Dr. Tobias Burger becomes COO Air & Sea Logistics at DACHSER
Focus on growth in global markets and integrated groupage transport
Since the turn of the year, Dr. Tobias Burger (46) has been the new Chief Operations Officer (COO) Air & Sea Logistics and a member of the Executive Board at logistics provider DACHSER. The former Deputy Director Air & Sea Logistics replaces Edoardo Podestà (61), who has retired from active professional life after a career at DACHSER spanning more than 20 years, the last four of which he spent leading the air and sea freight business.
Since the turn of the year, Dr. Tobias Burger (46) has been the new Chief Operations Officer (COO) Air & Sea Logistics and a member of the Executive Board at logistics provider DACHSER.
"The thoroughly prepared handover at the top of the Air & Sea Logistics business field reflects the targeted and long-term oriented further development of our intercontinental network," explains Bernhard Simon, Chairman of the Supervisory Board at DACHSER. "Edoardo Podestà has built up our Asian business since 2003 and has made a significant contribution to the growth of our company over the past four years as COO Air & Sea Logistics. With Dr. Tobias Burger, we now have an experienced logistics strategist at the helm of our Air & Sea Logistics organization who has a deep and holistic understanding of the complex challenges facing the global logistics markets now and in the future."
The central task of Tobias Burger as COO Air & Sea Logistics is to drive DACHSER's growth in the global markets. “We are convinced that the main impetus for our future growth will come from our business in Asia and the Americas,” says Burkhard Eling, CEO of DACHSER. “By closely interlinking intercontinental transport with our efficient European overland transport network, we want to offer our customers a comprehensive solution for groupage services around the world. This Global Groupage offering, delivered by an integrated network with comprehensive contract logistics capabilities, definitely calls for a powerful air and sea freight organization with a global presence.”
This Global Groupage offering, delivered by an integrated network with comprehensive contract logistics capabilities, definitely calls for a powerful air and sea freight organization with a global presence.
Burkhard Eling, CEO of DACHSER
Burger holds a doctorate in business administration, and he began his career as a strategy consultant at Siemens Management Consulting. He joined DACHSER in 2009. After working in controlling and strategy development, he was given responsibility for Corporate Governance. At that time, he was already overseeing the strategic development of the global air and sea freight network. Burger was appointed Deputy Director Air & Sea Logistics in 2019, becoming Podestà’s right-hand man. During this time, he was initially global sales manager for the air and sea freight business. In 2021 and 2022, Burger led the ASL EMEA business unit’s operations as Managing Director with great success.
Edoardo Podestà: Two decades of growth and profitability for DACHSER ASL
Podestà concludes his successful career as a logistics manager by handing over the reins to Burger. An Italian who has lived in Hong Kong for many years, Podestà joined DACHSER in 2003 following its acquisition of a joint venture. As Managing Director, he was initially responsible for Greater China; as DACHSER’s Asian business grew, he soon took on responsibility for the entire Asia-Pacific business unit. Since 2019, he had also been at the helm of the global air and sea freight business as COO Air & Sea Logistics. “Against the backdrop of an extremely volatile market environment, he applied his depth of experience and his creativity to always chart a clear course for growth and profitability,” Eling says.
DACHSER has signed a joint venture agreement with the Japanese logistics company Nishi-Nippon Railroad Co., Ltd. “DACHSER Japan K.K.” will open its first office in Tokyo at the end of 2023.
On January 1, Burkhard Eling became Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Spokesperson of the Executive Board of logistics provider DACHSER. He heads the Corporate Strategy, Human Resources, Marketing executive unit, which also includes Corporate Key Account Management and the Corporate Governance & Compliance division. Eling succeeds Bernhard Simon, who will take over as Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the family-owned company in mid-2021.
Lockdown in Shanghai: impact on operational activities
Due to the COVID-19 restrictions in China, there is an impact on international air and sea freight traffic as well as the domestic transport sector.
Overview
Due to the increasing number of COVID-19 cases in Shanghai, the city will be locked down starting 5 a.m. Monday, March 28, 2022 in order to contain the spread of the pandemic.
A lockdown will be carried out in two phases: From March 28 until April 1, restrictions will apply to Pudong, the eastern side of Shanghai, and from April 1 to April 5, the same restrictions will apply to Puxi, the western side of the city.
During the lockdown period, measures will be taken, including massive COVID-19 testing, suspension of public transport, shutdown of stores, halting production and business activities, and employees will only be allowed to work from home.
Impact on logistics
Air and sea ports remain open and operational.
Shortage of manpower remains an issue in all sectors due to strict quarantine regulations, especially for freight-related personnel, who have to present a 48-hours negative test report when entering highways, warehouses and ports.
For air freight, the lockdown impacts the PVG gateway for both import and export. The import Gateway is operational and flights continue to land at the airport. Export flights out of PVG are restricted, the export Gateway is closed and handover is suspended. DACHSER is working on planning new flight schedules through alternative airports. The restrictions are expected to last for 7-14 days. Land transport is restricted as well.
For sea freight, DACHSER has not yet received any carrier announcements about vessel delays or cancellations. Cargo arrived at CFS within the Pudong area is not affected, but shipments could be delayed due to potential vessel changes or insufficient cargo for consolidation. FCL trucks are allowed to enter Pudong and the port area with a 48-hours negative test report and an electronic Equipment Interchange Receipt (EIR). LTL trucking is yet to have any development.
Trucking between Shanghai and neighbouring cities is restricted to drivers who can present a 48-hours negative test report. Delays in pickups and deliveries are expected.
Customs operations are currently reported normal with no interruption.
DACHSER's locations in Shanghai, including the downtown office and the PVG Airport office, have implemented a work-from-home policy since March 21, while the Huaqiao Warehouse remains open but loading and pickup is restricted. You can reach your local contact through the usual communication channels.
Local representatives at DACHSER will be happy to provide information about shipments and possible alternatives.
The global economy is picking up once more. But the sharp rise in demand has to navigate not only the continuing pandemic but, increasingly, also material shortages. This presents a historic challenge and a real test for supply chains and global networks. Completely abandoning globalization, however, is not an option.