Innovation, Flexibility, and Customisation: The Strengths of Group-GTS
Adaptability, innovation, and cost reduction are just a few benefits of a reliable logistics partner. Ward Eskens, Director of Transportation at Group-GTS, explains how the company responds to the specific needs of customers, how they closely monitor trends and developments, and how they invest in technology and collaboration to increase efficiency and meet growing demands.
Outsourcing logistics activities, allows customers to focus on their core business and allocate their resources and energy towards product development, marketing, and customer service, while benefiting from the expertise of logistics professionals. “Drawing on our expertise as a logistics service provider and our industry know-how, we assist customers with professional advice. Economies of scale allow us to respond efficiently and flexibly to changing customer needs and market trends. Thanks to optimised logistics processes, we are able to achieve significant cost savings,” says Eskens. “More efficient route planning and freight consolidation result in lower transportation costs and better utilisation of transport assets. Moreover, we will soon further simplify administrative tasks with the E-CMR, saving both the customer and in house time and resources.”
Close Collaboration and Customisation
Group-GTS distinguishes itself through their high-quality service. “We strive for timely deliveries, careful handling of cargo, minimal errors, and effective problem-solving. With this approach, we succeed in building sustainable relationships with our customers. We tailor our services based on the specific requirements of each customer, whether it’s express shipments, just-in-time deliveries, warehousing, container or conventional transport, or value-added services. By understanding their needs, we can identify their individual requirements and preferences, and provide customised solutions that meet their expectations,” says Eskens. “Close collaboration and open communication are the basis for trust. We keep our customers informed of changes in the schedule and proactively share tracking updates and operational reports. By striving for enduring partnerships, we can effectively cater to our customers’ long-term needs,” he concludes.
Innovation and Continuous Improvement
In the rapidly evolving world of logistics, it is essential to be agile in responding to changing market conditions, technological advancements, and shifting customer needs. “We closely collaborate with specialised technology partners in sales and IT to remain up-to-date with the latest technologies and trends. By implementing relevant innovations and investing in the technological skills of our employees, we stay ahead in the industry and continuously enhance our service. Additionally, we invest in expanding our capacity and logistic infrastructure to meet the growing demands of our customers. Furthermore, we are expanding our European network through strategic acquisitions and partnerships. Our aim is to consistently provide the best solutions and services to our customers, with a focus on flexibility, innovation, and growth,” Eskens explains.
Responding to Challenges
However, working with an external logistics partner can present challenges. Integrating systems and processes isn’t always a smooth journey. To ensure a good working relationship, Group-GTS establishes clear Service Level Agreements (SLAs) and determines transparent Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) together with the clients. “We engage in comprehensive planning and hold regular meetings to ensure efficient communication, seamless coordination, and smooth collaboration,” says Eskens. “Our customer service team serves as the customer’s primary point of contact. They provide prompt responses, personalised attention, and a proactive approach to finding adequate solutions in close consultation with the client.”
Keeping our gaze forwards
“In addition to innovation and customer focus, sustainability is a key pillar within our logistics operations,” says Eskens. “We invest in a modern fleet of vehicles that meet the strictest environmental standards. We also optimise our routes to minimise empty miles. Furthermore, we continuously research and implement alternative fuels, such as HVO100, resulting in a significant reduction of CO2 emissions. We are integrating electric trucks into our fleet, and our first hybrid and electric cars are already in operation. To encourage sustainable commuting, we also offer our employees the option of bike leasing. Our sustainability team provides training sessions to emphasise the importance of sustainability and encourages environmentally friendly actions. We take pride in being involved in various environmental initiatives, such as Ecovadis GOLD and the Voka Charter for Sustainable Entrepreneurship. We aim to increase our sustainability achievements, with the next steps being Platinum and Lean & Green certification,” he concludes.