Hellmann Worldwide Logistics: Innovation & Excellence in SCM

Hellmann Worldwide Logistics, a global leader in supply chain management, has built a legacy of innovation, sustainability and customer-centric solutions since its inception in 1871.

What started as a modest, one-man operation in Osnabrück, Germany, is now a global logistics giant, providing a comprehensive range of services to businesses worldwide.

With a presence in almost 175 countries, Hellmann operates at the forefront of logistics, combining tradition with modern technology to meet the ever-changing demands of global trade.

A rich history of innovation

Founded by Carl Heinrich Hellmann as a simple horse-and-wagon delivery service, Hellmann Worldwide Logistics has grown exponentially over the past 150 years. 

The business has expanded from regional operation to global powerhouse by continuously adapting to new technologies and changes in global trade. By the 20th century, Hellmann had established a strong international presence, initially across Europe before extending to Asia, North America and other key markets.

A commitment to embracing digital transformation has, for many years, been one of Hellmann’s core strengths. Early on, it adopted electronic data interchange (EDI) systems, positioning itself as a forward-thinking logistics player. This foresight has not only helped the firm stay competitive but also lead the industry in areas including digital freight management, integrated logistics platforms and real-time shipment tracking.

Discussing Hellmann’s online freight calculator, Stefan Borggreve, Chief Digital Officer, said previously: “Our goal is to create digital products that empower our customers to gain full control over their shipments through maximum transparency. This tool takes the digital customer experience to a new level by massively accelerating the booking process and, at the same time, improving our overall service quality.”

The leadership team behind Hellmann’s strategy

The leadership team at Hellmann Worldwide Logistics has been a key driver behind the company's sustained success and forward-looking approach.

Jens Drewes recently became the organisation’s new CEO, taking over from Reiner Heiken who had been in charge since 2018. 

Reiner was a vocal advocate for innovation in logistics and, under his leadership, Hellmann significantly strengthened its focus on digitalisation and sustainability.

With the succession plan confirmed last year, Dr. Thomas C. Lieb, Chairman of the Supervisory Board, credited Reiner with “repositioning the company and setting it up strongly for the future”.

Jens is ably supported by COO Jens Wollesen, who is responsible for optimising Hellmann’s operational efficiency and ensuring the successful delivery of innovative solutions across the company’s global supply chain.

Fellow integral members of the leadership team include CFO Martin Eberle and CCO Patrick Oestreich.

Comprehensive product offerings

Hellmann Worldwide Logistics offers a wide array of services designed to meet the complex needs of businesses across multiple industries. 

Its core service offerings include:

• Air freight: Hellmann offers flexible and efficient air freight solutions, ensuring timely delivery across the globe. Services include door-to-door delivery, express shipments, charter services and consolidation.
• Sea freight: Leveraging long-standing partnerships with major shipping lines, Hellmann provides full container load (FCL) and less than container load (LCL) services, offering cost-effective solutions for companies of all sizes.
• Road and rail transport: Hellmann’s extensive European and international network of road and rail transport services ensures timely and eco-friendly delivery of goods across continents.
• Contract logistics: Hellmann provides tailor-made warehousing and distribution solutions, with advanced inventory management systems that enable real-time tracking and streamlined supply chains for its customers.
• Customs brokerage: Offering expert customs clearance services, Hellmann ensures smooth cross-border transactions, reducing potential delays and compliance risks for its clients.

Industry-specific solutions

Hellmann is known for its ability to provide industry-specific solutions, offering tailored logistics services to various sectors, including:

• Automotive: Hellmann supports automotive manufacturers and suppliers with integrated supply chain solutions that include inbound logistics, just-in-time (JIT) delivery and after-sales services.
• Healthcare and pharma: The company provides specialised solutions, including temperature-controlled logistics, regulatory compliance and high-security storage for pharmaceutical and healthcare products.
• Fashion and lifestyle: In the fast-paced world of fashion, Hellmann offers agile and responsive supply chain services, including sourcing, warehousing and last-mile delivery solutions for fashion brands worldwide.
• Food & Beverage: Hellmann provides temperature-controlled and efficient logistics services, ensuring food and beverage products reach their destinations in optimum condition.

Sustainability: A core focus

Hellmann Worldwide Logistics has long recognised the importance of sustainability in logistics and is well accustomed to integrating green practices into its operations.

It insists that sustainability is not just a buzzword, but “at the core of our values and operations”.

When it comes to air freight, Hellmann is a member of the Sustainable Air Freight Alliance, which involves supporting dialogue aimed at driving the development of more sustainable solutions. The company believes cleaner logistics starts with emissions transparency and it has set up capabilities to provide such transparency for air freight customers.

On the road, Hellmann uses a data platform alongside its partner, Shipzero, to reliably determine the emissions of its road freight products. The platform supports compliant emissions data for external reporting to customers.

Across the board, Hellmann is intent on improving the sustainability credentials of its operations by investing in eco-friendly vehicles, energy-efficient warehouses and digital tools that optimise routes and minimise fuel consumption. 

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