Articles | Ziegler

The global supply chain industry has undergone a lot of shifts due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

One of the most significant changes was the rise in container prices caused by the imbalance between import and export flows.

As consumption in Europe and the United States picked up sharply at the end of the lockdowns in the spring of 2021, the industrial recovery in China didn’t begin until September, leading to a further worsening of the imbalance.

The majority of European and North American companies tried to replenish their stocks while the Chinese side tried to fulfil a surge in new orders that sea transport capacities could not cope with. The result of all these events was the doubling of sea times from 30 to 60 days and an increase in freight rates by 10-fold in only 12 months.

The Rail Alternative

The Eurasian rail corridor has emerged as a new alternative to sea transport in the last few years. More and more companies are using rail transport to benefit from a faster delivery time of around 20 days (Station to Station) due to the congestion experienced by maritime shipping. Ziegler Group offers Less than Container Load (LCL) and Full Container Load (FCL) services from rail terminals located in the industrial heartland of China at a competitive price. China is working on a strategy to build more trains and stations to better connect the most important stations to further develop this mode of transportation.

Rail is more reliable than sea and up to 70% cheaper than air for dense or bulky cargo shipments. Although rail freight rates started to increase in recent months, the rail alternative from Asia remains more reliable in terms of transit time between the two continents.

Moreover, rail transport is a more green mode of transport, emitting nine times less CO2 emissions than road transport. A 40-foot container transported by rail with 20 tons of cargo represents only 4% of the CO2 emissions needed to transport the same cargo by air.

Import from Asia by Road

The emergence of road services between Asia and Europe can solve the challenges related to delivery schedules or the goods that need to be transported fast.

Road freight reduces shipping costs by 50% compared to air transport, and it is 30 to 50% faster than rail transport. In the event of a seasonal peak, such as Chinese New Year or Golden Week, sea and air freight are always severely disrupted, and road freight is a more flexible alternative in this context.

Although safety is one of the major challenges for road freight on the Silk Road, Ziegler Group provides security solutions for road freight, such as transport convoys with security, a dedicated team of experts available 24 hours a day, and daily tracking via GPS.

The Future of Road Transport from Asia

The development of the Meridian Highway project between Shanghai and Hamburg is a key element of the New Silk Road project that will determine the future of road transport from China.

The project aims to create a new logistics corridor by connecting the main seaports, airports, and railways along the route, and it is expected to reduce transport times and costs, thereby increasing the competitiveness of the land transport route between Asia and Europe.

Work with an innovative Supply Chain Partner

As the logistics industry continues to evolve, it is essential for companies to explore and adopt new modes of transport to stay ahead of the competition and succeed in the global marketplace.

If you are looking for a reliable partner to navigate the complexities of the current supply chain landscape, Ziegler Group is ready to assist you in finding the best solution for your business.

Contact Ziegler Group today and let them help you find the most efficient and cost-effective transportation solutions for your business needs.

In today’s world, environmental sustainability has become a top priority for industries across the globe. From the emergence of the industrial revolution in the 18th century to the domination of fossil fuels, our planet now finds itself in a delicate state. The freight transport and logistics industry, in particular has recognised the urgent need to reduce its carbon footprint and mitigate the impact of climate change. Companies like Ziegler have taken significant strides in this direction by implementing innovative measures to monitor and record CO2 emissions on every shipment.

Back in 1908, when Ziegler was founded, the world of transportation was starkly different. As a business operating through 3 family generations, we have been part of a pioneering evolution of transportation and have had to respond ourselves through developing technologies to maintain a foothold within the industry, maintaining efficient means of transportation. From horse and carriage, to diesel trucks and looking ahead to our gradual transition to electric and autonomous vehicles. Focus is no longer just about speed and cost but also how we can collectively contribute towards helping the planet.

Here, we explore the measures we are taking to make a positive difference and set new standards in the industry.

Environmental Awareness and Responsibility

With Ziegler a leading player in the freight transport and logistics industry, we understand our responsibility towards the environment and are committed to sustainable practices. By recording CO2 emissions on every shipment, we demonstrate a high level of environmental awareness and accountability. This approach not only showcases our commitment to reducing our carbon footprint but also encourages other stakeholders in the industry to adopt similar measures.

Accurate Measurement of Carbon Footprint

Recording CO2 emissions enables us to accurately measure our carbon footprint. We utilise our advanced technology and tracking TMS systems, Seabird and Cargoswift to monitor the emissions associated with each transportation process. By capturing data related to fuel consumption, distance travelled and mode of transport, we can calculate the carbon emissions produced during the shipment’s journey. This meticulous approach provides a comprehensive overview of the company’s environmental impact and serves as a baseline for future emission reduction strategies.

Identifying Emission Hotspots and Optimization Opportunities

This initiative allows us to gather valuable insights into emission hotspots and areas where optimisation is possible. Analysing the data allows the company to identify specific routes, transport modes, or operational practices that contribute significantly to its carbon footprint. Armed with this information, we can implement targeted initiatives to optimise our logistics operations, reduce emissions, and enhance overall efficiency. This approach not only benefits the environment but also leads to potential cost savings and improved customer satisfaction.

Setting Green Targets and Monitoring Progress

By setting clear green targets and monitoring progress towards achieving them, opportunities open up to establish ambitious goals for emission reduction and the implementation of strategies to meet these targets over time. By continuously monitoring and analysing emission data, we can assess the effectiveness of our initiatives and make informed adjustments when necessary. This proactive approach ensures that we remain on track in our commitment to environmental sustainability and hold ourselves accountable for our actions.

Transparency and Collaboration with Stakeholders

Our practice of recording CO2 emissions on every shipment promotes transparency and collaboration with company stakeholders. Customers, suppliers, and partners can gain insight into the environmental impact associated with their logistics operations. This transparency not only fosters trust and loyalty but also enables collaborative efforts to further reduce emissions. We can work closely with our clients to explore greener transportation options, implement joint carbon reduction initiatives, and drive positive change throughout the supply chain.

Compliance with Regulations and Certifications

The freight transport and logistics industry is subject to an increasing number of regulations and certifications related to environmental sustainability. The recording of this data ensures compliance with these evolving standards. We can accurately report our emissions data, making it easier to comply with regulatory requirements and achieve industry certifications such as ISO 14001 (Environmental Management System). Our commitment to transparency and environmental responsibility positions Ziegler as a future front-runner in the industry and enhances our credibility among environmentally conscious customers and partners.

Some of our pilot projects already in practice or under consideration

Cargobikes
Autonomous EVs
Eco driving courses for all freight drivers
Recycling waste
Implementing urban beekeeping
Heat pumps
Solar panel installation at all Ziegler branches (as a long term plan)
Charging points for all company EVs
LEDs and energy saving sensors installation in warehouses/offices
Modal shifting (i.e. air to sea or rail to inland waterway)
Calculating CO2 emissions from Ziegler sites

What are the long term sustainability targets for Ziegler?

Ziegler are targeting the evaluation of a sustainability strategy in Q3/Q4, 2023. This framework will include a blue print, roadmap and plan of action to guide future integration. We are also looking to refine CO2 measurements as the complexities of our measurement systems continue to evolve. Sustainability for Ziegler is much more than a box ticking exercise; it is a business differentiation. We have introduced dedicated sustainability managers to streamline all of our efforts and oversee projects on both national and corporate levels. Overall, we aim to have our sustainability goals integrated into Ziegler’s Business Strategy by the end of 2023, providing structure and vision to our activities in the coming years.

As part of promoting our full range of road freight services available, we’ve recently released an updated version of our Road Groupage Services Schedule.

This table clearly displays the countries and depots in each country together with the frequency of departures and transit times throughout the week and is testament to our growing efforts to provide each and every one of our customers with efficient transportation services. The transparency of this guide will enable you to plan ahead, ensuring your consignment reaches its destination on time and on budget.

To download a copy of one of our Road Groupage Services Schedules, click on one of the following links:

Ziegler London Gateway
Ziegler Tamworth
Ziegler Portsmouth
Ziegler Peterborough
Ziegler Northampton
Ziegler Newport
Ziegler Manchester
Ziegler Durham
Ziegler Bradford

Please note: departure days and transit times are based on our standard groupage services and subject to customs clearance. Departures may be cancelled or postponed due to reasons beyond our control. Part Load and Full Load services are also available with further information on request. Please contact us for a quotation which will be tailored to suit your service requirements and fulfil any specific delivery deadlines. Contact details can be found at the top of each of the Service Schedules.

At Ziegler, we understand that the world is changing, and we are committed to staying ahead of the curve. That’s why we are constantly looking for new and innovative ways to serve our customers and employees better. One example of this is our pilot project of using drones in our warehouses for inventory management. By automating this process, we can save time and improve accuracy, all while reducing the risk associated with working at heights. We are also building digital systems providing end-to-end supply chain visibility, deploying autonomous vehicles, and investing in secure cloud-based solutions.

EN, FR & DE SUBTITLES ARE AVAILABLE. Click on settings ⚙️ to enable subtitles or change the language.

We are also dedicated to sustainability. As a company, we are dedicated to having last-mile delivery that is 100% CO2 neutral. This means that we use cargo bikes, electric vans, and soon autonomous vehicles to deliver packages into city centers, all while minimizing our carbon footprint. Additionally, our headquarters in Brussels is almost completely passive, with more than 1100 photovoltaic panels and the use of water from the canal for air conditioning and heating.

We believe that a commitment to sustainability is not only the right thing to do but also makes good business sense. Customers and employees alike are increasingly looking for companies that are environmentally responsible, and we are proud to be one of the leaders in our industry for sustainability.

We also know that our success depends on attracting and retaining the best talent. That’s why we are focused on enhancing our employer image and promoting our workplace culture that is both dynamic and inclusive. We are launching the Ziegler Academy this year, which will provide opportunities for talent to learn, grow, and also to rotate between different countries to further develop their skills and experiences.

We find the transport and logistics industry fascinating. It is one of the fastest-growing sectors and is a direct reflection of the condition of the economy. We want to encourage young people to find fulfillment in this exciting industry and become champions for the industry to their communities.

Public opinion on the idea of Autonomous Vehicles is mixed, as expected. However, this technological breakthrough has proven worthy due to its benefits to businesses, the public, and the environment.

There are four key benefits of autonomous delivery:

Less Road Accidents

The top benefit of autonomous delivery is that it actually improves road safety. Some studies estimate that by implementing high levels of automation on the road, we are looking at a possibility of cutting down accidents by 80% by eliminating typical driver errors caused by negligence or recklessness. Which, according to Jean-Francois Gaillet, Chief Innovation Officer at Vias Institute, accounts for 90% of road accidents.

No Noise nor Traffic Jams

Forget about getting stuck in traffic because of a bunch of delivery vehicles during rush hours!

Autonomous mobility on roads, rail, and water will decongest the roads. Not only do these present more eco-friendly delivery options for consumers, but AVs can also make deliveries at night because of its noise-free electric motor.

Fresher Air

Replacing traditional road transportation with electric AVs cuts down significantly on carbon emissions. Compared to human drivers, AV software can minimise energy consumption, contributing to a significant decrease in air pollution and promoting environmental recovery.

Higher Workforce Value

Automation removes driving tasks from the overall workflow and opens up new opportunities, time, and manpower to higher value tasks and responsibilities. This tasks include innovation and remote fleet operations.

A Closer Look at the Zeigler Autonomous Delivery Vehicle Project

In response to these concerns, Ziegler is pioneering autonomous delivery in Europe to aid in building healthier roads for EU cities.

Ziegler, together with several organisations such as the Vias institute, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, BECI, the Ministry for Mobility, and the Department of Public Works and Traffic Safety of the Brussels-Capital Region will start closed-course testing to assess the efficiency of AVs in terms of production and ecological efficiency and prove its potential to the public.

With Ziegler piloting this project, the entire AV project is deemed more credible due to the family business’ genuine drive towards sustainability supported by vast experience in logistics in general.

As Stefan Vadenhende, Advisor and Minister or the Brussels Capital Region, says “the chances of success are then also a bit higher if you’re not just living on this hype, but if you’re actually really trying to do this from your core business, seeing how you can sustainably change your core business for the future.”

The growth of international trade has been a major driving force behind the sea freight forwarding industry, leading to significant structural changes in the shipping industry since the end of World War II.

Historical background

The subprime crisis in 2008 led to a slowdown in global trade, causing a decline in sea freight transport growth and initiating a global economic crisis. This resulted in a collapse of demand for sea freight transport and freight rates, negatively impacting the profitability of shipping companies. As a result, the European Union revoked liner conferences that had been in operation for many years due to its opposition to rate agreements. This led to the creation of new agreements between shipowners called shipping alliances.

The health crisis

The present day

The pandemic and geopolitical conflicts have led to a rise in raw material prices. This has caused many companies to order in bulk to reduce costs and prevent possible shortages. As a result, there is now an overstocking of goods and a decrease in demand for transportation. At the same time, we are witnessing a slowdown in world demand with a possible recession.

In 2023, new vessels are being introduced, and some older vessels are being withdrawn due to the need for shipping companies to bring their fleet into compliance with the new IMO 2023 regulations to reduce carbon emissions from international shipping.

The acceleration of the decarbonization of the fleet should lead to a reduction or even disappearance of the chartering offer, i.e., vessels chartered on an ad hoc basis to relieve port congestion. However, it will also lead to a reduction in capacity on the main shipping lines. To meet emission standards, ships will need to sail slower, which will require 10% more ships to transport the same amount of goods. This could drive up transportation prices even further. Rail transport is indicated as an effective alternative.

Learn more about the evolution of rates in sea freight from our e-book. 👇

Today, we celebrate the beauty of our planet, raise awareness about the environmental challenges we face, and renew our commitment to protect it for future generations.

We are proud of our dedication to reducing our environmental impact.

We are aware of transportation being a significant contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions, and as a transport company, we recognize our responsibility to reduce our environmental impact. That’s why we have made a commitment to sustainability that includes reducing our carbon footprint, using alternative fuels, optimizing our routes, and strenghtening our modal shift expertise.

One of our top priorities is reducing our emissions. We have invested in alternative fuels and electric vehicles, which emit fewer pollutants than traditional diesel-powered trucks. We also optimize our routes to minimize the distance we travel and the emissions we produce. By using the latest technology and data analytics, we can plan the most efficient routes for our trucks, reducing our fuel consumption and emissions or offer alternative modes of transportation like train or barge.

In addition to reducing our emissions, we are committed to reducing waste and conserving resources. We have implemented a range of measures to reduce waste and recycle materials, from using reusable pallets to separating waste and energy saving at our facilities. We also work with our partners and suppliers to promote sustainable practices throughout our supply chain.

At the Ziegler Group, we believe that sustainability is a core value that should guide our actions every day. That’s why we are continually engaged in exploring new ways to reduce our environmental impact and promote sustainable practices throughout our industry.

This Earth Day, we invite you to join us in our commitment to sustainability. Whether it’s recycling more, reducing your energy consumption, or choosing sustainable products and partners, every action counts. Together, we can make a positive impact on the planet and create a brighter future for all.

Managing customs procedures can be a complex and time-consuming process that can distract companies from their core business activities.

That’s why the question arises whether it’s better to outsource these operations through subcontracting or implement an internal department to manage them in-house.

There are pros and cons to both choices, and companies must weigh them before making a decision.

Insourcing Customs: The Challenges & Benefits

Taking customs procedures in-house is potentially more profitable, as it avoids the involvement of third parties. However, it can come with its own set of challenges.

Companies need to consider the following:

Finding talent: Your company will have to find talent internally or hire someone who will require training on all the specifics of your company.
Investing in resources: You will need to invest in additional resources or facilities, thus increasing expenses (training, software, archiving).
Dealing with HR issues: You will need to deal with all HR issues internally (vacations/sick leave).
Staying compliant: You will be responsible for remaining up to date with new requirements of the European customs regulations, and ensuring your procedures are fully compliant.

However insourcing customs procedures can be more profitable for some companies, as it avoids the involvement of third parties, and once your internal team is built up, it allows your company to more quickly respond to changes in customer requests or industry conditions.

Outsourcing Customs: The Benefits & Disadvantages

Outsourcing your customs procedures offers many advantages that should be weighed against the challenges of insourcing.

Outsourcing customs procedures offers five key advantages:

Focus on core business: By outsourcing customs procedures, companies can focus on their core business activities.
Consistent results and supply chain quality: Customs service providers have years of specialist knowledge, networks, and offer unavailable to private companies. They know the best practices in customs regulations and can avoid as much hassle as possible while thinking about future stability and flexibility of your supply chain when issues arise.
Control costs: The customs partner will scale their service appropriately to the customer’s needs by providing rates that support their activities and goals.
Instant competence: Engaging the services of a specialized customs partner instantly provides companies with skills that are difficult to develop or provide otherwise. The customs partner can bring valuable know-how and be a source of operational optimization for the supply chain.
Increase operational flexibility: To adapt to the rules of a competitive market quickly and appropriately, the customs partner can assist companies to make these changes at the right time.

It should also be kept in mind that the relationship must be grown and maintained, which should be a win-win, but can also be a point where issues can develop.

These need to be weighed against your situation and goals.

Why Choose Ziegler for Customs Solutions?

If companies want to outsource customs procedures, they need a reliable and experienced partner that can ensure custom solutions that match their needs.

Ziegler Group is an international transport and logistics company that offers specialized customs solutions. Our customs experts can work across many countries at once and are organized in interconnected customs support teams to offer the best service quality.

Ziegler’s customs experts are constantly monitoring the evolution of customs regulations and best practices, so we can provide companies with the best regulatory solutions at any given point in time as the world continues to change.

Conclusion

While insourcing customs procedures might seem more profitable at an initial glance, it comes with its own set of challenges. Outsourcing customs procedures, on the other hand, offers many benefits such as focusing on core business activities, consistent results, control costs, instant competence, and increased operational flexibility. If companies choose to outsource customs procedures, they need a reliable partner that can provide custom solutions that match their needs. Ziegler Group’s experienced and passionate international team and global network can help your company navigate complex customs regulations and provide the best possible solutions.

As we move towards a greener tomorrow, technology has made it possible to develop environmentally friendly shipping options for both consumers and transport companies – solutions that reduce our carbon footprint while maintaining high productivity levels simultaneously.

Challenges remain, but the benefits to both the end customer and the environment outweigh the hassle, and it will only get easier as companies help lead the way.

To help mitigate rapid climate changes, the EU has implemented sustainable transport policies as an obligation, and logistic companies now face heavier public demand for sustainable options.

To improve sustainability in the shipping industry, companies are now taking the lead in offering solutions that comply with new environmental regulations without reducing profit.

Many new eco-friendly technologies are becoming available for logistics companies at present, and Ziegler is already taking the necessary steps towards this goal with the “Ziegler. Now even greener” program.

Here are three ways we are doing that:

Optimising customer supply chains with more efficient, fast and ecologically-responsible transport solutions.
Reducing our energy dependence with solar panels in our facilities and other programmes to reduce our electrical usage.
Reducing our emissions by implementing electric delivery vehicles, biodiesels, eco-driving software on our trucks, and much more.

These changes can be challenging at first, as they require altering the status quo and asking our customers to take the leap with us.

But the benefits are already being felt.

Lessening our carbon footprint, fossil fuel and energy consumption, acts to improve compliance with sustainable transport policy and guidelines, while transforming our business into an environmentally-conscious corporation.
A well-developed sustainable management system attracts stakeholders who prefer eco-friendly transport solutions. Sustainability becomes our unique edge among competitors who lag in compliance and innovation.
Sustainable transportation optimises logistic operations. Current innovations offer numerous tools and features that increase fleet efficiency. This includes software that tracks fuel efficiency, driving performance and more.

Sustainability is coming to the transport industry. Ziegler Group is determined to be ahead of the pack.

Why now is the best time to invest in Autonomous Delivery

There’s no better time than the present to begin implementing autonomous vehicles (AVs) as part of the solution to many challenging problems that cities face.

Not only is the need greater than ever before, but also this generation’s environmental awareness level and the availability of new technologies make materializing this vision feasible at last.

Here’s how.

The world now has better opportunities for AVs

As the demand for road mobility increases, congestion and pollution have become major problems for European cities. According to Annelies Develtree, Knowledge Group Manager of Vias Institute, approximately 16,000 trucks and 26,000 vans enter and leave Brussels daily, and those numbers are only expected to increase.

These compounding issues require innovative and unconventional solutions – solutions that citizens are then more open to if they can really make a difference, such as autonomous delivery.

Even though some unknowns still exist and market acceptance will need time, if AVs can prove their safety and demonstrate their benefits, acceptance will swiftly follow.

AVs can now identify the most efficient delivery routes, troubleshoot mobility issues, and maintain safety even with minimal human supervision.

Automation isn’t just about self-driving, but it’s now about taking a leap away from pollution and congestion while actually increasing productivity.

Various Belgian road safety and knowledge groups are collaborating toward a carbon-neutral society by 2050, and electric AVs will contribute massively to successfully reaching this goal.

Current AV technology is becoming available that will allow for smoother implementation of AVs on roadways and maintenance when needed.