An early convert to the tank container idea, Leschaco has opened a tank container division in South Africa. According to Peter Schmidt-Löff ler, CEO Sub-Saharan Africa, this will provide their South African chemical clients with the full range of services, including LCL, FCL and airfreight.The company has a long history in tank container logistics, having shipped its first 20’ tank container 45 years ago.“At that time Leschaco was already an established international freight forwarding company. It was prepared to meet the challenges presented by the shipping of hazardous chemicals and, indeed, represented (and still represents) itself as the freight forwarder of choice in this demanding sector,” said Schmidt-Löff ler.The development of tank container movements in the late 1970s is what motivated Leschaco to set up offices globally, which marked the beginnings of the globalisation of the group, presently employing more than 2 500 people in over 22 countries around the world.Leschaco controls more than 5 000 tank containers, which are employed exclusively in the deep-sea business. Through this f leet, Leschaco offers its customers door-to-door transport services combined with value-added logistical solutions. The company has developed its state-of-the-art tank container f leet management system where Leschaco can offer its customers transparency in their supply chain by showing all f leet movements in real time. It can also be a value driver used by its customers for their own f leet management, with the transport order processing being carried out by Leschaco.“In addition to centralised tank container management at group headquarters in Bremen, Leschaco has regional Tank Container Competence Centres in Houston, Tokyo and Bremen. These are responsible for ensuring the efficient operational employment of the f leet. Safety, quality and sustainability are given top priority in all Leschaco’s business operations.
