Global Infrastructure as a Logistical Differentiating Feature

Chilled cargo, medications, dangerous goods, chemicals and dutiable goods—BDP International, which is active worldwide, offers logistics services such as dangerous goods transport on land, sea, or air, as well as individually customized logistics instruments. The logistics professionals can demonstrate special competence for the demands of the chemical and pharmaceutical industries. This market is also to come more strongly into focus in the coming year. CHEManager asked Alex Ruf, Managing Director of BDP International, about the company's security aspects, services and future plans.

CHEManager:   Mr. Ruf, BDP International wants to grow strongly in Germany next year. How are you preparing for this growth?

A. Ruf:   We have taken all necessary measures for this. One measure I can name is the specialization in the chemical and pharmaceutical sectors. We have introduced very high quality standards in this area that guarantee maximum security for the customers. We have also invested a lot in the training of our employees. All of these measures will pay off in the long run.

CHEManager:   What significance does BDP International have in the area of dangerous goods, or rather as a transport service for the chemical and pharmaceutical branches?

A. Ruf:   BDP International was founded in 1966 and is active worldwide. We currently employ about 1,400 workers and generate sales of far over 1 billion US dollars. This global orientation is of decisive importance, especially for the chemical and pharmaceutical industries. The global players like to work together with logistics service providers who have a global infrastructure. We fulfill this demand.

CHEManager:   Are other sectors also served or do you specialize in the named branches of industry?

A. Ruf:   Our main focus lies in the chemical industry. Besides that, we concentrate on the consumer goods, healthcare, and industrial goods sectors of the economy.

CHEManager:   Which types of dangerous goods that are relevant for the chemical or pharmaceutical industries are included in your logistics services?

A. Ruf:   At BDP International, generally all dangerous goods that are classified according to the IMDG (International Maritime Dangerous Goods) Code are included. Of course all logistics services for dangerous goods are also included.

CHEManager:   How did BDP International gain the know-how for transport in these industries?

A. Ruf:   From the beginning, we adapted to the complex requirements of the chemical and pharmaceutical industries, such as safety, quality, and environmental and health concerns, especially in Germany. This clear orientation has led to the formation of much know-how. Based on our specialization with the particular requirements for transporting dangerous goods in global trade, we can actively support companies in their steady optimization.

CHEManager:   How is cross-border transport within Europe dealt with and how is international transport overseas going?

A. Ruf:   As the Lead Logistics Provider (LLP), we make use of the carrier market, or rather reliable partners in Europe. In the area of international transport, BDP works together with several firms, or rather cooperation partners. What's decisive in this connection is that we simply do more in this area.  One of our competitive advantages lies in our matchless IT reporting and our monitoring tools. Here we are in the position to offer our customers interactive functionalities, which they do not obtain in this form elsewhere.

CHEManager:   Does the customers have the option to track and trace their goods over the entire transport chain?

A. Ruf:   Shipment tracking over the entire transport chain is possible. Supplementing this is an innovative Supply-Chain Sequence Management with OCAS, which  will interface as a component of the BDP Xpedion web-based operating system,  send ing pro-active information to all participants via information carriers (EDI, Email, SMS, Fax, etc.). The customer is given the opportunity to inform his client in a timely manner, or rather to initiate actions. In addition, there are possibilities for individual customer programming. Our systems are designed in such a way that we collect, evaluate and make transparent the data of all those who participate in the value creation chain in a so-called "data warehouse." This helps us particularly in the position of LLP, but also as LSP, to offer the customer a “value added service.”  Moreover, we work with an open system in which our programmers can develop interfaces to the customers' systems within a short time.

CHEManager:   What developments within transport are especially valuable to the chemical or rather pharmaceutical industries? And how do corporations see the situation, especially in view of increasing fuel costs?

A. Ruf:   One development is the outsourcing to a flexible LLP, which within the shortest time frame can adapt to and implement the complex demands of the chemical and pharmaceutical industries. Low overheads, flat hierarchies and multifunctional trained employees count in this aspect. The other development is that of the intimate customer: the LLP grows with the customer and develops individual solutions—an advantage compared to logistics firms that for the most part can only offer standard solutions in this area.  With regards to fuel prices: increasing fuel prices force us to rethink logistics in the direction of flexibility and individuality.  An individual consideration and optimization of transport routes and means of transport is becoming more of a focal point. 

CHEManager:   What would you say to a decision maker as to why he should invite BDP for talks?

A. Ruf:   The type of problem of all companies in an economic sector that deals in global cargo trading is similar. We know this challenge especially well in the fields of chemicals and pharmaceuticals. We know what is important in this field, and we have a lot of experience. Our customers can profit directly and immediately from this experience. So it's then worth talking to us.