You don't have to be constrained by the box

06/12/2023 23 min
You don't have to be constrained by the box

Listen "You don't have to be constrained by the box"

Episode Synopsis

This episode is about less than container load (LCL) shipments. Host Sara Vollmer interviews Thomas Boenert, Kuehne+Nagel's Global Head of LCL. They speak about actual examples how LCL can bring more flexibility, risk management and sustainability into today’s challenged supply chains.

Key topics of this episode are: The current market situation and the role of LCL in it, benefits of LCL and how LCL can help to reduce risks in supply chains.

Recorded in December 2021.

Details:

(03:06) Sara and Thomas talked about the market at the time of the recording (December 2021) and how it was influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic. The confusion of how to get the products delivered on time, the lack of capacity, and issues with on-time scheduling are discussed.

(06:28) Thomas then goes into the benefits of less than container load (LCL) as an alternative to full container load (FCL). He draws upon the experience of his friend, a small business owner, to expand on the topic.

(09:55) Sara shared a similar story of how one of her customers, realised the importance of managing your supply chain based on the market situation and customer needs.

(11:32) Thomas mentions how planning right and selecting less than container load (LCL) can help customers manage their costs better and avoid making emergency decisions to fly their most important cargo.

(12:18) Sara and Thomas discuss the Kuehne+Nagel sustainability approach towards LCL including providing visibility to our customers.

(15:28) Thomas talks about customers' positive feedback on Kuehne+Nagel’s sustainable initiatives. He also mentions that although many carriers have already taken measures toward a greener future, there are also challenges and limitations along the way.

(18:21) Thomas touches on how the focus has shifted from price to quality and sustainability in recent years.