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Jul 22, 2020 at 7:00 AMThe IDS Freight Cooperation Has So Far Weathered the Crisis Well
Jul 22, 2020 at 7:03 AMThe LogCoop network strengthens SMEs even in times of crisis. Awareness of the importance of networking is increasing. The logistics cooperation and storage network provide platforms. LogCoop bundles knowledge and resources from over 200 freight forwarders.
(Düsseldorf) Since the beginning of the year, LogCoop GmbH has observed a stronger cohesion among its active members. In particular, the offer of professional and personal exchange is increasingly being utilized by freight forwarders. This shows that many logistics service providers are becoming aware, especially in times of crisis, that they are stronger together. LogCoop has responded to this dynamic by increasing the frequency of events. The logistics cooperation and storage network are not only platforms for knowledge transfer but also provide concrete support to members in various challenges in the logistics business.
“It is right and important that we, as a logistics cooperation and storage network, have always actively promoted the exchange among our members. This is evidenced by the behavior of the freight forwarders during the current crisis,” says Marc Possekel, Managing Director of LogCoop GmbH. The networking of players in the logistics industry has always been the most important building block of LogCoop. By exchanging professionally and personally, contacts for potential project partnerships are created.
Sticking Together in Crisis
In light of the tense situation in the freight ports due to COVID-19, more collaborations among LogCoop members have emerged. As a result of container congestion in the ports, some logistics service providers struggled with storage bottlenecks after the release of freight. Several LogCoop members had to deal with significant overcapacities but did not have enough free space in their warehouses. Thanks to the support of other logistics providers from the community, they can still fulfill their customers’ orders as agreed. The partners take on transport as well as value-added services as needed by the clients, in addition to interim or long-term storage.
The companies have come together at networking events, of which there are almost 40 in the LogCoop annual calendar for 2020. These include regional and country meetings, working groups on topics such as e-fulfillment, sea/air freight and special transports, general cargo or fresh logistics, as well as workshops and expert lectures on marketing, warehouse logistics, labor law, or automation. Recently, many appointments have been conducted digitally. “The offer is well received. Since the beginning of this year, we have felt that the members are becoming more proactive and are coming together more and more,” reports Possekel. For example, the Cologne group now meets every two weeks instead of quarterly, and the country meeting for Spain even takes place weekly. Possekel explains: “We currently see very clearly that our members are true doers. The community gives them the support they need right now. This helps them look ahead and find new ways together.”
Logistics Industry Under Pressure
The logistics industry has also come under massive pressure due to the COVID-19 crisis. While some companies saw a drastic decline in orders, others had inquiries that exceeded their capacities. Possekel: “We offer optimal platforms for the exchange of capacities and know-how.” With over 200 members within LogCoop and nearly 80 logistics service providers in the storage network, there is a wealth of expertise and resources available that partners can share with each other. “We have an open ear for every member and try to find a solution for every problem,” says the managing director.
Photo: © LogCoop / Caption: Stronger together even in sea freight: During the COVID-19 crisis, several LogCoop members faced the challenge of having to process significant overcapacities that exceeded their own storage areas. Thanks to the support of other network partners, they were able to fulfill the orders as desired. (Photo: LogCoop)
