Dachser grows: turnover exceeds 6 billion euros for the first time

The Business Field

Road Logistics

, in which Dachser combines the transportation and warehousing of industrial goods (European Logistics) and food (Food Logistics), generated gross revenue of EUR 4.44 billion (+3.1 percent) in 2017. Shipments and tonnage increased by 2.1% and 3.6% respectively. In the business line

European Logistics (EL)

the consistent focus on the European export business in our own network once again ensured solid growth. This applies in particular to the 'EL North Central Europe' business unit, which grew by as much as 7.4%, but also to the 'EL France & Maghreb' and 'EL Iberia' units, with their dynamically growing contract logistics. "France is increasingly developing into the second driver of our cross-border land transportation business, alongside our traditional backbone Germany. We have consistently pursued the development of this strategic logistics axis in recent years," explains Simon.

In the Food Logistics business line, the disproportionately high growth was once again driven primarily by business in Germany; in addition, several new customers were acquired for cross-border transportation. "After five years of the European Food Network, we can take stock: The decision to create a strong partner network under our system leadership has proven to be the right one," says Simon.

In the Air & Sea Logistics (ASL ) business field, the significant upturn in business together with rising freight rates - particularly in air freight - ensured that gross sales rose by 15.7% to EUR 1.79 billion. All three regional ASL business units recorded double-digit growth in turnover, with business in Asia achieving the highest growth of over 20 percent. The business field's shipment figures increased by 6.7%, while TEU and tonnage rose by 8.5% and 23.3% respectively. "The volatile air and sea freight business continues to oscillate between extremes in terms of turnover," summarizes Simon. "However, we are aiming for sustainable, profitable growth. That is why we are dovetailing our two business fields ever more closely and pushing ahead with system integration."

Invest in network and personnel with foresight

Despite the tailwind that continued in the first quarter of 2018, Simon sees capacity bottlenecks and the growing driver shortage as the main factors that could limit future growth. "Our commitment to training is therefore a top priority." In 2017, the first 22 professional drivers completed their training at Dachser Service und Ausbildungs GmbH, and 106 started their training at 35 German locations. "We want to increase the number of driver trainees every year and also establish our quality concept in other European countries," announces Dachser's CEO.

Dachser increased its investments in network locations, vehicle fleet, technology and IT systems by 5 percent to EUR 136 million in 2017. "We significantly expanded our capacities in Germany last year, particularly in the food business," says Simon. Dachser has announced a further EUR 188 million in investments for 2018, this time with a focus on the industrial goods sector. red