CHEP hosts first customer transport collaboration event in Europe to optimise logistics networks

Affinity PetCare, CAPSA, GBfoods, HEINEKEN, Kimberly-Clark and Mahou-San Miguel, among others, work together to increase synergies, reduce costs and support sustainability

As part of its review of supply chain development and transport collaboration opportunities, CHEP recently hosted its first-ever Transport Collaboration event with key customers in Madrid. Over 40 clients shared their experiences, views and new collaborative opportunities in a very fruitful network, setting the scene for the future.

Thanks to CHEP’s non-competitive relationship with customers, retailers and Logistics Service Provider (LSP) partners, as well as its strong customer collaboration and supply chain expertise across Europe, the company is in an ideal position to take on the role of the trustee, orchestrating broad-based transport collaboration as a neutral partner. A total of 5.5 million empty kilometres (the equivalent of 14 trips from Earth to the Moon) were avoided in Europe in the past year and 5,700 tonnes of CO2 emissions were prevented from going into the atmosphere.

Pere Joan Masso, CAPSA Supply Chain and Operations Director, said: “The Logistics Collaboration Programme delivers not only savings but also other intangible values derived from the cooperation with other companies, such as a positive impact on sustainability, increased negotiation power and a better understanding of the market, flows and operators, along with the chance to learn from other supply chain models and explore new opportunities to collaborate.”

CHEP’s Transport Collaboration Programme was launched in Spain three years ago with the aim of creating efficiencies in a fragmented transportation market. Today, it is used by more than 50 customers in Spain and 220 customers across Europe. It helps clients share transport both with each other and with CHEP, while also helping them obtain improved transport services and use trucks more efficiently. In this way, customers avoid empty miles, optimise their logistical processes and, ultimately, significantly reduce their costs and environmental footprint.

This process is based on the integration of multiple members of one or more value chains into a single network – guaranteeing confidentiality – which requires smart, transparent and proven communication technologies. The coordination of CHEP as a trusted partner, along with its comprehensive, dynamic database, which covers over 18.5 million movements of goods every year and more than 1,2 million different routes, are what makes Transport Collaboration possible.

Andrés Sánchez, Supply Chain Director at Affinity PetCare, said: “CHEP plays a critical role as an experienced and respected partner in promoting collaboration and making it happen. Incorporating the voice of the customers in developing an optimal solution is critical, and CHEP has shown over the years that they listen to us.”

Michael Gierloff, Director of Transport Sourcing and Logistics Collaboration, CHEP Europe, said: “Developing a culture of collaboration within the companies is key to making this solution a success and solving the initial barriers of information sharing. Managing and protecting the confidentiality of the data we receive is the main pillar of our collaboration programme. All of the participants at this roundtable are the best proof of how well we respond to this challenge.”

The Transport Collaboration Programme will continue to deliver significant benefits, producing win-win scenarios for all parties involved in CHEP’s supply chain. With the growing trust from our clients, CHEP will keep connecting more partners and escalating the proven benefits of transport partnerships across Europe.