From 'Zero to Hero', how DFDS Logistics – Norfolkline created a completely new revenue stream in a high value transportation segment using VeriWise and Maple Fleet Services
DFDS Logistics – Norfolkline, like most companies operating within logistics at the start of 2007, started to feel the cold chill of an approaching "financial storm". Little did they appreciate then that the darkening clouds on the horizon would soon develop into the full scale hurricane we were all exposed to.
A reliance on sectors such as automotive logistics hit the bottom line hard when those particular markets started to recoil as consumer confidence evaporated as a result of their own inability to obtain finance for large item purchases.
The massive scaling back across all fronts took the logistics fraternity by further surprise, the ensuing tsunami initially hit DFDS Logistics – Norfolkline forecast turnover and then in a second wave, created another problem - a large excess capacity of empty trailers. Faced with the scenario of having to park up under utilized assets and wait for the return of demand, DFDS Logistics – Norfolkline had the foresight to look to develop a new additional use for its box bodied trailer fleet and developed a business initiative to address the potentially lucrative transportation market associated with high value consumer goods.
An embattled sector in itself bereft of many true quality secure transportation players, the end manufacturers jumped at the chance to utilize the latest combined trailer security solution. DFDS Logistics – Norfolkline having partnered with Novacom Europe, a JV of GE and Novacom, Maple Fleet Services (and their agent in Holland SBS) plus Eurowatch are able to provide logistic solutions to their clients with a clearly definable differentiator – asset in transit security.
"Despite a downturn across many of our competitors, the complete solution we are now offering has enabled us to secure major new business. To date this represents in excess of 10% of the total continental revenue generated by the company as a whole and continues to provide us with a strong growth potential going forward." Comments Mervyn McIntyre Group Technical Manager DFDS Logistics – Norfolkline.
The ‘end to end’ high security solution has been so successful in its launch, that the initial 20 trailer fleet upgraded to become part of the DFDS Logistics – Norfolkline secured transport service offering, have multiplied to nearly 100 in number.
With load area access control and locking from Maple Fleet Services integrated seamlessly with real time monitoring and alarming from Novacom Europe's Veriwise telematics systems, the solution is simple to use, flexible operationally and robust in its communication of data. Automation has allowed the immediate escalation of any security related incident directly to local law enforcement agencies across Europe, through Eurowatch, ensuring an immediate police response and trailer assistance were needed.
To find out about more on how to deliver such a return on your security investment by proactively gaining or maintaining logistics contracts, please feel free to contact:
Jonathan Richards
Maple Fleet Services
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tel: +44 (0)161 429 1580