Behind the Scenes in Brussels

EP to bring Combined Transport Directive up to speed

Representatives of the European rail industry are hoping that the European Parliament (EP) will bring movement to the stalled discussion on a new version of the Combined Transport Directive (CT). In the EU Council of Ministers, the states cannot…

In Focus

Global logistics expands despite slowing trade

Worldwide logistics costs are expected to surpass 12.2 trillion US dollars this year, up from 11.9 trillion US dollars in 2024, according to US-based consultancy Armstrong & Associates. The projected increase of 2.5 per cent is broadly in line with…

Company News

Otto Group considers new sourcing offices in Asia

Supply X, the sourcing arm of Germany’s Otto Group, is considering expanding its presence in Southeast Asia. The company already operates an office in Vietnam and is reviewing options in other emerging sourcing markets where local partners are…

Financing and infrastructure

German logistics sector warns over fragmented transport funding

Germany’s logistics industry has welcomed increased infrastructure spending in 2025 but warned that fragmented financing across federal, climate and infrastructure budgets risks undermining long-term investment. The lack of coordination between the…

General cargo forwarding

Geis expands network with third acquisition in seven months

German logistics group Geis is acquiring Rodgau-based Agotrans Logistik, marking its third takeover within seven months. The deal strengthens Geis’s footprint in the Rhine-Main region and in the German palletised freight network IDS, where the…

Implementation of the Clean Industrial Deal

EU relaxes state aid rules to boost clean fuel production

The European Commission has adopted new guidelines allowing EU governments to subsidise low-emission fuels and clean technologies under a broader industrial strategy to cut greenhouse gas emissions. The Clean Industry State Aid Framework (CISAF),…

Shareholders' meeting

Kombiverkehr reports volume decline amid network disruption and weak demand

German intermodal operator Kombiverkehr reported a 5.6 per cent decline in volumes for 2024, handling close to 770,000 intermodal units, while revenue held steady at 434.5 million euros. The company reduced its operating loss and posted a modest net…

Industry Day

German industry outlook darkens as global risks mount

The Federation of German Industries (BDI) has cut its 2025 GDP forecast to a 0.3 per cent contraction, compared with a previous estimate of minus 0.1 per cent. The revision reflects persistent weakness in manufacturing alongside growing external…

Rail

Rail freight sector calls for incentives on military transport

Europe’s rail freight operators see potential in transporting containerised military equipment, but say incentives are needed for moving heavy vehicles such as tanks. Clemens Först, chief executive of Rail Cargo Group, told DVZ International that…

Logistics

Industry calls for overhaul of Germany’s military logistics procurement

Germany’s logistics industry has criticised the military’s procurement system as overly bureaucratic and detached from commercial practice. Industry figures told DVZ International that tenders by the Bundeswehr often feature unrealistic requirements,…

Company News

Otto Group considers new sourcing offices in Asia

Supply X, the sourcing arm of Germany’s Otto Group, is considering expanding its overseas presence in Southeast Asia. The company already operates an office in Vietnam and is reviewing options in other emerging sourcing markets where local partners…

Company News

DSV chief faces scrutiny over leadership style

Jens Lund, chief executive of Danish logistics group DSV, is facing allegations of aggressive behaviour from current and former senior employees, according to local business newspaper Børsen. Reports describe a climate of fear at the top of the…

Air

Chinese air freight volumes rise despite US tariff tensions

China’s air cargo exports remained strong in May despite rising trade tensions with the US, as e-commerce shippers redirected volumes to alternative markets. According to air freight consultancy Aevean, outbound e-commerce shipments reached 400,000…

Sea

Freight rates set to plunge as container capacity outpaces trade

Global container shipping is expected to enter a multi-year downturn as fleet expansion continues to outpace demand growth, HSBC said. The bank forecasts global trade to grow by 2.2 per cent in 2025 and 1.7 per cent in 2026, while net shipping…

Personnel

Titzrath exit from HHLA highlights shareholder tensions

Angela Titzrath, chief executive of Hamburg port operator HHLA, will leave the company by the end of 2025, despite her contract having been extended to 2029 last year. The decision follows months of strained relations with the company's main…