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Digitalisierung in der Gefahrgutlogistik

Challenges and opportunities of digitalization in dangerous goods logistics

Agile, flexible, technically adept – that’s Logward GmbH & Co. KG, a company of the Leschaco Group. Founded in 2018, the technology company combines many years of industry experience in logistics with IT expertise in a supply chain orchestration control tower. As a highly scalable industry platform, Logward combines functionalities from transport, procurement and purchasing for all transport modalities in an easy-to-configure no-code platform. With various application packages, Logward covers the entire life cycle of the logistics supply chain: from procure-to-pay to order-to-cash. Jonas Krumland has been CEO of the company since it was founded. In a guest article for the dangerous goods logistics blog, he explains the idea and vision behind Logward.

Challenges and opportunities of digitalization in dangerous goods logistics


A guest article by Jonas Krumland

CEO Logward GmbH & Co KG

Phrases like “Fail fast, fail often,” “stay foolish,” or “agile” may stir excitement in the world of startups and digital agencies but for dangerous goods managers they evoke a sense of caution. After all, the transportation of dangerous goods is not a sandbox for digital experimentation. Mistakes can lead to catastrophic consequences However, despite these risks, there is an urgent need for digital support in the industry. Anyone who has dealt with the complexity of dangerous goods surcharges in freight tenders knows what is being talked about.

Digital document management in dangerous goods logistics

“This is not rocket science” – the favorite phrase from German-speaking offices does not apply to the planning, negotiation, and execution of dangerous goods transports. The complexity in this area is so high that you almost need a doctorate to handle it. This is where digital expertise could help – by simplifying processes and increasing transparency and speed. An intelligent tender management tool could significantly streamline the bidding process.

The utilization of digital technology is well-suited for both creating and verifying documents. The automation of Dangerous Goods Declarations and their verification, as well as the planning of transports and stowage plans, could become significantly safer and more efficient through technology. Nevertheless, in dangerous goods logistics, Excel sheets and paper stacks still prevail. Why?

Standards, we need standards – Data may be the “new oil,” but primarily, it is often a challenge. Digital competence is required, but the focus is often on the wrong aspect. It’s not just about digitizing existing processes but also about ensuring the associated data quality. There is plenty of tender and rate management software, but often data maintenance is more laborious than the actual process.

A learning dangerous goods database is the basis for process automation in dangerous goods logistics

How can Logward help? As a Supply Chain Management platform, Logward enables complete customization through its No-Code functionality. Processes can be adapted to specific requirements without much programming effort. Logward allows the creation of an own MSDS-reading and learning hazardous goods database, based on which the creation and verification of Dangerous Goods Declarations can be largely automated and secured by a four-eye check. Our customers use this technology to optimize their dangerous goods processes and ensure safety along the entire supply chain.

Freight rate structures can be individually adjusted, and external structures, such as those of shipping companies, can be mapped onto them. This enables a high degree of automation in freight tenders and automated planning of cost scenarios.

Conclusion: The path to successful digitalization in hazardous goods logistics requires careful planning, continuous adaptation, and an understanding of the long-term benefits. This is where I see Logward’s role: as a partner to dangerous goods logistics companies, with both in-depth logistics expertise and many years of digital know-how.

Illustrations: © Cover image created with AI on December 4, 2023 at 11:20 AM; © Jonas Krumland by Logward 2023;

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