Keeping industrial logistics moving
Interview with Dirk Schröder, Managing Director
Industrial supply chains face growing pressure to become faster, leaner, and more resilient. Efficiency is no longer a competitive edge but a requirement. A highly effective answer lies in decoupling transportation from production through mobile storage concepts adding flexibility at plant level. This is where WESTFALIA intralog GmbH from Herford, Germany, steps in. Managing Director Dirk Schröder explains how the company enhances logistics efficiency across Europe.
European Business: Mr. Schröder, companies across Europe are under pressure to make their supply chains more efficient and resilient. How does WESTFALIA intralog support its customers in meeting these demands?
Dirk Schröder: The core idea is to decouple transportation from production processes. By using jumbo swap bodies as mobile storage units, we create flexibility at plant level and reduce dependency on loading times, ramp availability or fixed warehouse capacity. A swap body can stand independently on its own legs and be exchanged without delay: we deliver an empty unit, pick up a loaded one and move it directly to the next destination. In many cases, the swap body also functions as temporary on-site storage. This eliminates intermediate handling steps, reduces internal transport effort and gives customers greater planning security, particularly in sectors such as chemicals and industrial packaging.
European Business: WESTFALIA intralog is considered one of Europe’s leading providers in this niche. How important are size and fleet ownership to your competitive position?
Dirk Schröder: Scale is crucial. We operate several thousand jumbo swap bodies across Europe and dispatch around 180 vehicles daily. Our swap body fleet enables us to respond quickly to customer requirements and provide capacity when needed. At the same time, we work with long-term transport partners for vehicles and drivers. This structure combines asset strength with operational flexibility.
European Business: What role does digitalization play in your operations?
Dirk Schröder: A significant one. All our swap bodies are GPS tracked, which provides full transparency regarding location and availability. Digital document management accelerates processes such as proof of delivery and invoicing. However, digitalization for us is not about replacing people, it is about supporting them. It simplifies daily operations and enhances reliability for customers.
European Business: Sustainability has become another central topic.
Dirk Schröder: Whenever possible, we integrate intermodal solutions, combining road and rail transport. As part of the L.I.T. Group, we also benefit from access to intermodal rail connections that allow us to reduce CO2 emissions on selected corridors. This group structure expands our capabilities beyond pure road transport. In addition, we are closely monitoring the development of electric trucks for regional operations. The transition requires technical progress and infrastructure improvements, but it is clearly part of our long-term strategy.
European Business: Looking ahead, how do you assess market prospects?
Dirk Schröder: The overall economic outlook remains somewhat uncertain, but logistics will always be essential. Goods must move, regardless of market cycles. Our specialization gives us stability because customers who rely on the swap body system tend to maintain it long term. Being part of a strong group while retaining our operational independence also provides security. We are cautiously optimistic and focused on sustainable growth rather than rapid expansion.
European Business: How would you summarize WESTFALIA intralog’s corporate philosophy?
Dirk Schröder: Reliability, transparency and long-term partnerships. Logistics is a business built on trust. Our customers depend on us to keep their production running smoothly. That responsibility shapes our daily work and our strategic decisions.