Germany is a European and world leader in logistics, thanks in no small part to the German cultural value of precision. In logistics, precision is everything, and Germany’s container ports are projected to see over 14.5 million TEU, or “twenty-foot equivalent units,” the units of measurement used to quantify shipping container loads.
The German logistics industry employs over 3 million people and relies on innovative technology and precise complex sequences to grow and advance. The country’s national business ecosystem is strong in both the material aspects of logistics, such as cargo management and fleet orchestration, and in technology like AI and IoT, which allow companies to build software assets to support logistics processes. Read on to learn about the regional and multinational companies that keep goods moving in, out of and through Germany.
Logistics Companies in Germany
- DHL Global Forwarding
- Sennder
- IFCO Systems
- Hapag-Lloyd
- Dachser
- Sonoco
- Coupa Software
- HERE
Top Logistics Companies in Germany
Covestro is a manufacturing company that produces the industrial polymers polyurethane and polycarbonate. It operates an internal logistics division tasked with procuring the raw materials needed to create its products, and with global distribution of its goods. Covestro maintains strategic local partnerships in its service areas, which allows it to opt into more sustainable local transport options when available.
Samsara helps companies that run physical operations use real-time data and advanced technologies, such as AI dashcams, GPS tracking and fleet monitoring systems, to work smarter and improve their workflows. With offices around the world, including in Munich, Samsara supports industries like construction, transportation, retail and the public sector, helping them become safer, more efficient and more sustainable.
Vanderlande is a process automation and materials handling provider in the logistics space. It specializes in warehouse, airport and parcel services and partners with UPS, DHL, FedEx and DPD to provide sorting, storage and automation services for packaged consumer goods. Its warehouse services are separated into departments for general goods, food and fashion, as each product type carries specific needs in terms of storage and handling.
Kone is a specialty manufacturer of elevators, escalators and other mobility solutions for buildings. Because construction projects rely fully on these elements, Kone is deeply invested in logistics and supply chain management to ensure timely worldwide delivery of its custom-built and off-the-shelf products alike. Kone also partners with DHL to provide precision transport and delivery that prioritizes sustainability.
Everstream Analytics is a supply chain risk management company. It works with clients to establish protocols to minimize financial, regulatory and customer experience risks within supply chain logistics. The company relies on predictive analytics alongside good old-fashioned human analysis to return precise projections that can be used to influence operational choices.
GEA Group is an industrial technology company and corporate systems supplier in the pharmaceutical and food and beverage industries. It works with client companies to revamp their systems to prioritize efficiency, sustainability and revenue. One of the areas it focuses on is logistics processes, for example creating new distribution channels and investing in logistics technology like warehouse automations.
ATC Computer Transport & Logistics is a data center logistics provider. Its service menu includes strategies for eventualities including warehousing and transport, rack and cable installation, white glove delivery, as well as relocation and decommissioning. Because data centers require tremendous amounts of hardware, ATC also operates a “critical spare parts” division.
Packmatic is a Berlin-based packaging services provider that offers sourcing services to product-based companies. Using its network of diverse packaging providers, it connects its clients with budget-appropriate suppliers that are expert in the client’s product sector. Packmatic’s network includes solutions for bakery, cosmetic, dairy, fruit and beverage product packaging, each of which has specific needs in terms of packing and handling.
Coupa Software makes a cloud-based software platform for supply chain and procurement management. It helps companies navigate Germany’s complex VAT regulations and applies controlled systems to business spending and sustainability. Coupa uses AI to analyze operational data and then optimize for efficiency.
FERNRIDE is a logistics technology company that offers a platform for autonomous fleet vehicle management. These human-assisted “self-driving” vehicles require tracking and monitoring, which the company provides in addition to yard shunting and container handling for shipping units. FERNRIDE is developing the capacity to operate a fully autonomous fleet that is appropriate for open roads.
IFCO Systems is a packaging company in the logistics space. Its niche is reusable packaging containers, or RPCs, for fruit and other fresh food products, which are commonly known as “IFCO trays” thanks to their ubiquity in the industry. IFCO trays are notable for being fully reusable via a traceable process that granulates used trays and then uses that material for to manufacture new ones.
Dachser is a logistics provider that focuses on integrating various elements of logistics processes, including warehousing, transport and information technology. It operates distinct logistics networks for air and sea freight, intra-European transport, railway cargo, warehousing and food logistics. Dachser food logistics is a European leader that prioritizes food safety and end-to-end temperature documentation.
SEW-EURODRIVE is a specialty manufacturer of drive systems, which are used in cars, factory assembly lines, rollercoasters, conveyor belts and mines. Its technology is used by logistics businesses in their warehouse, packaging, bottling and assembly facilities, where it powers the automated belts and motors that move materials and components where they need to go.
HERE is a mapping and geolocation software company that serves the logistics industry. Its product, which is offered via the Platform-as-a-Service model, provides map data and routing tools that are used in fleet vehicles and mobility services management. HERE equips connected cars and trucks with onboard live mapping and has brought over 220 million such vehicles to the market to date.
Forto is a digital freight forwarding and shipping management company. Its moves goods from place to place according to carefully sequenced workflows that track products as they move around the globe. Forto offers a logistics management platform in addition to its sea, air and rail freight transport services.
Sennder is a digital freight forwarding company that works with supply chain and logistics providers to create sequenced workflows for product and materials distribution. One of its specialties is in creating operational models that prioritize sustainability. Sennder works with both carriers and shippers to create spot and contract shipping road freight protocols.
Hapag-Lloyd is a container shipping company that routes goods around the world. It has niche expertise in “reefer cargo,” which refers to goods that require temperature control in refrigerated containers known in the industry as “reefers,” in addition to dangerous goods and cargo that needs specialty handling, such as live animals. The company provides industry-leading tracking services that keep tabs on containers wherever they go.
Searoutes is a maritime supply chain company that provides software for optimizing precision and sustainability for ocean-bound freight. It uses advanced algorithms to plan and track routes based on weather conditions, political events and customer demand. The company provides CO2 emissions estimates with each of its routes, to allow clients to make informed decisions about their sustainability practices.
DHL Global Forwarding is an air and ocean freight forwarding company that serves every country in the world. A truly global operation, the company specializes in complex logistics sequences and challenging-to-access delivery locations. The company has moved more than 2 million tons of air freight and 3 million twenty-foot equivalent units of ocean cargo.
Sonoco is a packaging company that works with supply chain providers to handle packaging, shipping and delivery services throughout Germany. It offers products and services in consumer and industrial packaging as well as in niche areas such as medical devices and temperature-sensitive products. One of the company’s missions is to increase sustainability in the packaging industry, which it pursues through recyclable packaging solutions and stated ethical labor practices.
Amazon Web Services is the technology and software arm of e-commerce giant Amazon. It provides cloud computing and storage services to B2B companies, including numerous enterprise organizations. AWS offers IoT connectivity, computer vision, supply chain tracking and other technologies that are useful to logistics processes through its AWS for Industries division.
