Dachser inaugurates automotive facility in Atlanta

Dachser USA has added an automotive competence center to its U.S. regional headquarters in Atlanta to provide dedicated customer service teams capable of addressing logistics issues unique to the automotive industry.

The project was launched in February 2019 and follows the German forwarder’s foray into the automotive-dominant Detroit market, and complements a similar facility in Mexico. Automotive is the No. 1 commodity moving on the trans-Atlantic trade lane, and No. 5 on the Trans-Pacific. Although airfreight is used sparingly for such shipments, the mode comes into play when inventory is tight or part recalls are issued, both of which require more speed.

Guido Gries, managing director of Dachser Americas, told Air Cargo World that he expects the Atlanta center to use airfreight for time-critical shipments, as well as coordination, control and management of inbound manufacturing materials to the production line.

The specialized automotive teams, along with an increased presence near major automotive industry production centers, are key elements of Dachser’s growth strategy, not just in the U.S. but globally.

For the year 2018, Dachser USA reported net revenues up 11.9%, to US$22 million, and it expects to grow its network in the Americas region by 12% to 14% this year, according to Gries. Dachser’s parent company expects to invest $262 million in logistics facilities, nearly double the outlays from last year.