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Even if concrete forecasts are currently difficult, there is cause for cautious optimism. CEO Burkhard Eling on initial trends and an outlook for 2021.
Since April 2021, DACHSER has opted exclusively for so-called ‘mega trailers’ when purchasing new semi-trailers in Germany. Because of their more generous cargo space dimensions - with otherwise the same length and width - the mega trailers achieve better fuel economy than standard semi-trailers, especially over long distances. Full conversion of the German fleet is scheduled to be completed by 2027, with some 680 new mega trailers in total. In the next few years, DACHSER will also start replacing its fleets in the 24 other European countries where it is represented through its European Logistics business line.
With this update, DACHSER would like to inform you that port operations in Hamburg are currently affected in their flow due to various factors. With this update, DACHSER would like to inform you that port operations in Hamburg are currently affected in their flow due to various factors. The current situation of congestion in the northern and western ports has become even more acute in Hamburg. The deployment of the explosive ordnance disposal service twice to defuse World War II bombs in construction areas and a demonstration by climate activists, which led to the temporary closure of an important access road last week, are causing disruptions in handling operations. Please note that this is causing significant delays at all operational interfaces in the port of Hamburg area and has created a backlog that will continue for some time. For detailed information on possible impacts on your current shipments, please contact your local DACHSER representative.
Regarding the current situation in India, we would like to give an update about DACHSER’s operations in India. The situation as of today, April 28, 2021, is as follows: DACHSER branches in India: Most branch offices across India are being kept closed as a precautionary measure due to the sudden rise of COVID cases. Our teams are working from home, with only skeletal staff at the offices and hence there are likely to be delays in responses due to the ongoing crisis. As a consequence of the lockdown, there are some operational impacts for air, sea, customs clearance and domestic trucking. Air Freight: M ost countries have barred passenger traffic from India leading to no passenger carrying flights operating on International routes from/to India. This has created some additional constraint on already stressed space availability situation. Rates are bound to inch upwards for all sectors. Transit times too have increased as a consequence of capacity crunch. Sea Freight: Sea freight was already facing the challenges due to the Suez Canal blockage end of March. Ports and terminals are functioning normally, but vessel schedules are impacted by the Suez Canal blockage as well as the sudden rise of COVID cases in India. Therefore delays are expected. Customers are advised to factor in delays of 1-2 weeks while planning their inventories. Expect more delays in communication or operations due to increasing COVID infections among staff at ports, customs, CFS and shipping lines. Customs: We do not have any unexpected disruptions in cargo movement in India, nor is any work stoppage expected at present. Customs clearance activities are functional at the movement. Customs is working with less manpower, no Customs Brokers is allowed to meet the customs officials, all processes is done faceless and things are moving in slow phase. At DACHSER, we have undertaken significant measures to ensure our employees’ health and safety, at the same time continue to manage our day-to-day operations with minimal impact to our customers’ supply chains. Our teams are working diligently by all possible means in these testing times to assist and to overcome the challenges being faced. Please rest assured that we will keep you updated of any changes to the current situation. In case of questions, please feel free to contact your local DACHSER representative in the region.
Virtually no dip in company revenue in 2020, the year blighted by Covid-19, with the strong second half offsetting the impact of the European lockdowns in April and May. Investments of EUR 190 million earmarked for logistics capacity, technical equipment, and digital systems. Kempten, April 13, 2021 - Dachser can look back on a successful 2020, which was characterized by the loyalty and climate of mutual trust between the logistics provider, its customers, and its transport partners. Dachser’s consolidated net revenue totaled EUR 5.61 billion, a slight decrease of 0.9 percent compared to the previous year.
Cross-docking, where inbound cargo is unloaded from an incoming container, sorted and then loaded directly to outbound carriers, is an important logistics strategy that keeps supply chains moving in a productive, effective manner. Logistics leader, DACHSER South Africa, has recently expanded its Durban operations to a new 3600sqm warehouse in Pinetown, Durban. “The new off-loading and loading bays have increased our capacity to handle a number of containers at a time, enabling us to offer excellent turn-around times,” says Detlev Duve, DACHSER South Africa, Managing Director, “The facility provides a dedicated central site for products to be sorted for delivery to multiple destinations in the most productive way, saving costs. Ultimately, our customers benefit from a more efficient supply chain.” Deidre Smith, DACHSER Sea Freight Imports Manager, says, “We’re able to consolidate shipments, or even break down larger shipments into smaller loads, for easier delivery. Storage and handling costs can be reduced as products spend less time in the warehouse. Cargo also typically reaches its final destination faster, giving our customers a competitive edge.” Further to a spacious, well-equipped warehouse, Smith says that experienced staff and effective planning are the foundations of a successful operation. “Skilled staff are vital to the operation and management of the warehouse. From expert inventory control using Warehouse Management Systems, through to our material handling equipment operators and cargo handling teams, we ensure that all our staff are well-trained and clear on the different goods and requirements of our customers.” Smith explains that the goods that are most conducive to cross-docking are those that are in steady demand, usually higher volume, fast-moving products scheduled in regular dispatches to pre-planned destinations. DACHSER also has the experience to handle large or complex items. “Of course, the preferred cargo to handle is stackable, palletised cargo that fits neatly into racks can be easily transported, but we’ve become experts in handling the odd and awkward cargo too. Taking care of customers cargo and avoiding damages is our top priority, and our Durban handling team has the experience to load the trucks safely and correctly. We also ensure that the appropriate handling equipment is available when off-loading a container and manoeuvring the cargo around the warehouse.” The DACHSER team handles both Pre-Distribution, where goods are unloaded and despatched according to set distribution instructions, and Post-Distribution processes, usually for retailers, which entails flexible picking and packing according to demand, based on in-store inventory, sales forecasts and trends. Duve says it is also essential to partner with reputable transporters that offer a regular and reliable service to move the goods from warehouse to customer door. “With all the right foundations in place, cross-docking has become part of the seamless supply chain solution DACHSER South Africa offers to our customers, which further includes contract logistics, value-added warehousing, customs clearance and customs warehousing services,” says Duve. About DACHSER : A family-owned company headquartered in Kempten, Germany, DACHSER is a leading supplier of logistics services worldwide. DACHSER offers comprehensive transport logistics, warehousing, and customer-specific 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 offerings. A seamless shipping network—both in Europe and overseas—and fully integrated IT systems ensure intelligent logistics solutions worldwide. Thanks to some 30,995 employees at 393 locations all over the globe, DACHSER generated revenue of 5.66 billion euros in 2019. That same year, the logistics provider handled a total of 80.6 million shipments weighing 41. million metric tons. Country organizations represent DACHSER in 44 countries.
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From October 1 to October 8, 2025, most businesses and factories in China will be closed for the National Day Golden Week holiday. As one of the world’s largest manufacturing hubs, this extended break may significantly impact global supply chains. Early preparation is key to minimizing potential disruptions. About Golden Week Golden Week is a 7-day national holiday in China that commemorates the founding of the People’s Republic of China on October 1. During this period, many people travel domestically or reunite with family. Like many other businesses, DACHSER in China will be closed from October 1 to October 8, 2025, and will resume normal operations on October 9, 2025. What to expect during the holiday? Factories and offices will largely suspend operations, resulting in a temporary halt in production. Airports and seaports will continue functioning but with reduced staffing due to lower cargo volumes. Government agencies, including customs, are typically closed during this holiday period, which may delay clearance processes. How to prepare and maintain supply chain efficiency? Given China’s pivotal role in global trade and manufacturing, this annual holiday period may influence logistics timelines and production schedules. To ensure continuity and reduce potential delays, we recommend the following actions: Coordinate with suppliers and customers to secure adequate inventory and align expectations. Share your shipment forecasts with us to support long-term planning and identify optimal logistics solutions. Sea freight: Service disruptions, including blank sailings, are anticipated. For LCL cargo movements, please stay closely connected with our office to stay informed of schedule changes and plan loading accordingly. Air freight: The cut-off time for Standard service is 12:00 noon on September 29, 2025, and for Speed/Express service, it is 12:00 noon on September 30, 2025. For further assistance or to discuss your logistics needs, please reach out to your regular DACHSER contact. We’re here to help you plan ahead and ensure a smooth transition through the holiday period.
The potential for logistics in Sub-Saharan Africa is immense. With a population exceeding one billion and a rapidly growing middle class, consumer demand for goods and services is on the rise. According to the African Development Bank, the continent’s GDP is expected to grow by 3.4% in 2024, driven by increased consumer spending and improved business climates in key economies. Initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) aim to boost intra-African trade by reducing tariffs and streamlining customs procedures. This agreement, covering 54 African countries, is creating a single market of 1.2 billion people with a combined GDP of over $3 trillion, offering unprecedented opportunities for growth. Investors are increasingly exploring opportunities in Africa across sectors such as energy, mining, construction, and logistics. As the global transition to renewable energy accelerates, Africa further has the potential to become a key hub for both renewable energy and critical minerals. The continent is rich in critical minerals vital for manufacturing renewable energy sources and possesses untapped natural gas fields. Effective integration of strategic logistics solutions is essential to fully unlock this economic potential. The opportunities and challenges that lie ahead for logistics in Africa present a unique landscape for growth and innovation. However, to harness this potential, we must address the inherent challenges with foresight and strategic planning. Opportunities abound The logistics sector in Africa is poised for significant advances due to several key factors. Firstly, the continent's infrastructure development is gaining momentum, with numerous investments targeting roads, railways, and ports to enhance connectivity. Improved transport networks will facilitate smoother distribution channels, allowing businesses to thrive. The rise of e-commerce in Africa is transforming the way goods are traded, creating a burgeoning demand for efficient logistics services. As more consumers turn to online shopping, companies must adapt their logistics strategies to support rapid delivery models. The adoption of technology in logistics—ranging from advanced tracking systems to automation—offers the potential for increased efficiency and reduced costs. Lastly, as African countries continue to embrace renewable energy solutions, there's an opportunity for sustainable logistics practices to emerge, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change. Collectively, these opportunities signal a transformative era for the logistics landscape in Africa. Challenges to overcome Despite these opportunities, the logistics sector in Sub-Saharan Africa faces significant hurdles. One of the primary challenges foreign investors face in Africa is the underdeveloped infrastructure for logistics. The World Bank reports that less than 30% of the continent’s roads are paved, which exacerbates the costs and complexities of moving goods. This shortfall hinders the economically viable import and export of essential strategic goods and minerals needed to establish new markets and infrastructure. While large international corporations have recently made substantial investments across the continent, it is crucial for African nations to focus on upgrading and repairing existing supply chain assets, such as roads, railways, ports, and warehouses to enhance their capacity to attract further foreign investment. High logistics costs, exacerbated by inefficient port processes and a lack of digital solutions, remain a primary concern. Moreover, regulatory hurdles continue to impede the seamless flow of goods across the region. Inconsistent customs regulations and lengthy clearance times can lead to delays and increased costs, impacting the overall efficiency of supply chains. Inefficient port processes are critical nodes in the logistics network, and many African ports suffer from inefficiencies that lead to delays and increased costs. Modernising port infrastructure, implementing advanced management systems such as automated container handling, and real-time tracking could significantly enhance port efficiency. Additionally, while the potential of digital technologies is vast, their current adoption in Sub-Saharan Africa is slow, necessitating investments in technology and digital literacy to overcome these challenges. A strategic approach At DACHSER South Africa, we understand these challenges and are committed to providing intelligent logistics solutions that cater to the unique needs of the Sub-Saharan market. Our approach leverages technology and a deep understanding of the local market. We offer customised services such as air and ocean freight, contract logistics, and warehousing solutions tailored to specific industry needs. For instance, our expertise in automotive and healthcare logistics allows us to support these critical sectors with precision and reliability. Information security is a cornerstone of our operations. We have obtained TISAX® Level 2 certification, ensuring that our logistics processes meet the highest standards of data protection. This commitment to security helps safeguard our clients' supply chains and builds trust in our capabilities. Sustainability is also a key focus for DACHSER. We are actively working to reduce our carbon footprint through investments in energy-efficient technologies and more sustainable transport solutions. Since 2022, Dachser has been purchasing 100% green energy on a global level. By promoting eco-friendly practices, we aim to lead the charge towards a more sustainable logistics future in Africa. The future of logistics in Sub-Saharan Africa is bright, but realising its full potential requires a concerted effort to overcome existing challenges. By harnessing the region's opportunities and addressing its hurdles with innovative solutions, we're confident in our ability to drive growth and efficiency in this dynamic market as we work with our clients to navigate the complexities of the logistics landscape and unlock new avenues for success in Africa. The AfCFTA and regional cooperation will be vital in this transformation, connecting African markets and enhancing global competitiveness. Now is the time for businesses to invest in Sub-Saharan Africa; the potential for growth and development is immense, and with the right strategies in place, the region can become a global logistics powerhouse.
Today, we honour Managing Director Detlev Duve as he marks his 30th work anniversary with DACHSER South Africa—a remarkable journey of passion, dedication, and growth. As we look back on Detlev Duve's 30 years with the company, it's clear that his journey is one of stong relationships, excellent achievement and unwavering commitment to values that truly matter, overcoming challenges to build a solutions-focused, experienced team with deep understanding of the markets in Africa.
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