Positive forecast

Towards the end of last year it already became obvious on the domestic distribution market, that only companies with a strong base capital and sturdy financial background will be able to serve the increased transportation tasks induced by expansive consumption.  
Many companies tried to levy the loss of market share due to the recession by getting rid of their equipment; consequently they were not able to get back on their feet in time, nor could they offer any adequate solutions. The limitations of bank loans further complicate the situation, since the purchasing of new equipment has become impossible or significantly more difficult.

This year is a decisive factor for domestic carrier companies, since such firms, which are able to provide their clients with an adequate number of vehicles in this climate of limited equipment may very well strengthen their position in the long run, and further enhance their presence on the market.

Which investment trends currently define the domestic carrier market?

–    First and foremost we must mention the expansion and update of the domestic fleets. Following the strategic tendencies of the past few years – next to over 150 subcontractors operating in franchise style – we operate our own fleet of 200 trucks, which allows our company to fulfill the customers’ hectic orders without a problem even during these times of  shrinking transportation equipment resources; we have no problem serving the end-of-the-month rush so typical of the FMCG market - responds Glória Garamvölgyi, commercial director of Waberer’s Logisztika Kft. Waberer’s is further expanding its fleet beyond the regular goods transportation in the domestic container division with newly acquired vehicles equipped to transport containers of any size, some of which are also appropriate to transport refrigerated goods and  ADR products as well. Parallel to the investment in equipment, last year’s introduction of our track-and-trace system has also broadened, which resulted in the possibility of checking the momentary status and position of any given load with the help of an online map application, based on a load identification number. As the next step of the system we have implemented, we are introducing a two-way communication system with our drivers. After the completion of a partial task the driver sends a report (message), which then becomes part of the TMS system at Waberer’s, thereby increasing our organizational efficiency.

–    From the abovementioned innovative tendencies it becomes obvious, that both an investment in equipment as well innovation on the ICT side is necessary in order to fulfill in the long the high expectations of our customers regarding efficiency and cost effectiveness, which is so typical of the market today. Besides our carrier division we are continuously improving our domestic and international distribution system as well, since, according to our philosophy the logistical challenges of today’s economic environment can only be met with the help of a superbly coordinated SC system – stressed Glória Garamvölgyi.

  
Source: SCM April, 2011