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Jul 6, 2020 at 6:31 AMDB Schenker has launched a new product to meet the growing demand for battery transport. Tailored logistics solutions are being offered. Batteries classified as hazardous materials pose new challenges for supply chains, especially for electric vehicles.
(Essen) Experts estimate that by 2030, more than 130 million electric vehicles will be on the roads worldwide. The performance and availability of batteries are the focal points of this transportation transition. Manufacturers of electrically powered vehicles, such as cars, are therefore facing new challenges in the logistics of their supply chains. Transport, return, and recycling are particularly complex due to the classification of batteries as hazardous materials and the associated strict legal regulations for transport and storage. DB Schenker is now assisting its customers with a new service specifically designed to help them comply with national and international regulations regarding battery types and transport methods.
Jochen Thewes, CEO of DB Schenker: “Batteries are the central driver of the ongoing electrification worldwide. With our global network, we cover the entire logistics spectrum and can provide reliable solutions for safe and tailored battery transport and storage. We are convinced that e-mobility will be a key factor for a more sustainable future. Therefore, we are proud to support this groundbreaking development with our new service specifically focused on battery logistics.”
Environmentally Friendly and Proper Storage
As a fully integrated service provider, DB Schenker offers transport across all modes of transport as well as tailored solutions for the entire lifecycle of batteries. This includes temperature-controlled transport of materials to production sites or the delivery of finished products in appropriately approved and labeled hazardous material packaging.
In accordance with international environmental guidelines, DB Schenker also enables the separate storage of batteries from other flammable goods and the proper storage of particularly lithium batteries in dry and well-ventilated areas.
Additionally, the logistics provider offers dust-free storage, after-sales services, and the creation of all relevant transport documents. In close collaboration with selected partners, DB Schenker also handles the recycling and disposal of, for example, damaged or defective batteries as part of the return logistics in accordance with national legislation.
Return and Disposal
Additional return logistics includes the recycling or disposal of batteries in accordance with national legislation and in close cooperation with selected partners, even for damaged or defective batteries. Rainer Kiefer, EVP Global Sales of DB Schenker: “Over many years, we have developed a high level of expertise in the automotive, electronics, and semiconductor industries. Now we are combining our knowledge and competencies into a cross-industry solution. We also offer our extensive experience in the form of consulting and training for companies facing challenges in their battery supply chains.”
Service Across All Modes of Transport
By combining full truck loads, individual solutions, and special agreements, DB Schenker can already cover 98 percent of the demand for land transport services for hazardous goods, including batteries. Sea freight transports can be combined with land transport infrastructures to meet the highest standards for comprehensive door-to-door supply chains.
Since air freight is the fastest option to get goods to their destination, DB Schenker is continuously working on battery transports on key flight routes. Over 100 of its own operational air freight locations worldwide offer the FSR-A standard (Facility Security Requirements), which represents the highest security certification in the industry.
Thanks to access to the extensive transport offerings of DB Cargo by rail, intermodal transport connects battery production sites in Europe and China with end customers in various European countries. DB Schenker’s multimodal solution enables lower transport costs compared to air freight and shorter lead times compared to sea freight. Beyond rail transport, the service portfolio includes pre- and post-haulage by truck, handling via terminals and railports, as well as various additional services such as quality monitoring, documentation, and customs clearance.
Photo: © DB Schenker
