Bulk Distributor Sep/Oct 18 | Page 4

4 BULKDISTRIBUTOR Tank & ISO Containers September / October 2018

4 BULKDISTRIBUTOR Tank & ISO Containers September / October 2018

��������� �������������� ��������������

In its continued efforts to drive innovation Bremen-based tank operator Leschaco set up its own independent startup , Logward GmbH & Co KG . The launch of the new enterprise is part of Leschaco ’ s digital strategy and will assist the group of companies in identifying new commercial opportunities , the development of innovative business models and new digital freight forwarding services to meet future customer requirements . The company ’ s target is to build software solutions that automate the operational freight forwarding processes along the supply chain which are fully focused on customer needs in the digital age . Digitalisation is changing the logistics industry more than any technological progress of the past decades . “ Our future success will

Leschaco says its new Instant Freight Quote is currently the only freight rate portal that also considers the transport of dangerous goods
therefore depend crucially on our own digital transformation . Our credo is to build on the established and focus on the new . With our digital projects , we have been on the right track for decades ,” said Jörg Conrad , owner and CEO of the Leschaco Group . He sees digitalisation as an opportunity and is pursuing the goal of becoming even faster , more efficient and more attractive for customers by founding his own digital corporate venture .
Instant freight
One of the first moves the company has made in this respect is the launch of its own online freight rate portal , Instant Freight Quote ( IFQ ). Leschaco says IFQ is currently the only freight rate portal that also considers the transport of dangerous goods . In the first phase , the online service includes port-to-port rates for FCL from Northern Europe to the world and for LCL from Germany . Costs in the port of loading and the usual sea freight surcharges are already included in these rates . IFQ was developed to make it easier for companies to receive a freight rate offer quickly , which can then also be booked directly online . Users receive a freight rate offer without registration based on the selected port of collection and delivery , the cargo to be transported , including dangerous goods , and the container type . Additional services from Leschaco ’ s range of logistics services can easily be ordered by individual arrangement .
Valencia branch
Meanwhile , following the opening of its own branch in Valencia , Spain in April this year , a second Leschaco Iberia site has been opened in Barcelona . “ For Leschaco it is an important strategic step to be present in the two large industrial regions of Spain ,” Conrad explained . Barcelona ’ s geographical location is an advantage for the logistics industry . The port is connected to over 850 ports worldwide and has optimal connections to the hinterland thanks to extensive road networks and a good rail infrastructure . Barcelona-El Prat Airport is the seventh largest airport in Europe . Constantin Conrad , son of Jörg Conrad , is taking over the management of the Barcelona office . The 26 year-old first completed a dual course of study in a shipping company , where he was subsequently employed for three years . He then went on to take a two year MBA programme at IESE Business School in Barcelona , which he successfully completed in May of this year . Constantin Conrad was already involved in the Leschaco group during his MBA programme and was in charge of founding Leschaco Iberia SL . “ Leschaco is a traditional , successful and innovative family business . Our company will remain in family hands in the future and therefore I am pleased that my son Constantin will now take over the management of the Barcelona office and thus strengthen Leschaco Iberia ,” said Jörg Conrad .

��������������������������

At the end of July , Ermewa Group / Eurotainer reached an agreement to acquire full control of Taylor Minster Leasing ( TML ). With the acquisition , Eurotainer will assume control of TML ’ s tank container fleet and all contractual leasing activities under TML ’ s management . Netherlands-headquartered TML is one of the pioneers in tank container leasing and one of the largest owner-managed tank lessors in the world . Known as ‘ The Tank Container Leasing Specialists ’, TML ’ s fleet is made of more than 5,000 owned and managed units , ranging from standards and specials for liquid products , including liquefied and cryogenic gases . “ With this acquisition , Eurotainer will strengthen its global leadership in the leasing of gas and cryogenic tank containers , focusing on its long established and recognised strategy of providing the largest specialised fleet of equipment worldwide ,” said Eurotainer . Eurotainer offers equipment for liquids , liquefied gas and cryogenic liquid gas . Today , the fleet comprise 39,000 tank containers and small portable tanks in 150 types and sizes .