Paul Leimgruber AG with signs in intermodal rail transport

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Paul Leimgruber AG specializes in road transport. Recently, the Basel-based company has also turned to rail for container transport, positioning itself as a pioneer in this field. Sebastian Furrer, Head of Container Logistics at Leimgruber, explains in an interview with SBB Cargo why combined transport can also make sense over short distances.” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text](Basel/Pratteln) In November 2020, Paul Leimgruber AG made headlines with a short-distance offering in combined transport in Switzerland. The route from Basel to Oensingen, at 55 km, is essentially too short for this mode of transport. SBB Cargo spoke with Sebastian Furrer, Head of Container Logistics at Leimgruber, about this:

In November 2020, Leimgruber shifted part of its transport operations to rail. What were the key reasons for this decision?

Furrer: One reason is the planned container terminal Gateway Basel Nord. This will play an important role for us, and we want to position ourselves accordingly today. Additionally, we are committed to promoting sustainable transport solutions. We notice that the acceptance and demand for sustainable transport options are steadily growing among our customers. Finally, we want to offer our customers a variety of transport solutions – including rail transport. This way, we can find the best solution together.

The distance from Basel to Oensingen is relatively short at around 55 kilometers. What still speaks in favor of rail?

We need a certain transport volume in the immediate vicinity of a combined transport terminal to maintain regular services. Many of our customers are located around Oensingen, as well as several distribution centers of larger retailers like Coop, Migros, Dosenbach, and Conforama. This allows us to handle the last mile by road. Furthermore, the container terminals in Basel are reaching their capacity limits: Our drivers often have to wait, and waiting times, as we know, incur costs. Since the Basel – Oensingen route is heavily trafficked, it benefits us to cover this distance by rail.

So, in your view, rail is not a “competitor”?

No, we are interested in a profitable partnership with SBB Cargo. We are truckers, not freight forwarders. And SBB Cargo needs a truck driver for certain transports to serve customers who do not have their own rail connection. This benefits both parties.

How is the collaboration with SBB Cargo going?

Sebastian Furrer

So far, the experiences have been very positive; it has settled in well. However, in mid-January 2021, certain import transports collapsed due to a backlog in the North Sea ports caused by heavy snowfall. Additionally, some ships could not operate as planned due to high water levels on the Rhine. Consequently, we had to suspend some of our services. It is difficult to say how things will proceed. The economic situation surrounding the coronavirus pandemic is hard to predict. However, as soon as we can operate again at normal levels – that is, with the usual volumes – we will resume services with SBB Cargo.

Does this mean that Leimgruber will bring more transports to rail?

Let’s put it this way: It is definitely part of our strategy and our stated goal. Depending on the situation, we are open to it, yes. (laughs)

When a road transport company turns to rail, it makes a statement. What do you want to convey to the industry with this?

We want to send a signal to the industry and be pioneers. As part of the Planzer Group, we are represented throughout Switzerland and have our own trucks at all combined transport terminals. Our goal is to handle the last mile from these terminals. Additionally, cooperation with the rail has a tradition at Planzer. We now want to extend this to container transport.

Photo and interview: © SBB Cargo

Sebastian Furrer, Head of Container Logistics[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]