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11/18/2020
For a sustainable society: More and more NGOs are taking action around the world

In the course of globalization, internationally networked non-governmental organizations or NGOs are playing an increasingly important role. DACHSER’s partnership with children’s aid organization terre des hommes demonstrates how a company can support an NGO over the long term.

Environmental protection, human rights, joint development projects, migration, anti‑discrimination: the importance of non-governmental organizations, or NGOs, for society is great. Independent of states and governments, they advocate for social, socio-political, or environmental issues. The coronavirus crisis is making the work of NGOs more urgent, as humanitarian aid in developing countries is now more important than ever. This is a challenge for many such organizations, as their work is often hampered by travel bans as well as difficult working conditions and hygiene measures on site. In addition, many of those who donate are less willing to do so in times of crisis. Yet this is exactly what NGOs depend on, because in addition to membership fees, donations are their main source of financing. Transparency with regard to an organization’s cash flow and what it achieves with those funds is now all the more critical for strengthening donor confidence. Many NGOs inform their donors regularly via press releases, newsletters, or on their website about individual projects and the use of funds. NGOs are also monitored by auditing companies and the relevant tax authorities to ensure that they are using donations correctly. A “donation seal” from the German Central Institute for Social Issues (DZI), headquartered in Berlin, helps engender even greater trust on the part of the donors. The seal guarantees that the respective NGO is trustworthy and that the work they do is respectable.

DACHSER supports terre des hommes

According to estimates, there are currently tens of thousands of NGOs worldwide, providing medical care in crisis areas, looking after refugees, supporting micro-enterprises in the start-up phase, and more. One of the leading children’s aid organizations is terre des hommes. Founded in Germany in 1967, the organization protects children from slavery and exploitation, cares for the victims of war, violence, and abuse, and provides education and training for children. The German arm of terre des hommes currently supports 386 projects around the globe. International logistics provider DACHSER has been supporting the work of terre des hommes in South Asia, southern Africa, and Latin America since 2005. In keeping with the principle of “helping people to help themselves,” terre des hommes implements local aid projects to permanently improve the lives of children and the others in their villages. “As a global logistics company, we have operations around the world that bring people, markets, and manufacturing closer together. Yet not everyone is experiencing the benefits of globalization. It is our responsibility to stand up for these people and improve their living conditions,” explains Bernhard Simon, CEO at DACHSER.

By extending its contract with terre des hommes through 2025, DACHSER will be supporting the North Indian state of Bihar as well as projects in New Delhi and Uttar Pradesh. Taking a look at the latter, Ingrid Mendonca is coordinating an aid project there for terre des hommes Germany and is enthusiastic about the commitment of the locals, especially now during the coronavirus pandemic. “Not only do the youth groups support their own communities, sew masks, and procure food, but they are also getting in touch with young people in other villages, districts, even states and getting organized,” Ingrid Mendonca says. “Their commitment to improving the situation is inspiring.”

DACHSER employees also benefit from their employer’s commitment to social responsibility and can support terre des hommes projects on site. For example: Melanie Diem, Team Leader Project Management at DACHSER, coordinated a sustainability project by terre des hommes and DACHSER in Livingstone, Zambia. DACHSER Young Professionals and students from the terre des hommes network took part in the project. “The participants’ commitment to the cause was very impressive. DACHSER employees have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the work of an NGO, an area with which they might otherwise never come into contact,” Melanie Diem explains.

A special kind of commitment

The partnership between DACHSER and terre des hommes shows that together, a commercial company and an NGO can achieve amazing things. “Our collaboration with DACHSER is particularly valuable and important to us because it involves a huge personal commitment and open and honest dialogue,” says Stephan Stolze, head of the fundraising department at terre des hommes. “DACHSER’s employees and CEO Bernhard Simon in particular are deeply involved in the terre des hommes projects funded by DACHSER. They want to know how the people on the ground are doing and to what extent DACHSER’s support succeeds in helping to improve the living conditions of the local people.” In 2018, DACHSER’s commitment was recognized with the German CSR Award in the “Social Engagement” category. Partnering with an NGO makes DACHSER a pioneer, as only a few companies in Germany support internationally active NGOs. “Larger, international companies in particular should seriously consider the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals and support projects in these areas for as long as they can,” Stephan Stolze says.

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12/12/2022
New custom fleet enhances DACHSER South Africa capabilities

DACHSER South Africa has expanded its Johannesburg-based road freight fleet with eleven new Hino trucks, further enhancing the companies road freight capabilities through Africa. Over the next few months, the vehicle fleet in the company’s Cape Town office will also be expanded. Growth in demand and delivering on the specialised needs of clients is driving the expansion of the South African operation of the international logistics leader as the country emerges from the challenges of the pandemic.

“We’re excited to extend our fleet of Hino trucks, which are robust, reliable and have sophisticated in-vehicle technology that makes them an ideal tool in the integrated logistics solutions we offer for customers,” says Detlev Duve, Managing Director of DACHSER South Africa. “Our decision to purchase these trucks, ranging from 4-ton to 15-ton vehicles and including flatbeds, tautliners and pantechnicons, was based on Hino’s proven track record for manufacturing high-quality, reliable vehicles. They are factory-fitted with all the creature comforts that make the driver's experience much more enjoyable, so that they can focus on providing the best service possible.”   

Two of the new vehicles have been custom built for specific client needs, reflecting Dachser South Africa’s commitment to tailoring logistics to meet specific client requirements as a valued strategic partner. To meet the needs of the solar, heavy office equipment and medical industries, the trucks are equipped with tail lifts and cantilevers. This makes deliveries to smaller premises easier and safer, where forklifts are not always available. All vehicles are hazardous goods compliant and fitted with cameras and tracking devices to optimise track and trace capabilities.

“Our strategic goal has always been to work closely with our clients to ensure that we put structures and services in place to fit their needs, whether it be in the warehouse or on our vehicles. We build our longterm client relationships this way,” says Duve.

DACHSER South Africa has been providing a highly competitive road freight service for over twenty years, including over-border consolidation and full truckload services. The company provides general road, air and sea freight transport, supplemented by specialised transport services for industry-specific materials including foodstuffs, chemicals, spares and bulk mining machinery.

Road freight in Africa can pose clear challenges and logistics companies must be prepared to be competitive, according to Duve. “Transporting goods throughout the continent requires a strong fleet, an established network of support partners, a team that has up-to-date information on multi-country customs and border control changes or requirements, solid tracking processes, and hands-on knowledge of diverse infrastructures and the challenges they may present.”

A successful road freight service is one that is well coordinated and planned from the outset, as well as effectively tracked en route. DACHSER South Africa manages supply chains using its digital, real-time platform to ensure that both the client and the consignee are able to see where the consignment is at all times. 

DACHSER South Africa further offers consolidation services where multiple consignments for different, medium-sized companies are transported in one truck, or a fleet of trucks. “Clients need to make sure they are dealing with established providers when it comes to consolidation, as shipments can be severely impeded by the clearing processes and turnaround times of the order from destination to origin,” says Duve. “We pre-empt any challenges through having strict protocols and detailed processes in place, including processing documents at the border prior loading, and getting all shipments released prior to truck arrival and subsequent departure.” 

Another value adding service is the company’s full truckload 24-hour notice period. “This essentially means that a client is notified 24 hours prior to loading in order to check the availability of vehicles - a real advantage for our customers,” says Duve.

“With our strong network, we are continuously developing new routes, building our fleet and devising sustainable road freight and logistics processes. By doing so, we are supporting our client’s growth on the African continent and the continued development of Africa’s overall prosperity. It’s exciting to be a part of this growth.”  

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06/02/2023
DACHSER Life Science and Healthcare receives GDP certification

The logistics provider has undergone good distribution practice (GDP) audits at its sites in Frankfurt, Madrid, Barcelona, and Mumbai, as well as at the Head Office in Kempten. An independent institute certified that DACHSER complies with the specifications relating to safe and secure transport chains in the pharmaceutical sector.

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08/26/2025
Flexibility and consolidation are key to navigating Africa’s evolving logistics challenges

With logistics across Africa facing mounting complexities in 2025, businesses are under increasing pressure to overcome a range of challenges. From congested ports in South Africa to the difficulties of managing risks in high-volume shipping lanes like the Cape of Good Hope or securing airfreight capacity, companies must find innovative and reliable logistics solutions to remain competitive.

“The current logistics landscape demands flexibility, control, and efficiency,” says Detlev Duve, Managing Director at DACHSER South Africa. “We're finding solutions to address the challenges head-on, enabling our customers to operate with confidence.”

African businesses are grappling with several pressing issues in the logistics sector, says Duve. "Cape Town’s worsening port congestion, which can lead to vessel anchorage delays of up to 10 days, is disrupting timetables and pushing up costs. The rerouting of vessels around the Cape of Good Hope adds significant shipping time, up to 10 days. Increasing demand in airfreight as shippers switch to the skies is straining available capacity. Further complicating the picture, geopolitical tensions near critical trade corridors such as the Red Sea are creating ongoing risks for maritime traffic."

Compounding these challenges are rising freight rates, driven by a shift in capacity as larger vessels are repurposed for more lucrative global trade lanes, leaving smaller ships to service Africa. "For shippers, these market dynamics translate to tighter margins, reduced operational efficiencies, and heightened uncertainty," says Duve. "A close, transparent partnership with your logistics provider is critical."

DACHSER South Africa is stepping up to empower businesses across the region with tailored services, advanced technology, and strategic partnerships, providing solutions rooted in experience and expertise.

Visibility with advanced track and trace

In a market prone to unpredictability, remaining informed is essential. Within its integrated DACHSER platform the logistics provider has deployed an enhanced track-and-trace system offering visibility into shipments. This innovation allows businesses to monitor their goods’ movement with accuracy and make informed logistical decisions. “Being in control of your shipment status is critical in today’s environment, and our track-and-trace tools ensure that our customers are always one step ahead,” explains Duve.

Diversified shipping options, balancing transit time and costs

Duve says it's vital to quickly analyse costs and lead times across different ports and carriers to find the most suitable arrangements for specific business needs. "We're working with clients to balance transit time and costs, evaluating trade-offs between faster delivery and higher shipping expenses to determine cost-efficient solutions."

Consolidation strategy to combat rising freight costs

To counter rising freight rates caused by limited capacity on certain routes, DACHSER has enhanced its global LCL services, which consolidate multiple small shipments into one larger consignment. This approach allows businesses to optimise their logistics budgets. DACHSER has also expanded its own consolidations specifically designed to manage time-sensitive cargo.
 

“At DACHSER, we manage block bookings for key trade routes and time-sensitive shipments, ensuring our customers receive cost-effective yet reliable service,” underscores Duve. By refining its already extensive consolidation network, DACHSER is extending access to more affordable shipping solutions without compromising on delivery timelines.

Supporting airfreight needs with block space agreements

The story of airfreight in 2025 centres on demand outpacing capacity, especially as online retail continues its steady growth. To fill this gap, DACHSER leverages its strategic block space agreements with air carriers. These agreements secure much-needed capacity for businesses reliant on airfreight, while DACHSER’s consolidation of shipments reduces overall costs.


“With our airfreight consolidation services backed by efficient block booking systems, our customers can move critical consignments without delay—even amidst volatile market conditions,” Duve explains.

Streamlining customs with AEO expertise

Navigating customs procedures is often a bottleneck in the African logistics chain. By securing top-tier Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) approval from the South African Revenue Service (SARS), DACHSER provides its customers expedited customs clearance and access to a dedicated SARS channel to resolve issues swiftly.
 

“We’re proud to be an approved AEO service provider. This not only streamlines border control processes for our customers but also guarantees reliability in unpredictable conditions,” adds Duve.

Sustaining an efficient supply chain requires constant adaptation and collaboration. By equipping businesses in Africa with robust digital tools, streamlined customs practices and scalable consolidation options, DACHSER effectively addresses both the immediate and long-term challenges in logistics.
 

“We are strategic partners invested in helping our customers build resilient supply chains,” says Duve. “From enhanced visibility to cost-saving strategies, DACHSER delivers solutions that adapt and evolve in sync with Africa’s dynamic markets.”
 

It is time to take proactive steps towards reliable logistics. Reach out to DACHSER today for comprehensive solutions tailored to your needs.

(ENDS)

About DACHSER:

DACHSER, a family-owned company headquartered in Kempten, Germany, provides transport logistics, warehousing, and customized services in two business fields: DACHSER Air & Sea Logistics and DACHSER Road Logistics. The latter is divided into two business lines, DACHSER European Logistics and DACHSER Food Logistics. Comprehensive contract logistics services and industry-specific solutions round out the company’s offerings. A seamless shipping network—both in Europe and overseas—and fully integrated IT systems provide for intelligent logistics solutions worldwide.

Thanks to some 37,300 employees at 433 locations all over the globe, DACHSER generated consolidated net revenue of approximately EUR 8.0 billion in 2024. The same year, the logistics provider handled a total of 82.3 million shipments weighing 44.1 million metric tons. Country organisations represent DACHSER in 43 countries. For more information about DACHSER, please visit dachser.com

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