• SUSTAINABLE HEALTH – IN FRONT OF THE SCREEN AND BEHIND THE WHEEL
Scandic Trans Varastotie 14 65610 Korsholm
QUALITY
REORGANISATION
STRONG
Production: bySand and Kustmedia
Editorial: Mikael Löfqvist, Johan Lövdahl, Helena Perätalo, Carola Bäckström, Anna Sand, Lisbeth Bäck
Text & Photo: Anna Sand/bySand
Translation: PNP Crossing Borders Oy
Layout: Kustmedia
Printing: KTMP Group 2025
Coverphoto: Linda Svarfvar
Scandic Trans and Change in the Nordic Region
In 2025, Scandic Trans operated in a market characterized by uncertainty and an increasing demand for sustainable and reliable logistics solutions. Through strategic partnerships and investments in low-emission transport, the company maintained its position despite disruptions in supply chains and global volatility. On the global stage, market recovery and regional collaboration have become central, with the Nordics emerging as a stable and innovative region. The growing demand for climate-smart and traceable transportation has benefited companies that can react quickly.
Scandic Trans’s marketing concept “We’re sending Johnny” has become more effective and recognisable. By highlighting personal service and reliability in every delivery, the company has put a face on its service, creating recognition among customers across the Nordics. The concept shines a light on the real heroes of transport — the drivers — communicating safety, dedication, and speed, no matter the task or destination.
An important aspect of internal development has been the so-called Johnny videos, which document and explain special cases for employees. These videos are used internally to clearly and visually share essential information, such as customer-specific instructions and special delivery procedures. This ensures the entire organization quickly receives accurate and consistent information, supporting high-quality and safe deliveries. Read more about this on page 15 of this magazine.
Through targeted campaigns in both digital and traditional channels, as well as interactive client meetings, the “We’re sending Johnny” concept has strengthened the Scandic Trans brand and trust in the market. It has also increased employee pride and emphasized the company’s focus on relationships, closeness, and service.
Vision 2030 is our guiding principle: Scandic Trans aims to be climate neutral by then, advance digitalization, and develop cooperation within the Nordic region. Innovation, sustainability, and responsibility form the foundation of operations — aiming to lead the industry’s transformation and contribute to a more sustainable transport system.
Mikael Löfqvist, CEO Scandic Trans
TELL US WHAT YOU THINK AND WIN AN IPAD!
You are holding the seventh edition of our Delivered magazine in your hand. The first edition came out in 2019 and every year we strive to make the magazine one step better than previous years.
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From vision to reality
Scandic Trans’ new headquarters blends logistics and technology
In last year’s issue of Delivered, Scandic Trans presented the expansion at the headquarters outside Vaasa – a multipart project that includes not only new, enlarged office spaces but also a company hub, terminal and eventually new loading docks connected to the warehouse. The new office was inaugurated in March, and it didn’t take long before the effects of the change were visible in the numbers.
Text & photo: Anna Sand
We have outgrown our current office spaces – the limit has been reached. We need more workspaces and more meeting rooms – simply more space and greater flexibility.”
This is what CEO Mikael Löfqvist said a year ago, and now the vision has become reality. “Since 2012, my goal
has been for the entire staff to work on the same floor, and now we are finally doing it,” he says.
He summarizes the project and the past year:
“It has gone well, but it has also been labourintensive with many micro-decisions to be made.”
The total expansion covers 500m² over two floors,
The heart of the new building is the new transport control centre, where ultra-modern technology takes transport coordinating to a whole new level and well into the future.
where the lower floor is rented out to other companies while Scandic Trans operates on the entire upper floor.
“Now all the staff meet daily, unlike before, which is a big change. Our internal communications have clearly improved.”
The heart of the expansion is the new transport control centre, where all transport coordinators are gathered around the latest technology.
“We have created a transport control centre that will allow us to adapt operations well into the future. You should be able to sit anywhere in the world and work as a transport coordinator. Thanks to ultra-modern technology, we create virtual rooms where everyone still feels like they are working in the same space, something that also improves communication between our different units in real-time,” Löfqvist explains.
The salespeople now have their own rooms, which means they can work more efficiently than before, something that had an immediate impact on the sales figures, and the new meeting rooms have ultra-modern technology for better and more efficient meetings. Scandic Trans’ new tenant, Abero Technologies Oy, which, together with its subsidiary Starsview, operates on the building’s lower floor, has provided the technical solutions. Robert Granholm, CEO of Abero Technologies Oy, had long
In March, the official inauguration party was held. Christoffer Ingo, Chairman of the Korsholm Municipal Council and Member of Parliament, cut the red ribbon held by Scandic Trans’ CEO Mikael Löfqvist.
been looking for a new and more suitable work space.
“We needed greater flexibility in our office landscape and the ability for those who are often in phone meetings to work undisturbed. Additionally we needed storage space, which we also found here. It ticked all the boxes,” he says.
Even though the distance to the workplace increased for many employees, the benefits of the move outweigh this. “The comfort factor is significantly higher now, and many choose to come here daily despite the possibility of working from home. There is also room for us to grow here, and the synergies of being close to a logistics company are obvious,” Granholm adds.
Abero offers tailored IT solutions and AV services, providing, among other things, cloud services, hardware, support and IT consultations. Starsview leads the way in drone technology in Finland and the Nordic region, offering drone services for companies and authorities seeking innovative solutions.
“This can include everything from inspections of energy assets such as wind power, solar energy and electrical grid installations to consulting, research, monitoring and infrastructure and asset management,” clarifies Ben Bergman, CEO of Starsview.
At Varastotie 14, they are now taking both logistics and technology to a new level.
Robert Granholm, CEO of Abero Technologies Oy and Ben Bergman, CEO of Starsview, are pleased with their new spaces in Scandic Trans’ new office building.
Vision 2030 – a view to the future
A common goal – a vision – describes a future ideal that a company strives to achieve. It serves as a guide for the company’s strategies, decisions, and culture. The vision provides the company with a clear direction, inspires employees and facilitates decision-making. It strengthens the company’s identity and helps attract the right customers. After diligent work by the board, owners, staff and external partner Inedco, Scandic Trans’ vision for 2030 is now clear.
Text & photo: Anna Sand • Illustration: Jan Lindholm
The group’s latest vision was established in 2019, and after achieving most of the goals of Vision 2025 already by 2024, it was time to take the next step and raise the bar even higher.
“The goal of achieving a turnover of 40 million euros has been reached, and the target is now set at 60 million by 2030,” CEO Mikael Löfqvist begins.
Once the vision was set, each team member gained a clear understanding of their roles and received direction on how to reach the outlined goals.
“We have also worked hard to ensure that the right tools are available to make it possible. The question that constantly needs to be asked is what needs to be done today to be a bit better tomorrow,” he continues.
Björn West from the consulting firm Inedco has assisted in the vision work. “As a company, there are many paths to growth and success – it’s important not to get lost among them. A clear, articulated strategic plan is crucial for how the company succeeds in realizing its vision. My role is to act as a catalyst for the work and, based on the current situation, the company’s strengths and opportunities, as well as various success models, need to be involved in creating a unique concept for success,” West explains.
He points out that a company like Scandic Trans encompasses many parts and aspects which should be considered. “It’s important to create a whole where we are attentive to both the owners’ interests, the customers’ demands, environmental requirements and what is operationally possible.”
He believes it’s vital for operational management to reflect the owners’ goals in the vision, and acknowledges numerous industry challenges.
“One of the challenges has been finding competent drivers. Another is the transition to a more
sustainable transport sector and the fact that development regarding fossil-free fuels has not progressed as quickly as we thought five or ten years ago. Nevertheless, environmental requirements can sometimes become mandatory due to the customers’ own certification,” continues West.
At the same time, he notes that Scandic Trans has succeeded very well in achieving its vision for 2025 and is in line with its goals. However, today’s global situation is different from 2019 and in the work towards creating Vision 2030 this had to be taken into account.
“It casts a shadow of uncertainty over everything right now and must be included in the basic analyses that are made. What if…,” West clarifies.
You need to know what you want and have a sense of what the organization can handle, but also be aware that something drastic can happen that can make the goals impossible to achieve. The opposite is also possible, and
“The job of a CEO can sometimes be very lonely and it’s good to have a sparring partner,” notes Björn West, the consultant involved in the vision work at Scandic Trans for the second time.
that scenario should also be considered.
“New doors can open, and then the logistics chains must be able to meet the needs,” says West, mentioning possible future reconstruction work in Europe as an example. He also emphasizes, “No exact scenarios are described in the vision, but they should be included in the thought process. Changes to tariffs can also affect logistics and the flow of goods in the future.”
West observes that communication between management and the operational department has been effective throughout the process, and notes a generally positive outlook for the company regarding its future.
“At Scandic Trans, a youthful team works with great ambition, which forms an important foundation for the work of both setting and achieving goals,” he says, adding in conclusion, “It is enjoyable to work with a company where the employees’ eyes shine with enthusiasm.”
SCANDIC TRANS VISION 2030 BRIEFLY
1. The core of the business consists of Scandinavian haulage and it aims for continued growth by annually increasing the number of vehicles.
2. The three support pillars – terminal operations, distribution and cargo handling – should offer added value to both new and existing customers.
3. The company aims to grow significantly in European haulage.
4. Express transport will be partially restructured into line haulage and a more streamlined express service to new destinations, even outside the Nordic region.
-Europatrafikens omvandling är utmanande -Expresstrafikens utveckling -Distribution samt hantering av tempererat gods
-Tillväxtfarten 50% (inställning, kritiska resurser, kundpotential) -Europatrafikens omvandling är utmanande -Expresstrafikens utveckling -Distribution samt hantering av tempererat gods
-Europatrafikens omvandling är utmanande -Expresstrafikens utveckling -Distribution samt hantering av tempererat gods
5 kritiska punkter -Chaufförsbrist -Tillväxtfarten 50% (inställning, kritiska resurser, kundpotential) -Europatrafikens omvandling är utmanande -Expresstrafikens utveckling -Distribution samt hantering av tempererat gods
150 -160 bilar 60,590 Milj. Miljömål - Minska CO2 - utsläppen, enligt Eus klimat och energimål 2030 - Öka användningen av förnybar energi - Effektivera och optimera transport - planering och materialanvändning Kvalitetsmål - Vi lastar och levererar gods på utlovad tid och till rätt adress - Vi utför transporterna i enlighet med gällande bestämmelser och givna direktiv - Vi levererar mottaget gods i oskadat skick
tillväxt och marknadsetablering
Miljömål
- Minska CO2 -utsläppen, enligt Eus klimat och energimål 2030
Minska CO2 -utsläppen, enligt Eus klimat och energimål
- Minska CO2 -utsläppen, enligt Eus klimat och energimål 2030
- Öka användningen av förnybar energi
Kvalitetsmål
Öka användningen av förnybar energi
- Minska CO2 -utsläppen, enligt Eus klimat och energimål 2030
- Öka användningen av förnybar energi
- Effektivera och optimera transport - planering och materialanvändning
- Öka användningen av förnybar energi
- Effektivera och optimera transport - planering och materialanvändning
- Effektivera och optimera transport - planering och materialanvändning
- Effektivera och optimera transport - planering och materialanvändning
Kvalitetsmål - Vi lastar och levererar på utlovad tid och adress
Miljömål - Minska CO2 -utsläppen, enligt Eus klimat och energimål 2030 - Öka användningen av förnybar energi - Effektivera och optimera transport - planering och materialanvändning Kvalitetsmål - Vi lastar och levererar gods på utlovad tid och till rätt adress - Vi utför transporterna i enlighet med gällande bestämmelser och givna direktiv - Vi levererar mottaget gods i skick
partnerskap
Kvalitetsmål - Vi lastar och levererar gods på utlovad tid och till rätt adress - Vi utför transporterna i enlighet med gällande bestämmelser och givna direktiv - Vi levererar mottaget gods i oskadat skick
- Vi lastar och levererar gods på utlovad tid och till rätt adress - Vi utför transporterna i enlighet med gällande bestämmelser och givna direktiv - Vi levererar mottaget gods i oskadat skick
partnerskap med kunder
- Vi utför transporterna enlighet med gällande bestämmelser direktiv
- Vi levererar mottaget oskadat skick
Minska CO2 -utsläppen, enligt Eus klimat och energimål 2030 - Öka användningen av förnybar energi - Effektivera och optimera transport - planering och materialanvändning Kvalitetsmål - Vi lastar och levererar gods på utlovad tid och till rätt adress - Vi utför transporterna i enlighet med gällande bestämmelser och givna direktiv - Vi levererar mottaget gods oskadat skick
adress - Vi utför transporterna enlighet med gällande bestämmelser direktiv - Vi levererar mottaget oskadat skick
- Minska CO2 -utsläppen, enligt Eus klimat och energimål 2030 - Öka användningen av förnybar energi - Effektivera och optimera transport - planering och materialanvändning
It is important for a company to establish its values or beliefs for numerous reasons, both for the internal culture and for how the company is perceived externally. They underpin and strengthen its internal processes and can be used as a reference point to ensure that the right direction is taken; they simply show the way forward in everyday life.
Text: Anna Sand • Photo: Anna Sand and Linda Svarfvar
Values can be seen as concrete tools in our work to achieve the vision that has been set,” Ralf Bäckström, Chairman of the Board of Scandic Trans since 2019, begins.
On the board, Bäckström represents non-owners and contributes with a pair of external eyes and external perspectives. He has a degree in economics and has spent almost his entire working life in the banking world. “After a few years as a financial manager at Närpes Trä & Metall, NTM, I became a business consultant at Vasa Sparbank, later Aktia Bank, where I worked as a bank manager until my retirement,” Bäckström continues. He has also been involved in the region’s business organizations and holds several other positions of trust.
Although many years have passed since he worked in the manufacturing industry, the connection to heavy vehicles remains. “The stripes have never really worn out,” he laughs and continues, “Thanks to my time at NTM and my contacts with entrepreneurs during all my years at the bank, both the industry and several of the partners in Scandic Trans are familiar to me from before.”
As a retiree, Bäckström has taken on various positions of trust. His interest in society is great and he values the chairmanship of Scandic Trans highly. ”I’m keen to keep up with developments in society and stay up-to-date with what’s happening in the business
world, and Scandic Trans is a modern and wellmanaged company with a vision.
He describes board meetings as both good, friendly and enjoyable. ”We have a good management team and a good operational department that makes proposals for the board to consider.”
In connection with the vision work that has now been done, time has also been spent on making
The values should not just be nice words – they should be reflected in how you act, cooperate and treat customers.
the company’s values more concrete. According to them, Scandic Trans should be a Reliable, Flexible, Responsible, Customer-oriented and Forward-looking company.
“Reliability means that we keep our promises. Deliveries must be on time and the transported goods must not be damaged. The drivers are the public face of the company here, and their skills are therefore important,” Bäckström points out.
"Responsibility can be seen on many levels. One of them is environmental and sustainability work. “This is where Scandic Trans has done really well,” Bäckström believes.
Scandic Trans has long strived to be at the forefront of development and we are continuing in the same direction
This flexibility is reflected in the fact that despite specializing in temperaturecontrolled goods and food transport, Scandic Trans must also attract other types of customers and be able to offer them the logistics solutions they are looking for.
With its unique ownership structure and dedicated staff, the company has developed a good and safe product that now means that it can and dares to attract new, larger customers,” Bäckström continues. ”The structure means that the owners can focus on what they do best, the trucks and the transport, but they play an important role with their ownership. At the same time, many good and new suggestions come from the staff. It is a special organization but a very well-functioning one.”
Ralf Bäckström, Chairman of the Board of Scandic Trans since 2019, started his career as a graduate in economics at NTM as a financial manager. He then worked for many years in leading positions at Aktia Bank in Vaasa. As a board member, he represents the non-owners and provides an external viewpoint in decision-making.
SCANDIC TRANS VALUES
As a customer-oriented company, it places great emphasis on personal relationships and regular contact with its customers. “Even though digitalization has made it possible to do most things remotely today, there is a concrete strategy for regular, physical meetings, which is something I also personally strongly believe in.”
The fifth and final value, Forwardlooking, is also visible in many ways: sustainability, digitalization and technology. “The expansion of the head office is part of this and so is the investment in the transportation management system that has now been taken into the future. Scandic Trans has long strived to be at the forefront of development and we are continuing in the same direction by investing in new technology where AI is increasingly being implemented.”
”Proud Partner of Puma”
Expectations exceeded
PUMA’s central warehouse in Helsingborg is a top, modern and partially automated facility that plays a central role in the company’s Nordic logistics. The warehouse covers a total of 23,000 square meters and has served as a pilot project for PUMA’s global strategy to reduce the number of warehouses in Europe.
“We are very proud to have PUMA as a customer,” says Joakim Lassen, CEO of Scandic Logistics (right).
In Helsingborg, Sweden, not only is Scandic Trans’s subsidiary Scandic Logistics’ office located there – the city is also home to the sports giant PUMA’s Nordic central warehouse. The German multinational brand was born more than 70 years ago and is today one of the leading brands in sports fashion. Since last year, their daily loading and transport of products to Finland is carried out by Scandic Trans.
Text: Anna Sand • Photo: Johan Lilja
The 23 000 square metre Nordic central warehouse was built to streamline distribution to the Nordic market and it served as a pilot project for PUMA’s global logistics strategy. From the warehouse in Helsingborg goods are shipped daily around Sweden and to the other Nordic countries.
Joakim Lassen, CEO of Scandic Logistics, established the first contacts with PUMA already several years ago.
“At that time there was no opportunity for collaboration, but when one arose due to the strikes that took place in the winter of 2024, PUMA contacted us again on their own initiative. Within just a week we were up and running with the transports, which involve daily loading here in Helsingborg,” Lassen explains. It concerns sports and training clothes, shoes and golf equipment.
A year and a half after the collaboration began he can state that everything has worked well. At PUMA, they in turn note that the service they receive from Scandic Trans has proven to be above expectations.
“We chose to change logistics partners to achieve a faster flow. Scandic Trans could deliver faster than their competitors. Additionally, I find them to be very solution-oriented and pragmatic,”
Peter Hall, Director of the Nordic warehouse, says.
From PUMA’s side, there are also environmental requirements for the transport companies they use.
“We only hire transport companies that have adopted an environmental mindset and Scandic Trans is very well positioned in that regard.”
“Scandic Trans was able to deliver faster than its competitors, and we find them very solution-oriented,” Peter Hall, Director of PUMA’s Nordic warehouse, says.
which handle about 3.5 million units per year.
“On a normal day, we handle between 30,000 and 40,000 units or 2,700 boxes. It is a B2B warehouse, so everything goes to stores around the Nordics as end customers. In each country, we have chosen the distributor that best meets our requirements,” Hall further explains.
" We only hire transport companies that have adopted an environmental mindset and Scandic Trans is very well positioned in that regard
The daily transports from Helsingborg to the Finnish Post Office in Lieto, managed by Scandic Trans, make approximately 15-20 percent of PUMA’s total Nordic transports. At the automated warehouse, only nine people work thanks to so-called Mini Load Solutions,
Faster delivery times are characteristic of the industry overall, and according to Hall, it is also the biggest challenge. For the customers, that is the stores, all deliveries are free of charge.
“We strive to be as fast as possible, which requires good planning and communication.” From Scandic Trans’ side, they therefore aim to maintain close contact and provide personal service.
“We are meticulous with feedback and having well-functioning communication. We are, of course, very proud to have PUMA as a customer,” Joakim Lassen concludes.
The environmental journey rolls on
The year is 2025 and it’s been 25 years since Scandic Trans’ environmental and sustainability work began. At the same time, we can look back on the first five years of greener transport thanks to renewable diesel, HVO, and a year ago the possibility of green sea freight emerged.
The journey towards zero-emission freight continues.
Text: Anna Sand • Photo: Linda Svarfvar Illustrations: Linda Bengs
Renewable fuels are crucial for promoting sustainability in logistics. With increasing demands from customers and regulatory agencies to cut emissions, Scandic Trans strives to lead the way in reducing its climate footprint.
After looking for alternatives that reduce the carbon footprint more significantly, HVO was introduced as an alternative for all Scandic Trans’ customers in the spring of 2020, following test runs of Neste MY renewable diesel during the winter months.
Neste MY renewable diesel, which is made from 100 percent waste and renewable raw materials, produces up to 90 per cent lower greenhouse gas emissions (CO2) compared to regular fossil diesel. It can also be blended with regular diesel with no investment or engine modification needed, just a decision at the fuel pump.
“In the first year, seven of our customers took the bait; today the number is ten times bigger,” Linda Bengs, Sustainability Manager at Scandic Trans, says. “Today, it’s not just our major customers who choose HVO, but all types of companies. Even smaller ones want to invest in sustainability.”
The development in figures over the period of five years since then is clear. Now more than 20 of Scandic Trans’ trucks are fuelled with HVO and 680,000 litres of fossil diesel were replaced by renewable diesel in 2024. A return flight between Helsinki and New York emits about 1.6 tonnes of CO₂ per person in economy class. A reduction in emissions of 2,097 tonnes in 2024 means that last year alone Scandic Trans reduced its CO₂ emissions by the equivalent of about 1,300 return flights between
“It was incredibly easy for us as a freight customer to switch to green sea freight and we have received a very good response to our decision,” says Mauri Suuronen, Supply chain Manager at Orkla Suomi.
Helsinki and New York, compared to if the same amount of fuel had been regular fossil diesel.
Last year, they also took a new step on their sustainability journey. Two pioneers met in their sustainability work when, through their collaboration with Viking Line, they were able to start offering all customers greener sea freight. “With more than 300 crossings every week, Scandic Trans is a significant freight customer for Baltic Sea shipping companies. For many of our customers, sea transport accounts for a large proportion of the entire transport route and they now have the opportunity to choose biofuel for their entire transport chain,” Bengs continues.
The possibility to choose biofuel also for sea transport is an excellent complement to choosing biofuel for road transport and is possible on the climatesmart vessels Viking Grace and Viking Glory. The ships were built to run on both biogas and synthetic fuels produced from renewable energy. They currently use LNG, a fuel that produces significantly lower emissions than oil, but when LBG (liquefied biogas) is used, greenhouse gas emissions can be reduced by up to 95 per cent. “As LBG has the same composition as LNG, they can be mixed freely. The biogas is financed by the surcharge customers pay for a greener journey or freight,” Bengs explains.
The food group Orkla was a pioneer among Scandic Trans’ customers in choosing greener sea freight and now all Felix ketchup transport from Sweden to
Finland is carried out with HVO for road transport and LBG for sea freight.
“Reducing our environmental impact is part of our daily development work. Our goal is to halve our greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 compared to the 2016 level, and it was incredibly easy for us as a freight customer to switch to green sea freight,” Mauri Suuronen, Supply Chain Manager at Orkla Suomi, says.
“We chose to start with ketchup transports because they are large in volume and the route is suitable for this. Right now, we’re working out which product could be next,” Suuronen continues.
Thanks to the biofuel, the CO2 emissions of the 683-kilometre transport chain are reduced by 90% compared to the use of fossil fuels, from 1 512 kg to 102 kg per shipment. Annually, this means an emission reduction of around 190 tonnes. “We have received a very positive response and more and more people seem to be waking up to the possibility of using the green freight corridor across the Baltic Sea,” Suuronen concludes.
In parallel with efforts already made, Scandic Trans is looking ahead. An evaluation of electricity for some transports has started, but the market is not yet ready, neither technically nor in terms of infrastructure.
“The investments are extensive and transport planning is complex. In the future, we see potential in hydrogen, but much remains to be investigated before the technology can be applied in practice,” CEO Mikael Löfqvist summarises.
The journey towards emission-free transport continues. For many years, Scandic Trans has handled both the export and import of large volumes of food to and from the country for Norwegian food giant Orkla. Since 2024, Orkla has been transporting all Felix ketchup from the factory in Fågelmara to Finland by both green road and sea freight. The emissions reduction is over 90 per cent for the entire transport chain.
HVO + GREEN SEA FREIGHT -93% CO2
Fågelmara-Turku
• 100 % of the load
• 80 pallets, 34928 kg
• 485 km
• 203,7 liters (HVO)
• Stockholm-Turku (LBG)
(kg)
The driver acts as the public face of the company
Only a small portion of those who currently study logistics choose to become and work as drivers in international haulage. This makes the recruitment process a challenge in the industry and Scandic Trans is therefore working strategically to raise the status of the driver’s profession and to continuously improve drivers’ skills. They are the face of the company.
Text & photo: Anna Sand
We want our drivers to be proud of their profession, while at the same time helping to develop it into a more sustainable and competent profession,” Joakim Lerbacka, Transport Manager at Scandic Trans, says. The aim is to eventually raise Scandic Trans to a new level among its competitors. “Our drivers are already very good, but everything can be improved. We work a lot with our own internal training, including instructional videos made with the help of AI,” he explains.
The aim is to minimise the number of deviations and to make sure that all drivers are aware of the requirements of both customers and the authorities. Contributing to the training programme and being visible among the students in various ways is also
Conny Storfors has been driving Scandic Trans trucks for a decade. He enjoys the freedom but knows that it requires responsibility and forward planning.
part of the work. “We want to be involved in supporting and identifying students in the industry,” Lerbacka continues.
Conny Storfors from Malax in Ostrobothnia is one person who chose to become a driver, even though he originally trained in machinery and metal. Through his employer, Trans Sandås, he has driven Scandic Trans trucks between Sweden and Finland for ten years and describes it as a free and independent job. “But it’s freedom with responsibility that counts. You need to be active, plan the work and keep in touch with your customers regarding loading and unloading times which helps ensure smooth operations. By planning well, you can make an extra trip to Sweden in the same week, which obviously benefits both the driver and the entire group,” Conny says.
He makes no secret of the fact that his work requires social skills, but at the same time points out that both that and his own planning are things that come naturally to him. “I have a good employer and, of course, you want to pull in the same direction. Everything also runs much better if you’re proactive - when I’m working, I want to work and not sit and wait,” Conny states.
He believes that the working hours and the many weekends away from the family are one reason why it can be difficult to recruit new, skilled drivers today. He himself works two weeks at a time and then has one week off.
But even on those weeks off, he is not idle. Conny has been a registered professional fisherman for many years and still fishes all year round. “It’s both a hobby and an extra job, but one that I can control myself.” Hunting is also a major interest and time spent on the lake and in the countryside is a good complement to time spent in his lorry cab.
Video greetings from Johnny
”We’re sending Johnny” has been Scandic Trans’ slogan for several years now. Johnny can be any of us - all of us at Scandic Trans are Johnny with you. In last year’s Delivered, you got to meet the virtual version of Johnny, who since last spring has been acting as our instructor and provider of information to our drivers and hauliers. AI-Johnny has been further developed during the last year.
Text: Anna Sand • Photo: Linda Svarfvar
Scandic Trans constantly has over 100 vehicles on the road and there is often a need to send out information in various forms to drivers and hauliers, and sometimes also to the rest of the staff. This can include customer-specific driving and weighing instructions, information about cabotage transports, reminders about details of customs clearance and so on.
“Previously, the information was published in text form on our intranet, but we have learned that it is not always easy to find, absorb or have time to read,” says Reko Märsylä, Director of Finance, who developed the virtual version of Johnny. “Many people prefer to watch a short video and can thus better absorb information from moving material. It’s more concrete than having to read and understand a long document. A video also provides much more information in picture form, which is a big advantage”, he adds.
Compared to creating the corresponding video material with a script, a real person practicing the text
in all languages and then also editing the film, this is a quick, simple and efficient way to create an information video. “The time savings are huge”, Märsylä says.
The information videos are sent directly to the vehicles via the app in which all assignments are also communicated. The first videos were sent out in the spring of 2024, and work on developing AI-Johnny and creating more videos has continued throughout the year. “The program we use has been developed with new features and we have given our customers the opportunity to create their own customerspecific instructional videos. Everyone who has been introduced to AI-Johnny and the possibilities it offers has given positive feedback and said that this is something they should also implement in their own internal operations,” Märsylä continues.
Each new video is created based on a specific need, complaint or customer request. “Some details may be difficult to get right on a consignment note, for example in the case of cabotage transport. In such cases, it is important that all the information is on the transport document in the event of an inspection. Another example is when precise driving instructions are required inside the customer’s premises or when loading or unloading requires something special.”
“The videos have shown that many people have learned something new thanks to them,” Märsylä says.
The work to develop AI-Johnny will of course continue in the future. Scandic Trans is always striving to use new technology and new AI tools that benefit the business.
Get to know AI-Johnny – watch some of the videos by scanning the QR codes!
As a logistics company specializing in temperaturecontrolled food transport, Scandic Trans has for some years now also handled all of Atria’s export logistics in Scandinavia - to Sweden and Denmark, where Atria has its own brands, factories and retailers in the grocery trade.
Text: Anna Sand • Photo: Linda Svarfvar and press photos
Atria, whose history dates back to 1903 when the first owner cooperative was formed, is today one of Northern Europe’s leading food producers, developing, manufacturing and selling fresh meat, other foods and related services. Atria Finland’s transportation is 100% managed by its subsidiary Tuoretie Oy, which is co-owned together with a number of other producers in the same industry. This includes everything from feed and animal transportation to finished products and raw materials.
“Everything that requires rubber tyres,” Jaakko Saha, Logistics Manager of Tuoretie, explains.
in Nurmo in the morning has to be in Southern Sweden or Denmark 24 hours later,” says Saha.
Tommi Leikkari, Logistics Director at Atria. Atria Finland’s transport is managed 100 per cent by its subsidiary Tuoretie Oy. For some years now, Scandic Trans has been handling export logistics for them in Scandinavia.
“The aim of Atria and Tuoretie’s partnership is to streamline distribution. Tuoretie is an expert in food logistics and our services cover both domestic and international freight. Increasingly, we handle both export and import shipments to and from all Atria locations,” Saha says.
Tuoretie’s and Atria’s own trucks transport all export goods to the Turku terminal, where transshipment then takes place according to the export destinations.
“The export trucks (there are several of them) drive from Finland four days a week and the whole process requires careful scheduling. What is loaded
It is exclusively temperature-controlled produce, both fresh and frozen, and everything from raw materials to Atria’s own factories in Sweden and Denmark to finished food and products to the central warehouses of the retail chains. The returns consist of both finished products as well as packaging materials and so-called “transboxes”.
“Atria’s Sibylla brand is a great example of products that are then transported from Sweden to Finland. For Sibylla, we transport frozen vegetables from Sweden to Finland in the same Scandic Trans trucks,” says Saha.
The comprehensive logistics network in Scandinavia and its quality were absolutely decisive for Tuoretie when choosing a partner.
Today Atria is one of Northern Europe’s leading food producers and develops, manufactures and sells fresh meat, other foods and related services.
“The possibilities for haulage in Sweden and the flexibility of the timetables determined our choice,” Saha says. ”They can transport refrigerated and frozen goods in the same vehicles and I have personally found that they have highly competent drivers, which is also an important factor for us.
"According to Saha, cooperation with Scandic Trans works very well, both with management and with transport planning. ”We have good communication between our respective transport planning teams. Our staff meet twice a year, something that I consider very important for our cooperation. If you know each other personally, the threshold for contacting each other is much lower, no matter what the issue is,” Saha explains.
We control the entire chain and pay special attention to the reliability of deliveries - it’s the be-all and endall for us,” Leikkari emphasizes.
We take great pride in keeping our promises. We take our partnerships very seriously and prefer long-term relationships
Tommi Leikkari, Logistics Director at Atria, is also pleased.
“Supply chains are often long and complicated and at Atria, every part of the chain is honed to perfection, from the farms right through to logistics.
Jaakko Saha, Logistics Manager at Tuoretie, and Joakim Lerbacka, Transport Manager at Scandic Trans, agree that regular, face-to-face meetings and good communication between the companies’ respective transport planning teams are key to good cooperation.
The bar is set high; the target for delivery reliability is 99.9%. This means that just about every order received is delivered to the customer on time as agreed.
“We take great pride in keeping our promises. We take our partnerships very seriously and prefer long-term relationships. We avoid spot transportation because it always carries a higher risk of deviation,” he continues.
He has no doubt that they made a good choice when they chose Scandic Trans.
“If we don’t hear anything from the customers, it is a good sign, which is also the case. Customers and our other recipients are obviously very satisfied with Scandic Trans deliveries. They stand for both fast, efficient chains and high delivery reliability,” Leikkari concludes.
Small steps make a big difference
Your body is your most important tool
Our movement patterns have changed enormously over the past decades due to digital development. The transition to more sedentary behaviour during both work and leisure time, combined with the increasing use of motorized transportation, has led to people in the Nordic countries now sitting still for 60 percent of their waking hours on average – something that inevitably has consequences for our health.
Text: Anna Sand • Photo: Anna Sand
Remaining seated for long periods creates physical effects and inactivity similar to what people experience during bed rest. This results in the loss of both muscle strength and muscle mass, and the heart is also a muscle. The good news is that we can prevent the negative consequences of reduced activity with simple measures.
Physiotherapist and PT Sara Clärk explains how.
“The most important thing you have is your own body; when it no longer functions, everything else often becomes unimportant. Therefore, it pays to take care of it as best you can. In the past, most people engaged in some form of physical activity daily, even if it was just a short walk. Today, there is greater polarization; many do nothing at all, while others train at a very high level,” Sara explains.
Sara has always liked to be active and has a background in both equestrian sports and bikini fitness. Running is something that has followed her throughout her life, and nowadays she likes to combine it with heavier strength training, preferably with free weights.
“I want to maintain a high minimum level in most things,” she says, “but running is what gives me the most enjoyment.” Sara has dealt with back issues, an experience that influenced her decision to pursue her current profession.
A SEDENTARY LIFESTYLE
SARA’S TIPS!
Scan the QR code to access Sara’s tips on simple mobility exercises you can do both in the car and at the office!
“Originally, I was a police officer, but spending so much time sitting in a car or at a desk did not suit me and my body. I trained to become a personal trainer but realized I needed more knowledge to help all my clients, so I continued to study and became a physiotherapist. After that, I became a running coach and nutritional advisor,” she adds.
" What you do is not important, but the main thing is that you do something
Above all, three functions in the body are negatively affected by a sedentary lifestyle:
• Mitochondria: Mitochondria are the cell’s powerhouses or energy factories. They lose function and mass and decrease in number when we sit still for long periods.
• Muscles: When muscles are not stimulated, the proteins in the muscles die and are not replaced. Since the heart is also a muscle, it loses strength as well.
• Reduced insulin sensitivity: Sitting still affects the production of glucose, fats and cholesterol in the body, thereby increasing the risk of low-level inflammation.
All of this combined increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, obesity and even certain types of cancer.
For those sitting at a desk or driving all day, back, shoulder, and neck discomfort often come first.
“A monotonous working position is never good, but today we hardly need to get up to fetch printouts from the printer anymore. Therefore, you should remind yourself to move every hour. Instead of emailing the colleague in the other corridor, it is better to walk over there instead. There are simple exercises you can do to activate your muscles, and the best thing would be if everyone could also find a form of exercise they want to engage in during their free time,” Sara continues.
From experience, she knows that the motivation to change must come from within for the change to be lasting.
“Start with something that is easily accessible for you and set the first goal to establish regularity in your new habit. What you do is not important, but the main thing is that you do something. Exercise and training not only reduce the risk of muscle problems and diseases; training also increases energy levels, provides mental recovery and improves overall well-being.” In an ideal world, according to Sara, all breaks at work would include some form of movement instead of more of the same – and that is, sitting still.
“Moving from your car seat or your office chair to a coffee table is not a break for the body. It is variation that we should strive for,” she concludes.
Reorganisation with an eye to the future New roles – clearer focus
During the year, major changes have been made to the organisation and operational department at Scandic Trans’ head office. The aim has been to give CEO Mikael Löfqvist better opportunities to develop the business, while at the same time reallocating resources to enable more detailed financial monitoring and budgeting. In February Reko Märsylä started as the new CFO.
Text & photo: Anna Sand
The appointment of Reko as CFO frees up capacity from my previous operational work. I can now focus instead on marketing, sales and developing the business,” CEO Mikael Löfqvist says.
His original areas of expertise are sales, marketing, and customer relations, which he can now focus on more extensively. ”I’m looking forward to focusing more on the sales processes. We have implemented a new CRM system this year and are already seeing the effects and benefits of it. The salespeople’s work is made easier and sales are increasing.” Löfqvist continues, “We are reviewing processes to address certain unclear points and shortcomings, and have now been able to develop new systems for how, for example, spot prices are to be stated and invoiced. Even in large procurements, we have been able to improve some details.”
He sees only advantages in the fact that the financial side is now run by Reko Märsylä, who also has extensive IT expertise. “It gives us better opportunities to analyse and monitor the financial situation,” Löfqvist explains.
For Märsylä, the new position means that he can return more to his own area of expertise, which is finance. At the same time, however, he will also continue as the supervisor for the IT, Quality and Environment Department.
“I’ve worked at Scandic Trans since 2013, first as administrative manager and then as quality manager with both IT and environmental issues on my desk. Before that I was CEO of a shipping company,” Märsylä says.
So financial work is already familiar to him and he is now looking forward to spending more time on budgeting, monitoring and analysis. “Maths is my thing,” he says with a smile. “My goal is to understand the organisation so well that I can look ahead in the longer term and thus achieve the correct and more precise allocation of resources. This will make it easier to plan for the future of the company overall,” he clarifies.
The organisational change also means that Märsylä now has responsibility for the staff and is a supervisor in HR. “Our personnel are our most important resource and we value them highly. With good planning and foresight, it is also easier to allocate resources correctly,” he says.
The aim is to make Scandic Trans as attractive a workplace as possible. “We have good staff benefits and in the annual staff surveys, Scandic Trans has a higher rating than the industry average. Naturally, we want to continue along the same lines,” he concludes.
Since 1 February 2025, Reko Märsylä has been Chief Financial Officer at Scandic Trans
Strong growth for Scandic Logistics
The team at Scandic Logistics in Helsingborg now consists of four people: Robin Svensson, Joakim Lassen, Ludvig Holmberg and Jennie Dahlström.
Scandic Trans’ subsidiary Scandic Logistics, based in Helsingborg, has developed well since the start of 2019. Growth in the first quarter of 2025 was over 30 percent and there are now large transport-flows to and from both Western and Eastern Europe. Both the number of trucks and employees have grown.
Text: Anna Sand • Photo: Johan Lilja
Joakim Lassen, CEO of Scandic Logistics since the turn of the year 2024-25, can look back on eventful years. Initially, now well-developed collaboration was established with subcontractors and partners for transport to and from the Baltic countries and Eastern Europe. In recent years, the focus has therefore been on developing both relationships and traffic flows to and from Western Europe.
“We remain strong in Eastern Europe, but over the past three years we have also had remarkable growth in the West, mainly in the Benelux countries and Germany, and today we have large import flows from there. Two years ago, we had three of our own trucks in service in Western Europe and ordered our first trailers. Today, we have eleven trailers in service,” says Lassen.
“Imports are largely food-focused – Findus and Cloetta are some of our major customers - while exports consist of mixed goods including a lot of dangerous goods,” he adds.
At the same time, co-operation with our existing
customers in the Nordic region is being strengthened. “We can now offer new and more diverse markets to our existing customers, who initially only used our services for their Finnish exports,” Lassen continues, naming paint manufacturer Beckers as an example.
In autumn 2023, in order to build up the Western European haulage, they were reinforced by the freight forwarder Robin Svensson, who together with Jennie Dahlström focuses on that part of the business. Together with salesman Ludvig Holmberg, Lassen focuses on building customer relationships and partnerships.
After six years in business, Scandic Logistics last year reached a turnover of around 45 million Swedish crowns and the target for 2025 is now set at 50 million.
In parallel with the focus on growth, sustainability work is also taking place here and HVO is now being offered as an alternative fuel on a broad front, including in Europe.
“The journey is continuing and at a good pace,” Lassen concludes.
Dangerous goods require the right partner on the road
Although Scandic Trans specialises in temperature-controlled goods, the company also has extensive expertise and knowledge of other types of special transportation, such as ADR or dangerous goods. These include polystyrene, which Scandic Trans loads every week at BEWI RAW’s factory in Porvoo for transport to Sweden and Norway among other places.
Text: Anna Sand • Photo: Bewi
BEWI RAW Oy is a business unit of BEWI Group, a Norwegian listed industrial company and international leader in sustainable packaging solutions, technical components and insulation products. In Finland, the group has several production facilities, including the raw material factory in Kilpilahti, Porvoo. Here, expandable polystyrene is produced for use in the construction and packaging industries.
“We serve many different industries, for example the food industry, where our solutions help to maintain unbroken cold chains, like the classic fish boxes for fresh salmon,” Joonas Kuparinen, Supply Chain Manager at BEWI RAW Oy, says.
"For the construction sector, BEWI offers a wide range of insulation products for foundations, walls, roofs, infrastructure and more. They also supply technical components to the automotive industry and provide packaging solutions to the pharmaceutical industry - solutions that protect against impact and keep temperatures stable during transport.
contains pentane,” Kuparinen explains.
Pentane is a flammable, volatile substance used as an expanding agent. Although only very small amounts remain in the finished products, special ventilation and fire protection procedures are always required during production and handling.
For a long time BEWI has had a strong focus on sustainability and the circular economy, and much of the material that is shipped out is recycled and returned to the factory for reprocessing. “It’s a so-called closed loop,” Kuparinen says.
It’s a so-called closed loop
The Porvoo factory ships around twenty different raw material products, all classified as dangerous goods under ADR regulations. “Every week we load several Scandic Trans lorries with 22 octabins per trailer. We store the raw materials in plastic bags inside two-metre high octabins. Ventilation is important, even during sea transport, because the material
Environmental issues have been an integral part of BEWI’s operations for decades.
“Since the 1980’s, we have been collecting wash water from the ships’ cargo tanks to purify it from the styrene that is used in the factory,” Kuparinen explains.
Environmental work is something BEWI and Scandic Trans have in common. Scandic Trans is currently one of BEWI’s largest logistics partners, and the collaboration is much appreciated. “If there are any uncertainties, we get a quick answer from our contact person Richard Romar. The customer service is excellent, and we see Scandic Trans as a very reliable partner,” Kuparinen says.
Romar, Sales Manager at Scandic Trans, agrees. “We have had good co-operation for many years. Through long-term agreements and continuous follow-up, we can develop logistics together.”
Scandic Trans Company of the Year 2024
Scandic Trans was named Company of the Year in November 2024 by the regional organisation Kust-Österbottens Företagare. The reasoning stated, among other things, that “Scandic Trans has stated that it is investing because it believes in this region and its potential.
In addition, the company has long been a pioneer in sustainability within the logistics industry. It’s a logistics leader that doesn’t just keep pace but sets standards for the industry.”
The award recognises Scandic Trans’s long-term growth and investment as one of Korsholm’s largest companies. CEO Mikael Löfqvist accepted the annual entrepreneurial prize on behalf of the company.
Text: Anna Sand • Photo: Bildbolaget Du&Vi
Scandic Trans on site at the world’s leading logistics fair
Scandic Trans participated in Transport Logistic 2025 in Munich from June 2–5. It is the world’s leading trade fair for logistics, mobility, IT and supply chain management. Around 2,500 exhibitors from over 70 countries attend and the fair serves as a platform for networking, knowledge sharing and business development. At our joint stand you could meet our representatives CEO Mikael Löfqvist, sales representative Richard Romar and Joakim Lassen, CEO of the subsidiary Scandic Logistics.
Text: Anna Sand • Photo: Press photos
Scandic Trans supports Project Liv
Scandic Trans has been one of Project Liv’s supporting partners for several years and this collaboration will continue through 2025. Project Liv is an organization dedicated to bringing more joy into the lives of children with long-term illnesses, their families and the children of parents with long-term illnesses. The organization works to create happier hospital environments, bring joy into everyday life to support the recovery process and is committed to providing care in the patient’s own mother tongue.
“We support Project Liv every year, in line with the decision made by our Executive Committee. Scandic Trans is committed to taking social and regional responsibility,” says CEO Mikael Löfqvist
Text: Anna Sand • Photo: Press photos
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Our sales team has extensive experience and deep knowledge of the industry. We listen to your needs and find solutions that work, whether you transport food, industrial goods or something else entirely.
We’re here to make it easy and simple for you to make the right choice – every time. Get in touch and we’ll tell you more!
