Logistics & Transport
On the move Established in 2004, Germany-based Contargo is one of the leading container hinterland logistics providers in Europe. Victoria Hattersley spoke to sales manager Marcel Hulsker about the different ways in which the company has grown and developed since it was last featured in Industry Europe in 2013.
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he Contargo Trimodal Network, as its name suggests, incorporates three modes of transport throughout Europe: rail, road and sea. Furthermore, within this framework, there are another three separate components to which the Contargo network owes its success: its own terminals act as nodal points; its own barge and rail transport lines act as interconnections; and finally order processing is carried out by competent central and decentralised customer service organisations. With a network of 26 terminals throughout Germany, the Netherlands, France and Switzerland, today Contargo employs over 900 people and in 2016 it transported 2.3 million TEU of cargo to achieve a total turnover of €415 million.
Customer-centric services Contargo offers a comprehensive range of container services including local collection and delivery of containers by truck; maintenance and repair; and stuffing and stripping. The company also offers interim storage at terminals where required, and is experienced at
handling many complex deliveries, from dangerous goods to specialist Reefer services. To ensure the smooth running of its network it operates consistent, integrated processes and IT systems and also takes on document processing. Mr Hulsker explains how this enables the company to stand out in this competitive market: “Our integrated network is our unique selling point because we can offer almost any kind of transport solution: whether it is containers to Switzerland, the Benelux or elsewhere in Europe, we will find the right solution for our customers. Next to our everyday transport services we also try to offer tailor-made solutions wherever possible because we know that every customer has different needs.” One example of Contargo’s ability to develop long-term customer partnerships is its on-going collaboration with Daimler-Benz, established in July 2015, through which Contargo operates Daimler’s 61,000m2 Logistics Centre in Speyer. This contract includes responsibility for the depot administration and the transport of containers by truck from the Consolidation Centre to the region’s inland waterways and railway terminals. Industry Europe 139
