TRANSAC Logistics GmbH Has Big Plans Ahead

TRANSAC Logistics GmbH from Rülzheim in Rhineland-Palatinate specializes in fresh logistics, primarily for fruits and vegetables. From its own logistics facility in Rülzheim, it serves both local transport and destinations throughout Germany. Due to its central location, TRANSAC is able to serve all destinations overnight. Managing Director Gerold Hohwieler explains in a conversation with Loginfo24 where the logistics company currently stands and what the plans are for the near and medium-term future.

Von: Andreas Müller

(Rülzheim) TRANSAC Logistics GmbH is planning another step into the future, and several significant decisions are on the horizon. The medium-sized freight forwarding company aims to expand its location in Rülzheim, creating space for new logistics and transshipment areas, as well as new business sectors. Gerold Hohwieler, Managing Director of TRANSAC Logistics GmbH, explains the plans.

Loginfo24: Gerold Hohwieler, what is the current core business of TRANSAC Logistics GmbH?

Gerold Hohwieler: Our core business is the logistics and transport of fruits and vegetables. At our location in Rülzheim, we currently have a logistics area of approximately 4,500 m2. Our truck fleet consists of around 100 vehicles, of which 14 are our own, along with contracted subcontractors.

What are the other services offered by Transac?

• National and international refrigerated transport (FTL)
• Storage, order picking, display construction
• Nationwide distribution of general cargo to the central warehouses of the grocery retail sector, refrigerated
• Value-added services, such as display construction, goods inspection, labeling
• Fulfillment solutions
• Trailer shuttle, parked trailers are picked up from the parking lot, transported to the gate, and loaded or unloaded. This allows the driver of the delivery vehicle to take their break undisturbed.

What does the geographical orientation of TRANSAC look like? Where are your customers located?

On the supplier side, we have many customers in Spain and neighboring EU countries who deliver fruits and vegetables to us in Rülzheim. But we also have some customers/producers in Germany, as well as in the immediate vicinity in the Palatinate, who entrust us with their goods for distribution. For both supplier groups, we distribute the goods both in the immediate area and throughout Germany overnight. State-of-the-art telematics systems support us in this. Recipients are the central warehouses, head warehouses, or regional warehouses of the well-known large grocery retailers.

With its modern vehicle fleet, Transac serves all of Germany from Rülzheim overnight

What logistical services do you offer your customers?

Currently, these mainly include transshipment and repacking, as well as nationwide distribution of refrigerated goods. We consolidate shipments from several senders to a single recipient, thereby optimizing capacities and avoiding empty transports.

However, we are reaching our limits with the existing storage capacities. Both the loading and unloading of trucks occur on the same side of the hall. This is a daily challenge.

You have taken over another hall across the street from your premises. What happens in this hall?

Our long-term tenant and competitor has withdrawn from the business and the region, and we have partially taken over the staff and existing business. We are in talks with several interested clients, but we use the warehouse daily for our peak times.

However, a future-proof solution is emerging. You have land reserves adjacent to your existing property. What exactly is planned there?

Yes, exactly. We are advancing the expansion of our logistics areas and are pleased that we have expansion areas of 15,000 m2 available to gradually expand in the coming years. We have 24/7 approval (24 hours a day, 7 days a week), which is hardly found in this region from Basel to Frankfurt, as well as optimal transport connections without affecting residential areas, and a dedicated truck parking area for partners and clients.

Initially, we plan to expand our existing Hall 1 by approximately 5,000 to 6,000 m2. This will provide us with more transshipment and storage space, docking gates, and we can finally separate incoming and outgoing goods.

The logistics of fruits and vegetables seems to be a constant and secure business. Even during COVID, especially at the beginning of the pandemic, you didn’t have to worry about your business. Doesn’t focusing on a single sector also pose the risk of dependencies?

I wouldn’t call it a risk, but we have certainly thought about diversification. We are seriously considering entering the pharmaceutical logistics sector as a separate division. This is only made possible by the expansion of logistics capacities, and we can still accommodate the respective customer requests at the moment. The know-how and technology for this are already available, and the GDP certification is in planning. We already have trailers with GDP approval and telematics.

Docked to the existing facility (gray), TRANSAC Logistics GmbH is expanding its logistics areas by approximately 5,500 m2 (red)

What are your other challenges besides expanding spatial capacities, e.g., the exit from combustion engines in trucks?

This is indeed a challenge. Currently, we are in a dilemma regarding which type of drive to rely on in the future. Is it biogas, e-fuels, fully electric, hydrogen? We will remain attentive but will not act hastily. Those who, for example, relied on LNG have faced rising gas prices, and some companies have even had to give up. There will be more challenges for us transport companies. The clients will also be challenged, as this drive technology affects vehicle prices and thus also transport prices. The currently planned toll increase on December 1, 2023, will also impact transport prices if approved by Parliament.

All our vehicles are replaced every three years, comply with the latest emission standards, currently Euro 6, and feature the latest technology, such as turning assistance, etc.

Sustainability is currently in trend. How is TRANSAC progressing in this regard?

TRANSAC wants to take the lead here as well. In 2021, we installed a PV system with 158 kWp on our large Hall 1 and are currently using the energy in summer for our cooling rooms and for the operation of the cooling devices of the trailers while they are at the ramp. We feed the surplus into the grid.

Additionally, we plan to equip our Hall 2 with a PV system with 177 kWp in January 2024, an investment in the high six-figure range. The permits are already in place. Solar energy is planned from the outset for the new halls.

How is TRANSAC dealing with the well-known shortage of skilled workers, especially the driver shortage? What are you doing for existing employees, and how do you recruit new skilled workers?

We offer training positions, such as for warehouse logistics specialists, and merchants for freight forwarding and logistics services, currently starting a cooperation with the school in Rülzheim and aiming for regular exchanges and joint projects. Career changers are always welcome, regardless of their main color or nationality. In addition, we work with regional and national, as well as foreign agencies.

The most important capital is, of course, our own employees. We maintain an open and fair approach, treat them with respect, offer performance-based pay, bonuses, fuel vouchers, company pension schemes, and business bike leasing. We provide our truck drivers with high-quality and new equipment, optimally equipped driver cabins, as well as well-equipped social and break rooms in Rülzheim.

About TRANSAC

TRANSAC Logistics GmbH is a medium-sized company founded in 1990. In Rülzheim, TRANSAC employs nearly 60 staff, including 15 administrative and 42 commercial employees. With a current storage area of nearly 4,500 m2 and a fleet of approximately 100 vehicles, logistics and transport services are primarily offered for the fruit and vegetable trade, as well as fresh logistics.

www.transac.de

Photos/Graphics: © Transac