 1, 2023. Behrendt previously managed Dachser’s Niederrhein logistics center in Neuss, Germany, successfully expanding that location’s food logistics activities.

A long career at Dachser

Alfred Miller has been with Dachser for nearly 40 years. In 1984, he began his training as a logistics specialist at what was then Dachser’s Neu-Ulm branch. In 1988, he completed his degree in transport administration. He then took charge of freight forwarding at the Neu-Ulm branch and was made an authorized signatory in 1992. In 1997, he was appointed manager of the Bremen branch. Miller returned to southern Germany in 1999, overseeing the extensive expansion of Dachser’s Gersthofen branch near Augsburg in his role as branch manager. In 2004, he was elected spokesperson for the Dachser branches. Miller assumed responsibility for the company’s Food Logistics business line in April 2010.

About Dachser

Dachser, a family-owned company headquartered in Kempten, Germany, provides transport logistics, warehousing, and customized services in two business fields: Dachser Air & Sea Logistics and Dachser Road Logistics. The latter consists of two business lines: Dachser European Logistics and Dachser Food Logistics. Comprehensive contract logistics services and industry-specific solutions round out the company’s range. A seamless shipping network—both in Europe and overseas—and fully integrated IT systems ensure intelligent logistics solutions worldwide.

Thanks to some 32,850 employees at 379 locations all over the globe, Dachser generated consolidated net revenue of approximately EUR 8.1 billion in 2022. The same year, the logistics provider handled a total of 81.1 million shipments weighing 42.8 million metric tons. Country organizations represent Dachser in 41 countries. For more information about Dachser, please visit dachser.com