“My journey at Haeger & Schmidt Logistics” – Franziska Großbongardt shares her experience
When Franziska discusses Haeger & Schmidt Logistics (HSL), it is immediately apparent that she feels at home here. All her colleagues simply call her “Franzi” – a name that expresses a sense of familiarity. For her, HSL is more than just a place of work: it is a place where she can take on responsibility and develop both personally and professionally.
Start of training in 2016
In 2016, Franzi began her training as a freight forwarding and logistics services clerk at HSL. She got to know various departments and was able to take on her own tasks early on. In addition to customer service work, she also gained insights into administrative areas such as accounting.
Weil am Rhein – first area of responsibility
A key part of her training took Franzi to Weil am Rhein. There, she was actively involved in customer service processes from the very beginning:
“I was really allowed to participate, not just watch. That showed me that commitment is recognized at HSL.”
This experience boosted her self-confidence and showed her that initiative is valued.
Kehl – logistics up close
The next stop was Kehl. There, Franzi worked in the gate handling office and in import customer service for barges and rail.
“Kehl was special for me because I was able to experience logistics firsthand – with my head, my heart, and my hands.”
Duisburg – a wide range of insights
During her training, Franzi also had the opportunity to get to know various areas in Duisburg, including internal departments such as Inland Navigation, Projects, and HSW Logistics GmbH. These insights made the training very diverse and showed her how the various departments work together in a network.
Hamburg – trying out new things
After successfully completing her training, Franzi initially worked in internal sales in Duisburg. In 2020, she moved to Hamburg, a location that is currently being developed:
“In Hamburg, I realized that nothing is impossible. We look for solutions that really help our customers – throughout Europe.”
Hamburg was a real highlight for Franzi. She particularly enjoyed the operational handling of projects. These included flat-rack containers, which also had to be stowed and were often more difficult to handle because the loaded machine parts were particularly large and heavy, or containers that were transported as part of a trade fair project. Due to the large number of containers, fast delivery by truck had to be coordinated. In order to manage the whole process in the best possible way and be able to react to changes, Franzi was on site at the exhibition grounds – an intense, educational experience that showed her how important advance planning and responsiveness are for successful projects.
In Hamburg, she learned to work in a structured, solution-oriented, and courageous manner.
Back in Duisburg – more responsibility
Franzi returned to the Duisburg headquarters in 2022. With the experience she gained at various locations, she is now back in internal sales and, since 2025, also in field sales. Her responsibilities include customer service, preparing quotations, and operational coordination.
To this day, she particularly appreciates the professional support she receives from her supervisor Felix Zocher (General Manager Intermodal and Sales/Business Development), who has been mentoring her since she completed her training.
“Felix has continuously encouraged me and supported me in my development. I still benefit from this today.”
For Franzi, he is a reliable professional contact whose regular feedback and exchange of ideas support her in her professional development.
Studies and further development
In 2023, Franzi began a part-time Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration degree. HSL is supporting her in this:
“I want to develop further, step by step.”
Why HSL is the perfect fit for Franzi
“HSL is an employer that takes you seriously and gives you the opportunity to take on responsibility.”
What matters most to her is being able to contribute her own ideas while still having the support of the team. A path that opens up opportunities.
Today, Franzi connects people, locations, processes, and customer requirements. Her career shows how much can be achieved when motivation meets trust—and when a company truly supports development.
Away from logistics and her studies
When Franzi is not at HSL or studying, she can often be found at the riding stable, experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen, or on long walks in nature. She prefers to recharge her batteries on vacations at Lake Garda or in the mountains – a perfect mix of activity, relaxation, and enjoyment.
