German parcels group Hermes Logistics is expanding its freight transport business by re-branding itto target the European market and offering a broader product range, including road, air and ocean
freight transportation.The unit will be re-branded from Hermes Transportlogistik to Hermes Transport Logistics (HTL)during 2009, and will expand its road transportation fleet of swapbodies by adding up to 2,500semi-trailers for international FTL services in Germany, France, Britain, Italy, Austria and theBenelux countries, the company announced.
Moreover, HTL will integrate Otto International Logistics, the freight forwarding business ofparent company Otto Group, and will thus be able to offer air and ocean freight services to itscustomers as of March 2009. The HTL air and ocean business will be managed by Eckhardt Fechtner,currently in the same role for Otto International Logistics.
HTL will initially take over the international freight volumes of the Otto Group and otherexisting customers with trade flows from Asia. The company is already in discussions with majorcustomers about combining transport flows for distribution through its network.
“Hermes will contribute its many years of experience in national and European distancetrading and mail-order business as well as its deep expertise in full load shipments to the newbrand,” said HTL managing director Frank Rausch. “In contrast, Otto International Importlogistikwill provide its competence as an import freight service company with long-standing experience.With this structure, we can in future offer national and international customers a completeportfolio of logistics services from one supplier.”
“By 2013, we want to develop the Transport Logistics brand into a technologically leadingplayer with a significant share of the German and European market,” commented Fechtner. “Our newfull-service offer opens up excellent opportunities for profitable growth, especially through newcustomers who will benefit from attractive product innovations and services as well as inexpensivefreight costs.”
Hermes Logistik Group specialises in consumer delivery logistics, and generates the bulk ofits €1,041 million revenues (2007) from parcel deliveries.
