STREAMLINING YOUR LOGISTICS
EDITION 02–2021 WWW.DISTRILOG.BE
DISTRILOG
ISN’T STANDING STILL
BREXIT
SIX MONTHS AFTER
DISTRILOG
INVESTS IN YOUNG TALENT
Dear Member of the Distrilog Family, The first half of 2021 is almost over. The road to freedom has begun thanks to the vaccination campaigns that are going full speed ahead. Distrilog Group isn’t standing still either. The opening of our depot in Jumet is a real milestone. For the first time in our history, we are crossing the language border. Since 1 April, six drivers have been leaving every day to deliver to our customers in the southern part of Belgium; on 1 June, this number will rise to ten. In addition, our sales department is working hard to fill the 4,000 pallet spaces with new and existing customers.
two months), in online temperature monitoring of our refrigerated vehicles, and in cold chain training for our drivers. We also continue to invest in young talent. You read that correctly: Distrilog really isn’t standing still.
The first contours of the warehouse expansion in Olen are becoming visible. The first trucks will depart from the 30 additional loading docks by the end of 2021. In the past few months we have also invested, besides the expansion of our buildings, in the renewal of our rolling stock (the equipment will be delivered in the next
I wish you a sunny and safe summer! We hope you enjoy reading!
The Brexit couldn’t slow us down. Although these operational adjustments entailed additional administration at our site in Ghent and in the Forwarding Department, the impact on you as a customer remained limited thanks to the commitment and flexibility of our employees.
PHILIP SALAERTS
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Six months after
Brexit Customs formalities for imports
The ‘British Exit’ is felt in Distrilog’s Import Department, responsible for container transport. This department handles, for various customers, the administrative processing of imports from third countries – countries that are not part of the EU – which, since 1 January, also includes the United Kingdom. Goods originating in the UK must continue to comply with European laws and regulations. However, for product and food safety, they must also be accompanied by the necessary customs documentation. These documents are presented on arrival, processed, and cleared so that the goods are in ‘free
AT THE STROKE OF MIDNIGHT ON 30 DECEMBER 2020, THE UNITED KINGDOM OFFICIALLY WITHDREW ITS MEMBERSHIP IN THE EUROPEAN UNION. THE BREXIT, WITH ITS WITHDRAWAL FROM THE EUROPEAN CUSTOMS UNION AND SINGLE MARKET, WAS A FACT. ON 1 JANUARY, NEW RULES WERE INTRODUCED ON BORDER CONTROLS AND THE TRADE IN GOODS. WHAT FOLLOWED WERE IMAGES OF TRAFFIC CHAOS AND STRANDED TRUCKERS AT THE PORTS. WHAT IMPACT DID DISTRILOG GROUP EXPERIENCE? A SHORT EVALUATION.
circulation’ status. Before the Brexit, no customs formalities were carried out when importing goods from the UK. After all, it was still part of the European Union at the time. In any case, this change has not led to less work; on the contrary. However, the Brexit has not led to any delays at Distrilog Group. “Concrete guidelines and good communication with the customers concerned ensure that the incoming documents are handled and released smoothly. This – combined with a timely reservation of a slot by the carrier – makes it possible to avoid extra waiting time,” says Patrick Van Berckelaer, head of our Forwarding Department.
Export waiting times The impact of the Brexit is also noticeable for the activities at our site at the Kluizendok in Ghent (Evergem). Among other things, BP-Castrol’s shipments for the UK are prepared and loaded at this location. According to site manager Ann Buyl, the waiting times at the external customs office are particularly annoying: “This waiting time is 1.5 to 2 hours on average, but can be up to 4 hours in exceptional cases. Moreover, the office closes at 6 p.m. This means we have to make sure that all the shipments are ready in the morning so that they can be loaded immediately, since we can only ask for the customs forms afterwards.”
Another adjustment is that the goods to the UK now have to be transported on fumigated pallets. “These pallets have been specially pretreated to counteract harmful organisms in the wood,” says Buyl. This must also be indicated in the customs documentation. Although the Brexit entailed some adjustments and additional administration, we note that the impact for Distrilog Group and its clients remained limited thanks to the commitment and adaptability of our employees and organisation. Excellent communication with the customers involved also contributed to a smooth transition.
Distrilog isn’t standing still THE WORLD OF TRANSPORT AND LOGISTICS NEVER STANDS STILL. DISTRILOG GROUP ALSO CONTINUES TO MOVE AND INVEST IN ITS FLEET, ROLLING STOCK, IMAGE, AND PRESENCE IN THE BELGIAN LOGISTICS AND TRANSPORT LANDSCAPE. WE LIST THE MOST IMPORTANT INNOVATIONS FOR YOU.
DISTRILOG’S NEW LOOK Distrilog Group has had a real makeover in recent months, of which this magazine is also the result. Our logo was given a fresh lick of paint, our company style was revamped, and our website has a new look. In the meantime, the first box trucks and refrigerated lorries have been stickered, and our buildings will soon get new frontage advertising.
ONLINE TEMPERATURE MONITORING At the beginning of this year, we started rolling out online temperature monitoring for all our refrigerated trucks and trailers via Sensolus. Location monitoring, to optimise their use, was already in place. The two additional temperature sensors that are now being installed in the cold store will be an extra verification, on top of the manual check by the driver and the check via the cold store itself. The temperature is monitored at each stop so that the driver can intervene more quickly in case of problems. This is an additional investment in the monitoring of the uninterrupted cold chain.
OPENING JUMET (CHARLEROI) TRAINING COURSE ‘IN THE COLD CHAIN, EVERY LINK COUNTS’
In early May, our site at Weverstraat 34 in Londerzeel received a delivery of 39 pieces of new rolling stock from Toyota Material Handling. These devices are equipped with the iSite application. This allows various data, including fleet deployment, charging times, and any damage detection, to be monitored online. With this purchase, Distrilog Group has renewed a first part of its rolling stock. We also invest in the latest technology, safety, and good service for our customers. However, this is not the only investment, as 180 more Crown devices are expected soon. You can read more about this in our next magazine! DISTRILOG • 3
Distrilog Group opened its first Walloon site in Jumet, Charleroi, in early April. The logistics warehouse has 5,000 m², 4,000 pallet spaces, and functions as a new hub for our distribution, as well as a conventional warehouse. The opening of this warehouse is a choice to invest in additional service options for our customers in the Mons-Charleroi region, and by extension, the entire southern part of Belgium.
ROLLING STOCK RENEWAL
AFAS: STATE OF AFFAIRS
UPDATE ON THE OLEN EXPANSION We previously mentioned the planned 10,000 m² extension to our depot at Hagelberg 12 in Olen. With 7,000 pallet spaces and no fewer than 30 unloading quays, the current cross-docking hub will experience substantial growth. Works to prepare the site for construction started in mid-January. The construction of a new, usable circulation path and a truck & trailer park has already been completed. The delivery is planned for the end of 2021.
In order to guarantee our customers a smooth and safe transport of all goods, our employees regularly receive training to refresh their knowledge. The same goes for our drivers who take to the road with a refrigerated lorry, as they are responsible for a 100% uninterrupted cold chain. In recent weeks, more than 50 frozen food drivers have participated in a mandatory and interactive training course led by prevention advisor Jacqueline. The operation of the cooling unit, the use of the thermometer, and the correct handling of returns are just some of the many topics that were covered in the two-hour, Covid-safe refresher course.
We previously announced the new Human Resources system AFAS. There is also room for an elaborate job portal in this software. Applicants will not only be able to send in their applications directly, but also follow up on them and make changes if necessary. In addition, this platform will have a second part that will ensure that future employees get a better idea of the ins and outs of our company. This is done through workplace videos, testimonials, and other multimedia applications.
ORIGINEEL
Distrilog invests in young talent BY COLLABORATING WITH VARIOUS COLLEGES, DISTRILOG GROUP IS OFFERING YOUNG PEOPLE THE CHANCE TO DISCOVER THE EXCITING WORLD OF LOGISTICS AND TRANSPORT VIA TRAINEESHIPS AND PROJECTS. NOT ONLY THAT, A NUMBER OF NEWLY GRADUATED YOUNG POTENTIALS ALSO BEGIN A TRAINEESHIP WITHIN THE GROUP EACH YEAR. THIS GIVES THEM THE OPPORTUNITY TO DEVELOP THEIR KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS AND BE FURTHER CHALLENGED. Therefore, our company is investing not only in sustainable solutions and innovation, but also in young people. They bring a breath of fresh air to Distrilog Group, and amaze us with their insights and ideas. We like to guide them in discovering what goes on in our sector.
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In doing so, Distrilog Group participates in the annual Top Coach for Top Talent (T4T), a project by OTM, the logistics federation for trade and industry. In April, we welcomed top talent Anton, a final-year student in Logistics Management at the KDG University in Antwerp, to complete an exciting traineeship supervised by top coach and site manager Gert Van Rillaer. Together they worked on the optimisation of the current warehouse lay-out of our site in Weversstraat 34, Londerzeel.
Another example is our role as host for the seventh edition of the TL Hub Business Game. Each year, 300 students from 10 colleges and universities take part in this competition. As host, we proposed three possible topics from which tutors could choose their favourite. The Business Game kicks off officially in September. From all the entries, 6 finalists will be chosen. Distrilog Group will meet these student teams in December, when they come to defend their projects, have a guided tour in our warehouses and enjoy a closing reception. Besides participating in things such as these two projects, we also offer the opportunity to follow apprenticeships and traineeships within our company. The latter involves a process of 6 to 12 months within the Supply Chain, Sales or Transport department, and aims to give students who have recently graduated with a masters degree the opportunity to explore the working world. In doing so, they are given the chance to use their own initiative, plenty of diversity in their tasks, along with optimal guidance and support. Over the past years we were able to welcome many trainees, many of whom went on to accept a permanent position in the company afterwards. As you can read on the right. However, young talent is not all we invest in. Via our in-house Distrilog Academy we offer our employees the opportunity to develop, depending on their specific wishes and needs. On the one hand, warehouse employees can train as a reach truck driver, on the other hand we offer the opportunity to become a team leader for employees with supervisory skills, and finally we help those who are interested to achieve a C or CE driving licence. With these many initiatives, we provide our own employees the opportunity to grow, we aim to attract students to launch their career in our sector, we invest in the training of young potentials and, in doing so, we contribute to sustainable partnerships. We are therefore proud to say that this long-term approach is bearing fruit and we will continue to offer opportunities to both existing and potential employees in the future.
JULIE DIERCKX Transport traineeship, 2020-2021
‘When I left school, I didn’t have a specific idea of what I wanted to do. So, I started looking for a traineeship in the world of transport and logistics. The biggest advantage? I’m not tied to a single specific task, but can look around and get a global overview of the operations and various activities in the Distrilog Group!’
JEF DELCROIX Supply Chain traineeship, 2017-2018 Site Manager Olen and Londerzeel (W15) ‘After studying applied economics, I looked for a traineeship and soon found myself at Distrilog. The family atmosphere, the great opportunities, and being seen as more than just a number led me to where I am today as site manager of the Olen and Londerzeel depots. I particularly like the variety. The fact that you can make your mark within the group and develop your own ideas made it a real learning experience for me.’
RUBEN VAN ASSCHE Traineeship Supply Chain, 2015-2016 Site Manager Londerzeel (W2) and training to be a Business Analyst ‘I got the bug when I was young because some of my relatives work in logistics. After graduating with my degree in commercial engineering, I wanted to gain experience in the workplace. Distrilog Group turned out to be perfect because of the many possibilities, family structure, and short lines of communication.’
We wish you
a pleasant and safe holiday! As part of our sustainable logistics, this newspaper was printed on recycled paper. However, we can offer you the option to receive this magazine completely digitally in the future. Interested? Then please provide us with your contact details and we will add you to our mailing list. marketing@distrilog.be
DISTRILOG GROUP · KONINGIN ASTRIDLAAN 14 · B-2830 WILLEBROEK (BREENDONK) · T +32 3 860 00 86 · SALES@DISTRILOG.BE · WWW.DISTRILOG.BE