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~ Spring GDS ~

But how is Spring GDS able to identify the Since Spring GDS provides solutions designed
customer’s needs and adapt to it quickly? specifically for e-commerce. What is your vision for
“We develop our solution not on what we want, but the future of this industry?
what the markets are asking for. We are present in most “On the one hand, there’s still enormous potential for
of the markets in Europe, we have our local sales teams, the industry in global e-commerce. In many countries,
managers, etcetera. They are the ones in direct contact with 90% of the ecommerce business is still domestic and 10%
our customers and they are the ones keeping us informed. is international, which means that they have a gigantic
Based on our constant communication, we continuously market still to be won. If you are successful in your country,
add new developments. It is a constant cycle. We have my main message is to always keep your eyes open because
our never-ending road map, and that helps us realign our by just doing what you’re particularly good at, there is a
direction.” big market still to be explored. With the right partner,
the language or administrative customs clearance barriers
When it comes to sustainability, how does a player in can easily be sorted and suddenly the world can be your
the logistics industry tackle the need to be greener? market.”
“It is an intrinsic part of Spring GDS. We don’t see
sustainability as a trend, but a reality, which is why we “On the other hand, consumers need more predictability
were one of the first in the industry to make it part of our over speed in shipping. Consumers worldwide want to be
business’ DNA. We know this is a polluting industry, which in control and informed of their purchases. Giving rough
also means our actions can make a significant difference estimates will not be enough anymore. As long as we are
such as the type of vehicle used, the routes taken, the meeting the expectations of consumers and keeping them
materials used. Last year, for example, we invested heavily informed of where their package is, it is more important
in reusable pallet boxes to reduce sole use materials and than just the rush. And it is also linked to sustainability,
optimize space in trucks,” says Thijs. failed delivery attempts also increase emissions. Here the
role of data is crucial, and with AI we can be much more
“Our next big step will be to switch our whole European precise and be able to provide a more accurate estimated
road network into renewable fuel, and after that, air freight. delivery window.”
It is a joint effort within the PostNL Group, ensuring that
we not only compensate our emissions, but actively work in Finally, are there any initiatives under development at
reducing them.” Spring GDS that you could share with our readers?
“We’re currently working on important non-EU
What about e-retailers? What would you recommend destinations. We have a wide range of solutions within
to those who are interested in becoming more the space of Europe, and we see that our customers have
sustainable? demands from markets like Canada or US or Australia. For
“The easiest first step would be the packaging. First, what these kinds of countries, as we saw after Brexit, it is key
material is used? Can you make it reusable or at least to have a simple and hassle-free delivery solution, because
recyclable? And keep in mind that not all plastic gets that is what consumers want! We’re focusing on developing
recycled. Second, how are you packing? Because there is a fully visible and transparent DDP solutions to these
lot of air being transported, taking up too much space in destinations.”
trucks, in planes.”
“Our other goal is to keep growing. Last year we opened
Staying on the topic of ESG (Environmental, Social two new hubs, in Poland and in UK; and we are planning
& Governance), what can you tell us about the human to open a few more this year. We are continuously
side of things in Spring GDS? expanding our presence in order to be as close to our
“I think one of the reasons why there are people, like me, customers as possible and to keep improving our network,”
staying for a long time in the company is because of the Thijs concludes. ••
way that we work. It’s not just an anonymous job for a
big giant, there is a real connection; with your team and
with the customers. It doesn’t matter if you’re on the OPS
floor, an account consultant, or a country manager. We
can create deep and real connections with our customers, a
partnership. One of the most interesting outcomes of our
NPS survey is that our customers appreciate how Spring
GDS is truly close to them. They do not find a centralized
call center, our customer care departments are country
based, offering support in their local language.”

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