Traffic, globalisation, CSR and technology are just a few of the issues with global logistics, says DB Schenker’s EVP Joerg Eggenberger
How might Brexit impact DB Schenker, if at all?
Britain’s decision to exit the European Union has no direct effect on our daily business so far and it doesn’t influence our plans with our Fairs & Exhibitions business. In fact, we have recently decided to considerably expand our Fairs & Exhibition team in Britain in order to better service the local industry and its global leading organisers.
Predicting the political, economic and social impact of the Brexit at this early stage is very much like sticking a finger in the wind and predicting the weather for the next five years. We will of course continue to monitor the situation very closely and do everything to keep the impact on the business for both our customers and ourselves as little as possible.
What are the challenges and benefits of globalisation?
Globalisation is definitely a challenge for logistics providers. Our customers expect a fast, seamless and reliable service at a competitive price, irrespective whether the goods are coming from next door or halfway around the world.
Increasingly volatile world markets, uncertain weather conditions, disruptive and diverse political conditions, different taxation regulations – all these are challenges logistics companies are facing.
As a result our services must be tailored to customers’ needs, and increasingly flexible.
Our extensive global network with 2,000 locations in more than 130 countries helps us to cope with these challenges. Our country organisations have the local knowledge required and are well prepared to meet our customer needs.
What efforts and challenges are you facing with emissions and CSR?
We are convinced that a company’s success means more than just economic performance and we aim to strike a balance between economic, social and environmental pillars.
Being aware of the social responsibility we are providing a framework to support worthy causes through a variety of CSR initiatives, encourage our employees to get involved and our country organisations and branches to support good work being undertaken by local communities.
We strive to lead the way in the environmental protection movement and aim to become the eco pioneer in our industry. We are continuously reducing CO2 emissions and are greatly expanding our material and resource protection activities.
DB has co-developed the software tool: EcoTransIT World. The tool reliably calculates carbon dioxide and other harmful emissions for modes of transports. Through EcoTransIT, exhibitors and contractors can instantly see the environmental impacts of transporting their shipments to any event location and can visibly choose greener and more environmentally friendly options.
Which new technological changes could benefit the sector? How might the future of logistics look?
The exhibition logistics industry would certainly benefit from a more digital approach. Surprisingly our industry is lacking digital innovations.
DB SCHENKERfairs is at the forefront of digitalisation and works with bespoke and state-of-the-art IT systems catered to exhibition logistics. Our IT innovations bring a sustainable approach to our business and enable us to work with the highest level of efficiency.
Being in a leading role does not allow us to sit back and be satisfied with our current solutions. We want to keep the pole position and are continuously updating our existing systems and working on new developments.
Our IT/digitalisation task force with members from all over the world is working closely with leading global organisers to pick up new trends in order to ensure our clients are receiving the best possible customer service and communication within the industry.
How has your company grown? What is your USP?
DB Schenker has successfully developed its Fairs & Exhibitions and Sports Events logistics business in the past 60 years.
With more than 1,000 employees in 49 countries DB Schenker is one of the world´s largest Fairs & Exhibitions logistics providers.
Our global network is our USP. Global organisers can rely on our high standards, which were developed in one of the world´s leading exhibition markets, Germany. High global standards combined with local expertise in our day-to-day business makes our services unique.
What sorts of things are organisers demanding?
The general demand from every organiser is a reliable, high quality service for their exhibitors at a competitive price. In addition to this global operating organisers increasingly expect us to comply with very strict health & safety regulations.
We very much appreciate and support this demand. Last but not least we see more and more demand for traffic solutions.
Many venues face huge challenges with the traffic situation during build-up and dismantling both onsite and around the venue.
We have various IT systems in place to support the organisers and find a tailor-made solution for their individual challenges.
