On 18 November 2025, DVZ held its 10th General Cargo Symposium in Cologne. Against the backdrop of price pressure, digitalisation and climate policy, around 100 participants discussed the future of networks between efficiency and resilience.
Ewald Kaiser (Corporate Navigator / McKinsey) reported on a structural imbalance between a stagnating market and permanently rising costs. Dirk Lohre (Heilbronn University) also warned that networks with many locations must take measures to avoid losing their entire income due to low capacity utilisation.
While DSV Road boss Helmut Schweighofer is focusing on a scalable platform with modularly controllable transport following the Schenker takeover, Dachser, under COO Alexander Tonn, is consistently working in a decentralised network with a high degree of standardisation.
On the industry side, Aigul Zhalgassova (Siemens) called for consistent digital interfaces and CO₂ transparency. Petra Welling, head of online system logistics, made it clear that digitalisation does not have to be the privilege of large corporations, but that small and medium-sized enterprises can also score points with a successful combination of efficient IT and customer proximity.
According to managing director Michael Bargl, the IDS network aims to fully digitise shipment processing by focusing on technologies that can be implemented immediately. For Stephan Opel (NG.Network), sustainability, a culture of innovation and employer attractiveness are inextricably linked – and form the basis for strategic development.
In Switzerland, Nils Planzer and his company are already shifting over 60 per cent of main runs to rail – thanks to a specifically developed terminal structure. Peter Reinshagen (Ermewa) also sees potential for rail groupage freight, provided that technology, processes and partners work together reliably.
The symposium made it clear that general cargo remains viable even under pressure – provided that networks allow for cultural change, drive technological innovation and actively assume corporate responsibility.
Photo: Daniel Koebe
