“We’re not a sofa forwarder”
Orientation and business fields of Basel-based niche player Müller-Gysin. One frequently hears that in forwarding, as in football, there’s no match for a financially strong competitor. The fact that experience and specialisation can nevertheless keep small forwarders on track is proven by the example of Müller-Gysin. After a very quiet 90th anniversary in 2023, managing director Thomas Baumann reveals the factors contributing to success in this interview.
The classic freight forwarder has become a somewhat rare species in the transport industry of late. So it’s all the more gratifying when a meeting in the Dreispitz area of Basel (Switzerland) provides an insight into the business activities of one such successful niche player.
Managing director Thomas Baumann points out, not without pride in his voice, that he’s “only the fourth managing director of Müller-Gysin in the 90-year history of the company, founded in 1933.” Solidity is a trump.
The firm’s business is based on two main pillars. On the one hand, industrial products are transported throughout Europe, with the United Kingdom the most important destination. Secondly, Müller-Gysin has built up decades of expertise transporting classic vehicles for rallies, be they four, three or two-wheelers.
Long-term planning made easy
“We serve all modes of transport,” Baumann says, underlining the broad range of activities, adding that “our own warehouse in the Dreispitz district of Basel, with 3,500 m2 of space and a bonded warehouse, gives us further advantages.” Contractual ownership ensures that this circumstance will remain in the face of land-hungry developers in Basel.
The company’s long-standing specialisation in the UK has paid dividends in the wake of Brexit. High-tech and hazardous goods or spare parts go to the British Isles on 40 t mega trucks, while food and beverages, cosmetics and pharmaceutical products and the like come back in imports.
“Our transport services are paired. A good utilisation rate is crucial,” Baumann commented. This is also down to Müller-Gysin’s long-standing collaboration with Davies Turner in the UK.
The volumes lost as a result of Brexit, around 15%, were compensated for by new business, as many hauliers withdrew. Customs formalities, however, have since extended runs by half a day.
“We can go the extra mile.”
The second mainstay is a ‘white-glove service’. Cars, motorbikes and sidecars are loaded, cleared and transported like raw eggs for around 20 events a year. “That represents 15–20% of our business volume,” Baumann said. A good reputation is crucial with this clientele. “Customs officers’ power games sometimes require nerves of steel, however.”
The recipe for success has a lot to do with many years of experience. “Even big players rely on our services,” Baumann explained. Many of Müller-Gysin’s 26 employees, who handle 12,000–15,000 consignments a year, have been on board for decades. A table tennis table in the warehouse illustrates this great identification with the company. “We can go the extra mile.” Baumann can be very sure of his team.