German logistics company Dachser reported a 12.5% decrease in revenue for 2023, citing lower volumes and freight rates as contributing factors. Despite this decline, their full-year revenue reached €7.1 billion, an increase of 25% compared to pre-Covid 2019 sales. Transported volumes and tonnage also saw decreases of 4.6% and 6.5% respectively.
CEO Burkhard Eling highlighted the company’s strategic investments, including nearly €250 million spent on acquisitions in 2023 and a planned €500 million investment for the current year. These investments have expanded Dachser’s European network and established a presence in key food logistics markets in the Benelux, Nordic countries, Japan, and Australia.
Eling emphasized Dachser’s goal of becoming a globally integrated logistics provider, with a focus on expanding networks, digitalization, climate action, and employee development. Last year’s acquisitions included companies in the Netherlands, Australia, New Zealand, Sweden, and buy-outs of joint-venture partners in Japan, Italy, and South Africa.
Despite challenges in the global economy, Dachser saw growth in its road logistics arm, including food logistics services, while its Air & Sea forwarding business experienced a revenue decrease. Eling announced plans to integrate road freight and forwarding operations in response to overcapacity and weak demand in the European market, with a focus on growth opportunities outside of Europe.
The company is working towards developing an integrated global groupage solution called Global Groupage to enhance customer service quality and reliability worldwide.
