GEODIS Wilson

Leading global logistics service provider, GEODIS has announced the appointment of Simon Vandekerckove as Country Managing Director in Vietnam.

The pace of change in supply chains is accelerating rapidly.  To reach its five-year growth objectives, GEODIS needs to be even more agile and adapt even faster than in recent years. Based on customer centric value creation and sustainability, the global logistics company plans on achieving this in particular in Vietnam, which has both experienced a continuous GDP growth of about 10% on average per year and transformed exponentially by leapfrogging to some of the most recent technologies and systems.

The country’s economy is on the same path to wealth as were those of China and Japan in the past. The recent European Union Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) reinforces this trend by making the European market more accessible to Vietnamese exporters. It also opens the Vietnam market to European exporters, an opportunity for which GEODIS in Vietnam is uniquely positioned to support its clients in taking advantage of.

To meet the requirements of this increasingly demanding market, GEODIS has appointed as Country Managing Director Simon Vandekerckove, who takes over from Alan Miu, the caretaker in the role for the last eighteen months. Simon joins GEODIS in Vietnam with over 13 years of experience in the freight delivery sector. A French national, he has lived in Vietnam for the past 7 years as the country manager for a leading logistics company and is recognized for his expertise as well as experience in supply chain management. In his role Simon reports to Rene Bach-Larsen, the sub-regional Managing Director of GEODIS ASEAN.

In welcoming Simon, GEODIS Asia-Pacific Regional President and CEO, Onno Boots said, “In order to drive our ambitious plans for sustainable growth in the midst of challenging trading conditions we require strong leadership within our country organizations.  We seek to put in position those with industry experience, a thorough knowledge of the country and varied relevant skill-sets. Simon’s appointment underlines these priorities.”

With the continuous inward integration of ASEAN economies and supply chains, Vietnam also has a growing role as a regional transport hub.  GEODIS has developed its own cross border trucking operation, GEODIS ROAD NETWORK (GRN) which currently connects Singapore to Thailand and is planned to extend into Vietnam by end of 2020 and additionally into China in 2021. One of Simon’s prime objectives will be to integrate Vietnamese hubs into GRN.  This pioneering cross-border trucking system offers scheduled departures for consignments along the Singapore-Kuala Lumpur-Bangkok axis and will facilitate multi-modal gateway services to/from Vietnam. 

Understandably, Simon is relishing his challenging new role, “GEODIS in Vietnam is one of the best positioned forwarders in the country to support suppliers to the retail sector in particular,” he notes.  “We are able to arrange freight, customs clearance inhouse, contract logistics and distribution from our own facility.  We are well-placed to assist brands in taking advantage of the ecommerce boom with the full range of supply chain management tools, including last mile delivery to fulfill orders received on customers own ecommerce platforms. We plan on scaling up this offer.”

GEODIS – www.geodis.com

GEODIS is a top-rated, global supply chain operator recognized for its commitment to helping clients overcome their logistical constraints. GEODIS’ growth-focused offerings (Supply Chain Optimization, Freight Forwarding, Contract Logistics, Distribution & Express, and Road Transport) coupled with the company’s truly global reach thanks to a direct presence in 67 countries, and a global network spanning 120 countries, translates in top business rankings, #1 in France, #6 in Europe and #7 worldwide.

In 2019, GEODIS accounted for over 41,000 employees globally and generated €8.2 billion in sales.

October 8, 2020, Paris, FRANCE: Leading logistics operator GEODIS and Accenture Interactive, part of Accenture (NYSE: ACN), today unveiled a new study which found that while there are key logistics capabilities required to build and maintain successful ecommerce operations, few brands excel at any of them.

Findings highlight:

• Acceleration of online sales

• Aims to reduce dependence on online marketplaces
• Pivotal nature of customer experience in growing sales
• Weaknesses in key logistics capabilities
• A lack of real-time supply chain visibility

“This study takes stock of the ambitions and concerns of European and American companies facing the rapid increase in ecommerce. If they want to take advantage of the rise in online sales, they must develop omnichannel logistics strategies tailored to their maturity levels,” says Marie-Christine Lombard, chief executive officer of GEODIS.

200 European and American companies that operate multiple channel logistics were interviewed about their ecommerce-related expectations for growing their brands’ sales.

2020: The Acceleration of Ecommerce

First and foremost, the study confirms that the pandemic greatly accelerated online commerce growth. Brands estimate that ecommerce in 2020 will represent nearly half of their sales (compared to a third before COVID-19).

Before the crisis, companies were making 34% of their sales online (28% on average in marketplaces and 6% on their own websites).

During lockdown, 65% of sales were made online: 38% via marketplaces and 27% on brands’ online stores. The increase is even more marked in Europe than in the United States. European companies without online sales solutions were heavily penalized, with 40% of the brands surveyed estimating that sales lost due to COVID-19 will exceed 15% of their earnings on average.

A Desire for Greater Ecommerce Ownership

A second finding indicated that most companies (52%) felt that their ecommerce potential is limited by their logistical capabilities.

“Many brands use marketplaces as a one-stop shop for selling their products online. This allows them to reach a wide audience and compensate for a lack of resources and logistical infrastructures, all while providing an expected customer experience,” said Sohel Aziz, managing director, Accenture Interactive.

59% of European companies rely on marketplaces for their online sales, a number even higher than for American companies (46%). Marketplaces held a 28% market share in the pre-COVID-19 period, a number that has risen to 38% during the pandemic.

However, most of the brands surveyed believe that over-reliance on marketplaces is not sustainable and wish to shift more of that balance toward owned ecommerce channels. Nearly two-thirds (64%) state that reducing their dependence on marketplaces is their first or second priority for the next six months.

Within 3 years, 76% of American companies and 56% of European companies surveyed wish to sell directly to consumers via their own websites, aiming to make 20% of their total sales there. (Infographic A)

“Direct sales from brands’ retail websites currently represent 5% to 8% of online sales. Brands would like to increase that to 20% or 30% in the next three to five years. The survey shows that brands are aware of the fact that improving their omnichannel logistics capabilities, such as customer experience – through customization of delivery options and tracking or customers’ ability to modify orders, for example, is essential and urgent if they are to reach this goal,” concludes Aziz.

Improving the Customer Experience, a Priority for Brands

76% of the companies surveyed state that improving the customer experience is their greatest long-term challenge. (Infographic C)

“The customer experience includes the purchasing experience and the delivery experience,” notes Ashwani Nath, vice president and global head of e-channel solutions, GEODIS. “Brands strive to provide a delivery experience that equals the act of purchasing. Among other things, this means providing improved e-fulfillment, a range of flexible delivery options, more practical tracking visibility and simple returns,” explains Nath.

Currently, 38% of American brands offer two-to-three-day shipping nationwide, and 56% plan to do so within three years (25% and 57% for European brands).

For international (intercontinental) shipping, no American brands currently offer two-to-three-day shipping, although 17% plan to do so within the next three years; 15% offer four-to-five-day shipping, with 66% planning to do so within the next three years. As for European brands, none of them currently offer two-to-three-day international shipping, although 7% plan to do so within the next three years; 4% offer four-to-five-day shipping, with 76% hoping to do so within the next three years.

The study reveals the ambitious objectives of the brands to reduce shipping times to three-day shipping within a maximum of three years for the domestic market and four-to-five for intercontinental shipping.

Among the Challenges: The Lack of Real-Time Visibility

Other challenges are emerging. Although they differ between the United States and Europe, the actions taken are comparable: Brands have worked on offering greater shipping flexibility and simplifying returns (80% of the brands surveyed had recently made efforts to provide a more practical product return process).

However, the survey points to the fact that just 16% of the companies questioned are able to get real-time key performance indicators for their supply chain (only 25% of American brands and 10% of European brands say they have access to this information). In addition, 40% of European brands say that their analytical capabilities are too rudimentary, generating data in a fragmented way, often manually and without clear governance.

“Only a minority of them have real-time supply chain inventory visibility. However, this visibility is essential to ensuring product availability, offering a variety of shipping choices and informing the customer of the product’s shipping status. In short — satisfying the customer,” says Nath. “Behind the scenes, this means optimizing the logistics cost for each order and overcoming many logistical challenges: reconciling the physical with the digital, maintaining a real-time inventory, optimizing stock, managing transportation, orchestrating orders while dealing with a variety of processes and partners. This will help brands to better utilize their physical assets and gain a competitive advantage.”

“This calls for integrating stores with ecommerce networks to serve as order processing centers, collection points, shipping facilities and fulfillment centers. One thing is for certain: inventory will have to be closer to the end customer, no matter where they may be, to ensure agility and availability,” concludes Nath.

Whitepaper available for download on the GEODIS site

Available upon request from the press department.

Methodology

• Accenture Research surveyed 200 companies (60% in Europe and 40% in the United States) with an online presence and a network of stores.
• Sales revenue between $100 million and $20 billion.
• Nine lines of business: consumer electronics, fashion & sport, luxury, furnishings, body care, non-perishable food, home care, games & toys.
• Report is the result of in-depth telephone interviews in the United States and in Europe at the end of 2019, coupled with a study conducted online in the United States and Europe between May and June of 2020.

GEODIS – www.geodis.com

GEODIS is a top-rated, global supply chain operator recognized for its commitment to helping clients overcome their logistical constraints. GEODIS’ growth-focused offerings (Supply Chain Optimization, Freight Forwarding, Contract Logistics, Distribution & Express, and Road Transport) coupled with the company’s truly global reach thanks to a direct presence in 67 countries, and a global network spanning 120 countries, translates in top business rankings, #1 in France, #6 in Europe and #7 worldwide. In 2019, GEODIS accounted for over 41,000 employees globally and generated €8.2 billion in sales.

About Accenture 
Accenture (NYSE: ACN) is a leading global professional services company, providing a broad range of services in strategy and consulting, interactive, technology and operations, with digital capabilities across all of these services. We combine unmatched experience and specialized capabilities across more than 40 industries — powered by the world’s largest network of Advanced Technology and Intelligent Operations centers. With 506,000 people serving clients in more than 120 countries, Accenture brings continuous innovation to help clients improve their performance and create lasting value across their enterprises. Visit us at www.accenture.com. 

Copyright © 2020 Accenture.

All rights reserved. Accenture and its logo are registered trademarks

Accenture Interactive is reimagining business through experience. We drive sustainable growth by creating meaningful experiences that live at the intersection of purpose and innovation. By connecting deep human and business insights with the possibilities of technology, we design, build, communicate and run experiences that make lives easier, more productive and rewarding. Accenture Interactive is ranked the world’s largest digital agency by Ad Age and has been named a Most Innovative Company by Fast Company. To learn more, follow us @AccentureACTIVE and visit www.accentureinteractive.com. 

As part of its AirDirect service, which is an own controlled network (OCN), leading global logistics provider GEODIS has confirmed a two-way schedule of flights from China to Europe and back, through to early 2021, guaranteeing its customers a regular & reliable service.

GEODIS originally instigated its full aircraft charter arrangements on this route in March with ad hoc flights and introduced a weekly timetable in June to meet the urgent need for air cargo capacity which had diminished due to the effects of the pandemic. Now, with both freighter and passenger belly-hold space still in short supply, the logistics provider has announced a permanent schedule reaching into next year.  Weekly direct flights will depart from Shanghai (PVG) every Monday and from Amsterdam (AMS) each Sunday to service what is expected to be a post-COVID resurgence in demand during what is traditionally a fourth quarter peak season.

The advent of the China-Europe-China service brings the company’s total investment in GEODIS’ OCN to over €70 million. More than 400 flights have been successfully completed across Asia, Europe, North and Latin America to date. Full details are available here: https://geodis.com/customer-advisory-bulletin

Among the customers requiring such a service are, in particular, a European auto manufacturer equipping its plant in China with sub-assembly parts.

In addition, Lenovo, a global leader in the manufacturing of personal computers, smartphones, workstations, computer servers and smart IoT devices, is one of GEODIS’ customers of its AirDirect Mexico service (Hong Kong/ Guadalajara) as well as its weekly direct flights from Shanghai-Amsterdam. GEODIS ensures the transportation of Lenovo’s products are safely and securely handled, helping Lenovo to deliver its components to factories and finished goods to customers in a timely manner.

“It is vital for our customers in China to be not only assured of regular capacity but also that their freight partner is controlling the transport service network, including flight operations,” says Onno Boots, GEODIS’ Regional President and CEO for Asia Pacific.  “As a growth partner for our customers, GEODIS understands this need well. The “Own Controlled Network” initiative is a prime example of how we are extending control of our multi-modal network. In addition, we are exploring options to establish a connection between China and India, as well as linking Hong Kong and Singapore in the network. These efforts aim to provide a hub that will seamlessly link with our GEODIS Asia Road Network.”

“Both the Amsterdam and Shanghai hubs are ideal for coordinating multi-origin and destination cargoes.  Our network of operations in Europe, as well as Asia is designed to maximize connectivity, giving our customers full flexibility in terms of pick-up and delivery points,” says Stanislas Brun, SVP Global Air Freight.  “The regularity and reliability of this newly-established service, coupled with the visibility provided by our IRIS systems technology*, will help manufacturers and retailers rejuvenate their business as the global economy recovers post-COVID.  We hope to help them prevent further supply chain disruption and reduce the inevitable temptation to increase buffer stock, with its consequent costs.”

*Editor’s Note:  IRIS gives GEODIS customers information on the real-time status of their shipments in addition to access to relevant documentation; label printing when appropriate; exception management through ‘mile-stone’ alerts and KPI reporting. The automated booking system ensures data accuracy and saves time.  It also enables customers to review local charges and full end-to-end costs; arrange pick-ups and final mile deliveries and details of all port-to-port rates are available through the pricing engine.

GEODIS – www.geodis.com 

GEODIS is a top-rated, global supply chain operator recognized for its commitment to helping clients overcome their logistical constraints. GEODIS’ growth-focused offerings (Supply Chain Optimization, Freight Forwarding, Contract Logistics, Distribution & Express, and Road Transport) coupled with the company’s truly global reach thanks to a direct presence in 67 countries, and a global network spanning 120 countries, translates in top business rankings, #1 in France, #6 in Europe and #7 worldwide. In 2019, GEODIS accounted for over 41,000 employees globally and generated €8.2 billion in sales.

[INTERNATIONAL E-COMMERCE]

To provide European consumers with reliable delivery at an affordable price from North America, GEODIS is launching a new, guaranteed 4-to-6-day B2C delivery service from the United States to 27 European countries for companies seeking to develop their international online sales.

Although more and more web users are now visiting commercial websites located abroad, they often abandon their purchase halfway through the process due to high shipping costs, delivery times seen as too long, customs fees and taxes that are not revealed until after payment or even the lack of a clear return policy.

To overcome these hurdles, GEODIS is launching “GEODIS MyParcel”, a direct-to-customer intercontinental delivery service with guaranteed delivery times at a lower cost.  “With the explosive growth of international e-Commerce, our customers want to offer consumers a premium service at a completely transparent price,” explains Manoj Pankaj, Vice President Cross-Border e-Commerce of GEODIS.

This new end-to-end service, called “GEODIS MyParcel”, will initially ship small packages from the United States to the end consumer in 27 European countries within 4 to 6 days. The service is to be progressively expanded globally. It includes validation of delivery addresses and merchandise HS codes[1], a tax and customs duty calculator (displayed throughout the payment process), as well as an option to reschedule delivery, and shipment tracking at all key stages.

With GEODIS MyParcel, GEODIS provides brands with a simple, innovative way to launch or increase their E-commerce sales on a global scale. “We are helping them to develop to their full potential in new markets by strengthening their international field of action” says Ashwani Nath, Global Head of e-Channel Solutions of GEODIS. “In the coming months we will be adding new geographical areas, both in terms of destinations and countries of origin as part of our global e-Commerce strategy”.

GEODIS – www.geodis.com

GEODIS is a top-rated, global supply chain operator recognized for its commitment to helping clients overcome their logistical constraints. GEODIS’ growth-focused offerings (Supply Chain Optimization, Freight Forwarding, Contract Logistics, Distribution & Express, and Road Transport) coupled with the company’s truly global reach thanks to a direct presence in 67 countries, and a global network spanning 120 countries, translates in top business rankings, #1 in France, #6 in Europe and #7 worldwide.

In 2019, GEODIS accounted for over 41,000 employees globally and generated €8.2 billion in sales.

[1] HS code: Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System. The Harmonized System is an international nomenclature for the classification of products. It allows participating countries to classify traded goods on a common basis for customs purposes.

The appointment of Gary O’Connor was effective in June and is aimed at helping drive GEODIS’s growth in this important market.  The strategy will be focused on developing business in the healthcare sector while growing the company’s influence over well-established verticals, including e-Commerce, high tech and FMCG.

Gary will oversee the operations of the GEODIS Group that encompasses Contract Logistics, Overland Transport, Freight Forwarding, Supply Chain Optimization, Express & Parcel Deliveries and effectively manages customers’ supply chains in their totality’  “Gary is well qualified for the challenging role,” says Laurent Parat, President and CEO of the WEMEA Region. “As MD in Ireland of another leading logistics company for the last number of years, Gary worked closely within the healthcare sector, serving global clients with large manufacturing or distribution operations in the country. He brings valuable knowledge of a sector that demands high levels of quality and compliance from its 3PL partners.”

O’Connor joins a GEODIS team that recently established itself in a new state of the art logistics facility at Dublin Airport Logistics Park. The property extends to almost 20,000sq m.  With a fully secured yard and 15 dock levellers, the new operation benefits from its proximity to the airport as well as swift access to the city centre and road links to the rest of the country.

“I’m hoping to add my fifteen-year experience of working with healthcare supply chains to that of the GEODIS Ireland team, which already has considerable presence in the sector,” says O’Connor. “The growth potential in the Irish healthcare market is encouraging, as is GEODIS’ ability to implement true end-to-end control of customers’ supply chains across our other target verticals. I am excited by the possibilities of designing solutions that potentially comprise forwarding, transport, contract logistics, distribution and last-mile delivery and allow our customers to grow their businesses.”

GEODIS – www.geodis.com 

GEODIS is a top-rated, global supply chain operator recognized for its passion and commitment to helping clients overcome their logistical constraints. GEODIS’ growth-focused offerings (Supply Chain Optimization, Freight Forwarding, Contract Logistics, Distribution & Express, and Road Transport) coupled with the company’s truly global reach thanks to a direct presence in 67 countries, and a global network spanning 120 countries, translates in top business rankings, #1 in France, #6 in Europe and #7 worldwide. In 2019, GEODIS accounted for over 41,000 employees globally and generated €8.2 billion in sales.

Strongly committed to reducing its carbon footprint, GEODIS, a world leader in transport and logistics, has set itself the ambition of reducing its CO2 emissions by 30% by 2030.

To achieve this objective, GEODIS has deployed a program that focuses on four areas of progress: measuring; reducing its greenhouse gas emissions – in particular through lower fuel consumption and the development of alternative engines and energies; setting up partnerships with its main subcontractors and developing “low-carbon” solutions for its customers.

In addition, GEODIS is aware that collaboration and involvement with major groups are essential to meet the challenges of climate change and is therefore engaging with the various players in the sector.

By joining ECTA’s creation and call to action alongside 20 other leading European businesses and organisations, it is GEODIS’ intention to help progress the mission of decarbonizing road freight in the European Union.

“GEODIS calls for the implementation of policies that accelerate the decarbonization of the road freight sector with an approach that is fair to the whole market. The deployment of low-emission vehicles and energy infrastructure is an essential requirement to enable the transport sector’s transition.” says Philippe de Carné, Executive Vice President, Business Development, Innovation & Business Excellence of GEODIS.

ECTA calls urges the European Union to make the shift to zero-emissions trucks a priority in order to meet the ambitious emission targets of the proposed EU Climate Law by 2030 and achieve a carbon-neutral Europe by 2050.

More information on the ECTA announcement: https://clean-trucking.eu/

GEODIS – www.geodis.com 

GEODIS is a top-rated, global supply chain operator recognized for its commitment to helping clients overcome their logistical constraints. GEODIS’ growth-focused offerings (Supply Chain Optimization, Freight Forwarding, Contract Logistics, Distribution & Express, and Road Transport) coupled with the company’s truly global reach thanks to a direct presence in 67 countries, and a global network spanning 120 countries, translates in top business rankings, #1 in France, #6 in Europe and #7 worldwide. In 2019, GEODIS accounted for over 41,000 employees globally and generated €8.2 billion in sales.

Gartner evaluates vendors based on their ability to execute and for completeness of vision, and has positioned GEODIS in the Leaders quadrant in its 2020 Magic Quadrant for Third-Party Logistics, Worldwide.

According to Gartner, “Leaders rate well on the highly weighted criteria for both Ability to Execute and Completeness of Vision. This means the leading providers have extensive service offerings and infrastructure and make them available across an expansive global footprint.” Furthermore, “Leaders also have well-structured strategies and business models to continue to expand their capabilities, regional coverage and industry specialization, and they are adept at offering services for different customer segments.”

“We particularly value this recognition because we believe it illustrates the spirit of success that we have in GEODIS. Behind great successes in business there is great logistics – at GEODIS that is what we aim to deliver every day, to every customer, from start-ups to global players”, says Marie-Christine Lombard, GEODIS Chief Executive Officer. “Our objective of sustainable growth encourages us to keep moving forward in an environment where the expansion of e-commerce, the growing need for on-demand services and the constant search for real-time visibility, coupled with high levels of corporate social responsibility, are paramount. In these circumstances we need to be even more agile in order to provide our customers with adapted and innovative solutions.”

With a direct presence in 67 countries and a global network that extends across more than 120 countries, GEODIS covers the entire supply chain through its five business lines: express courier and last mile delivery; full-truckload road transport; contract logistics; freight forwarding and supply chain optimization. This range of services allows GEODIS to provide its customers with comprehensive solutions enabled by its 41,000 employees, physical infrastructure, processes and information systems.

Gartner Disclaimer

Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in its research publications and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner research publications consist of the opinions of Gartner’s Research & Advisory organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

GEODIS – www.geodis.com 

GEODIS is a top-rated, global supply chain operator recognized for its passion and commitment to helping clients overcome their logistical constraints. GEODIS’ growth-focused offerings (Supply Chain Optimization, Freight Forwarding, Contract Logistics, Distribution & Express, and Road Transport) coupled with the company’s truly global reach thanks to a direct presence in 67 countries, and a global network spanning 120 countries, translates in top business rankings, #1 in France, #6 in Europe and #7 worldwide. In 2019, GEODIS accounted for over 41,000 employees globally and generated €8.2 billion in sales.

[1] Gartner, “Magic Quadrant for Third-Party Logistics, Worldwide,” David Gonzalez, et al, 10 June 2020.

1 JULY 2020 – LEVALLOIS-PERRET

This new partnership will enable GEODIS to strengthen the transport supply of its Distribution & Express line of business to Northern Germany, while offering Hellmann access to GEODIS’ distribution network in France, which is unmatched.

GEODIS, a global leader in transport and logistics, and Hellmann Worldwide Logistics, a global transportation provider head-quartered in Osnabrück, Germany announce the signing of a partnership agreement for the ground transport of goods between France and Germany, starting on September 1, 2020.

Already working together as partners in the UK market, the two companies aim to offer their customers a first-class level of distribution between the two countries.

Through this new arrangement with the Hellmann Group, GEODIS broadens its German distribution system, particularly in the central and northern part of Germany. For its part, Hellmann will entrust GEODIS with its French shipments.

The numerous branches of Hellmann’s network will be used on a daily basis to connect France with all major German industrial regions and will offer an average delivery time of 48 hours.

“This partnership positions GEODIS as industry leader in terms of trade between France and Germany. It will offer a unique cross-border grid that will allow our customers to enjoy attractive delivery times between both countries. We have been working successfully with Hellmann in Great Britain for several weeks. With our relationship now firmly established, we look forward to expanding this collaboration,” stated Stéphane Cassagne, Executive Vice President of GEODIS Distribution & Express.

France’s leading messaging network with 110 branches, GEODIS Distribution & Express offers express transport solutions, messaging, courier service, B2B and B2C delivery solutions, single or multi-package services ranging from 1 gram to 1 ton, as well as charter and pallet transportation services throughout France and Europe.

Image available:  Source GEODIS – https://geodis.keepeek.com/bI089z5Xk

GEODIS – www.geodis.com

GEODIS is a top-rated, global supply chain operator recognized for its commitment to helping clients overcome their logistical constraints. GEODIS’ growth-focused offerings (Supply Chain Optimization, Freight Forwarding, Contract Logistics, Distribution & Express, and Road Transport) coupled with the company’s truly global reach thanks to a direct presence in 67 countries, and a global network spanning 120 countries, translates in top business rankings, #1 in France, #6 in Europe and #7 worldwide. In 2019, GEODIS accounted for over 41,000 employees globally and generated €8.2 billion in sales.

29 June 2020 – LEVALLOIS-PERRET

In response to the rapid increase in e-Commerce activity, GEODIS is offering brands a new level of end-to-end logistics support. Its goal? To help them offer their customers the same buying experience online as they do in-store. For this, GEODIS relies on its network of e-Commerce warehouses and transportation service at locations worldwide, and on its new digital platform for the processing of orders in real time.

“The current crisis has benefited e-Commerce, a fundamental sales channel that is experiencing profound accelerated growth, from France to China via the United States. Responding to this new consumer demand requires brands to be able to orchestrate both orders and inventories, while overcoming major logistical obstacles. This is why GEODIS e-Logistics has been developed. This new offering, based on the power of digital technology, is aimed at strengthening brand autonomy”, explains Marie-Christine Lombard, Chief Executive Officer of GEODIS.

Behind the scenes, once the consumer has validated their shopping cart in an online store, marketplace, or social media network, a race against time begins to deliver the order in accordance with the consumer’s choices. “Locating the available product closest to the consumer, wherever that may be, while optimizing the ‘time-cost’ factor, seems like common sense, but today it’s a challenge. Most brands are still struggling to achieve profitable growth via the e-Commerce channel and to provide a personalized customer experience,” explains Ashwani Nath, Vice President & Global Head of e-channel solutions of GEODIS.

GEODIS wants to enable brands to restore their decision-making power to meet consumer expectations while controlling their logistical costs. “Our solution is scalable and allows us to quickly, and easily connect brands’ e-Commerce protocols to our warehouse (e-Fulfillment) and transportation networks,” Ashwani Nath clarifies.

The platform provides a real-time overview of all available inventory, in-store, in warehouse or in transit, worldwide. It also provides for the management of orders no matter the sales channel, and determines the most appropriate supply source, delivery method and returns options.

With this new offering, GEODIS is positioning itself as a preferred logistics partner for brands looking to grow their direct online sales to consumers and retain effective control over their resulting orders. It reaffirms its own mission to be a partner in its customers’ growth.

Image available:  Source GEODIS — https://geodis.keepeek.com/biSNkT5jo

GEODIS – www.geodis.com

GEODIS is a top-rated, global supply chain operator recognized for its commitment to helping clients overcome their logistical constraints. GEODIS’ growth-focused offerings (Supply Chain Optimization, Freight Forwarding, Contract Logistics, Distribution & Express, and Road Transport) coupled with the company’s truly global reach thanks to a direct presence in 67 countries, and a global network spanning 120 countries, translates in top business rankings, #1 in France, #6 in Europe and #7 worldwide. In 2019, GEODIS accounted for over 41,000 employees globally and generated €8.2 billion in sales.

In this report entitled “Securing Supply Chains”, GEODIS reviews the high points of 2019. A year marked by strong governance, its new strategic plan, Ambition 2023 and its determination to create sustainable value. Central to the Group’s success were a trusted relationship with its stakeholders, successful reorganization, a strong culture of innovation and tangible CSR commitments.

Despite sluggish global economic conditions, the Group achieved solid financial results and pursued its aims in the areas of social and environmental responsibility, confirming its role as a committed industry leader.

Both financial and non-financial indicators, as well as external assessments reflect this conclusion:

• 87% satisfied customers,
• 91% of employees satisfied (87% in 2017),
• More than 13,000 new hires,
• €223M in cash flow from recurring operations,
• Recognized as a “Leader” in Gartner’s “Magic Quadrant” report,
• “Gold” level, the highest score ever obtained (score 72/100**), awarded by EcoVadis
• CDP* A- rating, the highest ever obtained. It places the Group in the category of companies that lead the way in controlling and reducing their greenhouse gas emissions.

GEODIS enhanced its global digitalization strategy, particularly through its “Odyssey” program aimed at improving support function processes and expanding its product portfolio using innovative digital solutions.

The year was also marked by the launch of a new express delivery service from Hong Kong to Mexico for high-tech customers (called “AirDirect Mexico”); several major contract renewals and the opening of sites, including 100,000 m² for a major e-commerce company.

Firmly convinced that a successful company requires flawless logistics, GEODIS also asserted its role as a growth partner for its customers by adopting a new brand signature “Keep Rising”, signifying resilience and a drive to succeed.

“In 2019, constantly changing market dynamics demanded flexibility. More than ever we focused on our customers’ success by providing transport and logistics solutions that have optimized their supply chains and improved their environmental performance. Thanks to the commitment of our teams around the world, we have implemented innovative solutions on many occasions jointly initiated with our customers.

The Covid-19 pandemic crisis has revealed the extent to which logistics is a strategic factor for companies as well as for nations.

The multiple and complex challenges that the disruption brought to the global economy demonstrate the need to make supply chains more secure.” says Marie-Christine Lombard, Chief Executive Officer of GEODIS.

GEODIS’ 2019 Activity and CSR Report is available for download by clicking here.

*The CDP was formerly known as the Carbon Disclosure Project.

**Score of 72/100 (+ 2 points) awarded in 2019.

GEODIS – www.geodis.com 

GEODIS is a top-rated, global supply chain operator recognized for its commitment to helping clients overcome their logistical constraints. GEODIS’ growth-focused offerings (Supply Chain Optimization, Freight Forwarding, Contract Logistics, Distribution & Express, and Road Transport) coupled with the company’s truly global reach thanks to a direct presence in 67 countries, and a global network spanning 120 countries, translates in top business rankings, #1 in France, #6 in Europe and #7 worldwide. In 2019, GEODIS accounted for over 41,000 employees globally and generated €8.2 billion in sales.