If you want to experience the proximity of Kehl and Strasbourg, hop on the streetcar. Line D connects the German and French sides of the Rhine in just over 15 minutes. Or you can ask your colleagues at Haeger & Schmidt Logistics (HSL), Evelyne Hum and Valérie Wiedemann, who live the cross-border logistics axis every day.
The two French women have been working together within the Haeger & Schmidt Group for almost 20 years, on both sides of the Rhine. Evelyne Hum has a dual role: she is the managing director of the HSL branch in Strasbourg and of the company ETK Kehl, in which HSL and Klumpp + Müller each hold a 50 percent stake. Valérie Wiedemann is head of sales at HSL on the French side. The two see themselves as a duo: “Operationally, we act as a team, for example at the French logistics trade fair SITL.” They present their sustainable transport solutions side by side there and at other congresses, trade exhibitions and to customers.
Trimodality as a unique selling proposition
Hum outlines the approach: “We specialize in intermodal hinterland transport between the Upper Rhine on the German and French sides and the seaports of Rotterdam/Antwerp. Our unique selling point in the Upper Rhine region is that we can organize all transports trimodally by rail, barge and direct truck transport.” The goods are collected or delivered in a catchment area of around 200 km around Kehl/Strasbourg. Popular imported goods include consumer goods, furniture, electronics and parts for the automotive industry. Large quantities of logs, paper, brewery products and machine parts are exported.
Hum puts the handling volumes at 70,000 TEU per year for both locations, which are roughly split in half. The same applies to turnover, which totals around 20 million euros. One third of these figures are generated by the almost daily liner services by rail and inland waterway as well as direct truck traffic. All block trains start and end in Kehl: that is four departures per week and direction with a capacity of 92 TEU per train. The ships call at the ports on both sides of the Rhine and can carry around 300 TEU as a coupled convoy. The special feature in Kehl is that ETK also operates the container terminal for rail and ship handling, including the empty container depots there, in addition to its freight forwarding activities.
Additional volume through direct traffic
Hum and Wiedemann are particularly proud of the direct truck transports that they have established and developed together with the knowledge and experience of Julien Werle (HSL Head of Direct Truck in Strasbourg). These are based in Strasbourg. Wiedemann reports: “The trigger was the prolonged period of low water in 2018, which caused volumes on the Rhine to collapse. Together, we developed a concept for direct truck transports to increase flexibility and offer customers an alternative solution. We started with one colleague and five trucks. Today we have six employees dispatching 45 trucks.” They move around a third of the total volume. It is important to Wiedemann that this is additional volume.
The two logistics experts see the future for sustainable transport in the Upper Rhine region primarily on the railroads, particularly due to the volatile water levels on the Rhine. Investments are being made in the rail infrastructure on both the German and French sides. The port of Strasbourg wants to double its capacity by 2030. “It should also be possible to handle trailers at the newly planned rail terminal,” reports Hum, adding that “this would also enable us to start developing this type of transport.” But while this is still a dream of the future, a new intermodal location is currently being filled with life, which is also managed by the duo.
Empty container depot opened in Lauterbourg
When Wiedemann and Hum present their portfolio together at trade fairs, as they did recently at SITL, the name of another location is also mentioned: Lauterbourg. HSL is also involved in the Lauterbourg Rhine Terminal (LRT), which will open in 2021. The two managers are co-marketing the terminal, which has a handling capacity of 80,000 TEU and a trimodal design. Hum says of the current status: “LRT is becoming increasingly established. A well-known German shipping company has opened an empty container depot. We hope that other carriers will follow.” The manager is also optimistic about the Kehl and Strasbourg sites for 2024: “As things currently stand, we will exceed our target of handling the same volumes as in 2023.”
HSL-Strasbourg is moving
The success of Wiedemann and Hum can also be seen in the growing team. Over the past seven years, the number of employees in Strasbourg has doubled from six to thirteen. The previous premises are now too small. Hum has found a prestigious alternative. “In the summer, we are moving into a newly renovated historic building at the entrance to the port. It will be a workplace that feels like home,” she enthuses.
Portrait of Evelyne Hum
Who I am…
52 years old, 30 years of experience in container transportation and management
This is particularly important to me in my position…
trusting and respectful interaction at all levels – both with the HSL management and with the employees. A positive and optimistic atmosphere is important to me for the working environment.
That’s how I got into logistics…
when I was choosing my profession, languages were a priority for me – in addition to French, I communicate in German and English every day… that’s why international transport suits me perfectly
My most emotional moment at HSL …
when Valérie and I opened the agency in Strasbourg independently in 2006 and were able to establish ourselves quickly thanks to our good network.
If I didn’t work in logistics, I would be …
an interior designer
My advice to women who want to make a career in logistics …
never doubt, just go ahead, be curious and not afraid to work hard and always be open to learning new things.
After work you can meet me…
at various events (e.g. Propeller Club) that are related to transportation, but also in a good restaurant with customers or friends over a glass of wine.
Portrait of Valérie Wiedemann
Who I am…
48 years old, 26 years in the transport industry, strengths: sales, truck dispatching, warehouse logistics
This is particularly important to me in my position…
Team spirit & teamwork, that everyone pulls together. I appreciate the flexibility and the trust of the management in our projects, ideas and decisions.
That’s how I got into logistics…
during my business studies I did an internship at a transport company. This was followed by summer jobs and my first real job with the company. That was the start of my enthusiasm for logistics, which remains to this day.
My most moving project at HSL…
was being involved in the creation and development of direct truck transportation together with Evelyne and Julien.
If I didn’t work in logistics, I would…
bake organic bread in a historic stone oven and have a small bakery in a pretty village. In logistics, I would one day like to organize humanitarian convoys.
My advice to women who want to make a career in logistics is …
never stop, never give up and always look forwards. Women are creative and can do multiple things at the same time. They will always be able to complete even the most insane projects.
After work, you can meet me…
at the gym, in the park running, at the movies, at the museum, at performances, with my daughter or with friends.