Changing logistics
Like many other sectors, the timber industry is also facing considerable logistical challenges – globally and locally. Christof Bader, head of logistics at the Pfeifer Group, outlines the most pressing topics at the turn of the year 2024/25.
Cost increases
Increased energy prices and toll fees are placing a heavy burden on the transport industry. Many transport companies are not working profitably, which leads to a reduction in fleets and thus to restricted transport capacities.
Problems in infrastructure
Although the need for more bridges and rail lines is clear, expansion is lagging. Bottlenecks and delays slow down the transport of timber products, which means that improvised solutions often have to be found, causing additional costs.
Driver shortage
The ongoing driver shortage is exacerbating the situation. This development is not only continuing to restrict transport capacities, but is also presenting companies with the challenge of implementing long-term and sustainable logistics strategies.
Sustainability and digitalisation
There is an increasing focus on avoiding empty vehicle kilometres and more sustainable production. By using data analyses and optimised route planning, companies are not only able to save costs, but can also improve their environmental impact.
Expansion of rail transport
The expansion of rail transport is a key element in the Pfeifer Group’s logistics strategy. A container train has been running successfully from the Lauterbach plant to a number of Germany’s northern ports since 2023, for example. This solution ensures a reliable connection to global markets. Some 42 containers are loaded and shipped for global export almost weekly. Additionally, Pfeifer is continually evaluating new intermodal transports to expand transport capacities by rail even further. Other solutions are being developed in close cooperation with European partners to increase the proportion of rail transports within the logistics chain.
Outlook for container logistics
The Finnish port of Oulu is an important hub for the export of timber products. Franco Böhler, export team leader at the Pfeifer Group, watches the trends and challenges in maritime logistics very closely.
He rates the situation as stable by the end of 2024: “There are sufficient containers and shipping space for all destinations.” The ports on the USA’s east coast are a concern due to tariff negotiations that may well lead to strikes, delayed shipments and rising freight costs. The region around the Red Sea is still looking unstable as well.
In terms of package freight, by contrast, the situation does look more positive. “The connection to the UK is running smoothly, and there are sufficient capacities available for export to Egypt as soon as the corresponding orders come in”, says Böhler. His prognosis for maritime logistics from Finland is positive on the whole. Though he stresses: “For a successful 2025 it’s vital that the situation in the USA calms down quickly.”
About the man
Christof Bader has been heading logistics for the entire Pfeifer Group since June 2024. After training as a freight forwarding agent and holding several positions in logistics, the native of Tyrol completed studies in human resource and organisational development alongside his employment. Bader then worked as a managing director for several large Austrian forwarding and transport companies for many years at home and abroad. Most recently, as managing director of a logistics consultancy firm, he guided a variety of companies through setting up new branches abroad. Christof Bader is married and has four children.
Under the leadership of Christof Bader, the Austrian team of the Pfeifer logistics department will need to master these challenges with efficient processes and innovative approaches, so as to ensure long-term success in timber logistics.
