BTK is doing well 25 years after the management buyout

BTK Befrachtungs- und Transportkontor GmbH has surpassed the revenue mark of 100 million euros for the first time in 2024. A quarter of a century after the management takeover, the medium-sized logistics company is facing the increasing challenges of competition.

(Raubling) “The market determines the prices. Our task is to reflect costs without compromising quality. Competition has become significantly more intense, which is why we are increasingly investing in digital processes and modern technologies,” says Josef Heiß, managing partner. Together with Franz Weiß, he is leading the company into the next phase.

Since the management buyout in 1999, when BTK started as a former corporate forwarding company with around 100 employees and 25 million euros in revenue, the company has continuously developed. Today, BTK has 370 employees and generates over 100 million euros in revenue – a clear proof of its sustainable growth trajectory.

Important milestones in this development include the investment in its own fleet (2007), the expansion of contract logistics (2014), and the relocation of the company headquarters to Raubling (2023). Currently, BTK operates 38,000 m² of logistics space and a fleet of 320 vehicles, evenly distributed between its own fleet and fixed charter partners. As one of the largest employers in the Rosenheim area, BTK focuses on organic growth and an owner-managed, independent corporate structure.

Costs rising faster than prices

In 1999, at the time of the takeover, the average cost of a transport load from Munich to Hamburg was 700 euros, while the kilometer cost for a truck was 75 cents. Today, the cost per kilometer – including tolls and rising diesel prices – is around 1.75 euros, while the transport price has risen to 1,250 euros. This development corresponds to a price adjustment of only ten percent, while inflation-adjusted production costs have increased by 45 percent.

“Our customers today have higher expectations. They demand more sustainable transport solutions and continuous transparency in processes. Until now, we have been able to offset rising costs through more efficient operations and productivity increases. However, an adjustment of transport prices is now unavoidable,” emphasizes Josef Heiß.

Investments in productivity and sustainability

For the fiscal year 2025, BTK plans a revenue of around 110 million euros, with about eight percent in the area of contract logistics. Six million euros will be invested in expanding the fleet, which currently consists of 160 vehicles. In addition to covering ongoing costs, two electric trucks and 15 bio-LNG tractors will be purchased as replacements for diesel trucks. Furthermore, an investment of around 400,000 euros will further advance digitalization.

“To remain competitive, medium-sized companies in the logistics sector must continuously increase their productivity. It is important to us to do this sustainably – without negative impacts on the environment, employees, or partners. That is why we are specifically investing in efficient, safe, and resource-saving processes in transport and contract logistics, as well as in administrative digitalization,” explains managing director Josef Heiß.

Photo: © BTK