Logistics Network Thuringia with a Focus on Sustainability and Digitalization

The Logistics Network Thuringia (LNT) is pleased to welcome four new members, bringing the total to 49 members. Furthermore, the LNT has set ambitious goals regarding sustainability and digitalization. Topics such as hydrogen and document management are at the forefront.

(Erfurt) The Logistics Network Thuringia (LNT) has welcomed additional companies to collectively promote the industry in the Free State. The new companies welcomed at the first digital general meeting include FUNKE Logistik GmbH, maxx solar & energie GmbH & Co. KG, 4 Pilots GbR, and Widem Logistics GmbH. With a total of 49 members, the Thuringian logistics cooperation aims to advance integrated solutions to enhance sustainability. Additionally, the LNT is committed to a stronger use of digital solutions for document management and a smart logistics platform.

Implementing the Green Deal Together

The EU’s Green Deal aims to reduce CO2 emissions by 50 to 55 percent by 2030 compared to 1990 levels. This presents significant challenges for the transport sector, which are now to be addressed more collaboratively in Thuringia. “The companies in the logistics sector are already doing a lot today to operate more sustainably and resource-efficiently. To further support the small and medium-sized enterprises in Thuringia in this development, we want to promote the implementation of cooperative projects,” says Joachim Werner, Chairman of the Board of the Logistics Network Thuringia. Depending on the location, options such as a hydrogen facility, biogas-fired combined heat and power plants, or photovoltaic solutions for self-supply of logistics properties are to be examined individually and investigated for potential joint use. These are now being discussed and initiated within the network in a dedicated expert group.

Stronger Use of Digital Freight Documents

In the area of digitalization, the LNT sees important fields of action, particularly in document management. “We can utilize the possibilities of digital freight documents much more effectively than before,” says Dustin Köster, Branch Manager of Widem Logistics GmbH. The Belgian Widem Group opened its first branch in Germany this year at the Eisenach-Kindel location. “In Belgium, there are already good experiences with the digital exchange of freight documents. Germany still has some catching up to do, especially to expedite the customs processes related to Brexit,” adds Köster, urging: “The goal must be to end the paper war that we are still forced to fight as quickly as possible.”

Logistics 4.0

A new project initiated and implemented under the auspices of the LNT is the smart LNT Service Chain Platform, a collaborative Logistics 4.0 solution for the flexibilization of supply chains in distribution logistics. If a logistics service provider misses the delivery time window of a distribution center due to traffic problems, they do not have to let the time until the next available time window go to waste thanks to the LSCP platform. LSCP connects suitable available capacities for interim storage and a regional carrier for replacement delivery to the later time slot. This positively addresses the issue of the often-criticized “wild parking” of waiting trucks around the distribution centers near Erfurt. The contractual agreements, as well as the exchange of freight documents and data, are realized immediately and conveniently via blockchain through secure and binding smart contracts with just a click of a mouse. In addition to time and cost advantages, this increases the utilization of storage and transport capacities in a resource-efficient manner and reduces infrastructure strain. The project presented at InnoCon 2020 was funded by the Thuringian Ministry of Economics, Science, and Digital Society. For professional further development and broad practical implementation, the LNT is now seeking partners.

Logistics Network Thuringia e.V.

The Logistics Network Thuringia e.V. is a cooperative community founded in 2008, consisting of specialists from all branches of the industry. In addition to freight forwarders, shippers, and contract logistics providers, the network unites companies from the fields of combined cargo transport, IT and e-commerce, research and development, training and further education, as well as logistics-related services, associations, and public administration. The goal of the association is to strengthen the Thuringian location as a European distribution hub and to establish it as a central logistics location for e-commerce in Germany. To achieve this, the network develops future-oriented, sustainable, and demand-oriented solutions for the logistics industry with and for its members. Signet: © Logistics Network Thuringiawww.logistik-netzwerk-thueringen.de