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Innovationen und Investionen in der Gefahrgutlogistik

Innovations and investments in dangerous goods logistics. New data from a recent industry survey

Digitalization is progressing. In many ways, the dangerous goods logistics sector is following the trends already familiar from other industrial sectors. The focus is on electronic documentation, virtual training and paperless regulations. Sustainability and the avoidance of false declarations are important topics. This is the result of a recent study presented a few days ago by Hazardous Cargo Bulletin in collaboration with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and Labelmaster, a company specializing in the packaging of dangerous goods, under the title “Global Dangerous Goods Confidence Outlook 2024”. This study is conducted annually among 1,000 logistics experts and highlights the current problems in the dangerous goods logistics industry and the measures being taken to overcome these problems.

Digitalization is progressing

In many ways, the dangerous goods logistics sector is following the trends already familiar from other industrial sectors. Companies are increasingly investing in digitalization and sustainability, but the path to achieving this is arduous.

As many as 83% of the companies surveyed say they are making efforts to digitalize their processes. The focus here is on electronic documentation (52%), virtual training (51%) and paperless regulations (49%). At the same time, however, 80 percent reported difficulties with these projects. The biggest hurdles were the costs associated with digitalization (86%) and the lack of support from partners in the supply chain (86%).

Focus on sustainability, but slow progress

81 percent of companies have already launched sustainability initiatives, such as sustainable packaging and collaborations with environmentally conscious partners. But why are these changes progressing so slowly? The study provides answers: on the one hand, the difficult current business environment (56%) is a factor, on the other hand, the lack of data is delaying implementation (39%).

Problems with incorrectly declared goods

An overwhelming majority of dangerous goods logistics professionals, 80 percent, reported that misdeclared or undeclared goods were a significant problem. Two thirds of participants found managing new products entering the supply chain difficult.

Pioneering innovations in the dangerous goods supply chain

Looking to the future, experts are optimistic about future investments. They are most optimistic about the following developments:

1. improved data connectivity for faster and more transparent processes (74 percent)

2. intelligent warehouse solutions to optimize processes (59 percent)

3. faster access to digital regulatory information (56 percent)

4. more sustainable packaging options (47 percent)

Steps towards a safer and more sustainable future - with Leschaco!

In order to benefit from the trends and meet the challenges, dangerous goods logistics must focus on three core areas:

1. Digitization

Not only are the safety regulations for the transport and storage of dangerous goods constantly changing, but the industry is also constantly developing new substances that are classified as dangerous goods. The IMDG Code, the central transport regulation for dangerous goods in maritime transport, is therefore constantly updated and is binding in its most current form. The main additions, known as amendments, are adopted every two years. The currently valid version is Amendment 41-22 from December 2022.
Not all shippers work in accordance with the current regulations. This can lead to incalculable liability risks. Leschaco has extensive and always up-to-date dangerous goods databases that meet the requirements of the IMDG Code in the digital age.

2. Sustainability

In the contract logistics sector, a significant growth market in hazardous goods logistics, there are considerable opportunities to strengthen the contribution of logistics to environmental protection. A good example of this is Leschaco’s new hazardous goods warehouse in Moerdijk in the Netherlands. The facility is equipped with solar panels on the roof, which cover part of the electricity requirements, and incorporates various environmentally friendly measures, including electric underfloor heating, LED lighting and the highest building standards for insulation. There are also a sufficient number of charging stations for electric vehicles.

3. Reduction of incorrectly declared goods

The high number of cargo misdeclarations continues to be one of the biggest safety risks in dangerous goods logistics. It is not only a matter of establishing standardized processes, but above all of ensuring adequate, continuous employee training and the introduction of strict quality and safety controls. Our dangerous goods specialists have been working on these issues for many decades and ensure compliance with regulations.

In summary, it can be said that even in a challenging economic and geopolitical environment, the logistics industry is ready to respond to customer requirements with investment and innovation. We at Leschaco certainly are

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