The logistics industry is buzzing with news of DSV’s acquisition of DB Schenker, a massive deal set to create the largest freight forwarder in the world. While this merger promises greater scale and reach, bigger isn’t always better when it comes to your supply chain. For importers, this corporate marriage could mean significant disruptions—from delayed shipments to impersonal customer service. Here’s why small and medium-sized importers should be cautious about relying on logistics giants post-merger.
How Layoffs and Restructuring Could Affect Your Business
Corporate mergers often lead to layoffs, and the DSV-Schenker deal is no exception. While DSV has promised job creation in the long run, industry analysts are concerned that immediate restructuring will lead to workforce reductions, particularly in overlapping roles. Air Cargo News
For importers, these layoffs could result in a loss of institutional knowledge. When staff familiar with your unique business needs are cut, the personalized service you’ve come to rely on may disappear.
Expect turnover and shifting personnel to disrupt communication channels, making it harder to get timely updates or resolve issues. Your shipments could be handled by less experienced representatives, delaying important decisions and compounding errors.
Will New Systems Lead to Delayed Shipments?
Integrating the operations of two giants means merging IT systems, operational workflows, and even transport networks. This is no small feat. Research shows that up to 70% of mergers experience operational delays due to system integration challenges. Air Cargo News
As DSV and Schenker consolidate their platforms, the risk of shipment delays grows—especially for smaller importers, who might find themselves deprioritized amid the larger clients.
When new software or operational procedures are introduced, there’s often a learning curve that leads to errors or slower processing times. Importers could face frequent disruptions during the transition, resulting in late deliveries, inventory gaps, and even potential penalties from customers waiting on delayed goods.
Customer Service Challenges: Are You Just Another Number?
One of the biggest risks of large-scale mergers is the shift away from personalized customer service. Before the merger, you might have had a dedicated representative who understood the intricacies of your business. Post-merger, that intimate relationship could be replaced by faceless, generalized support.
When massive logistics firms merge, customer support often becomes centralized. You’re no longer working with a rep who knows your shipping preferences or the specific challenges your business faces. Instead, you may be forced to deal with new or unfamiliar support teams juggling thousands of accounts, making it harder to get quick resolutions.
For importers who value responsiveness, this could be a critical pain point. With the influx of new customers and the complexity of merging support systems, response times could slow down, leaving you frustrated in times of need.
The Risks of Reduced Flexibility and Rising Costs
While the merged entity may offer an expanded network and capabilities, it often comes at the expense of flexibility. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that require custom shipping solutions could find themselves constrained by the standardized, one-size-fits-all services typical of large forwarders.
Additionally, reduced competition in the market can lead to higher costs. With DSV and Schenker consolidating, importers could see fewer options and less price competition, which typically results in rate increases over time. SMEs, in particular, may struggle to absorb these rising costs without passing them on to their customers.
Why Dedola Global Logistics Offers a Better Solution
While large forwarders like DSV and Schenker promise scale, DGL offers something far more valuable to SMEs: personalized service and flexibility. At DGL, we know that every importer has unique needs, and we tailor our services to ensure smooth, efficient supply chains without the disruptions of corporate consolidation.
With DGL, you’ll benefit from:
Dedicated customer service representatives who know your business inside and out.
Fast and transparent communication—no need to worry about being just another number in a massive queue.
Tailored solutions that fit your shipping needs, with the flexibility to adapt as your business grows.
As the industry faces the turbulence of massive mergers, partnering with a nimble, client-focused provider like DGL ensures that your supply chain won’t be disrupted by corporate reshuffling. We prioritize your success and ensure that your business stays competitive, even as industry giants shift their priorities.
Expert Consultation and Freight Quote Today
At DGL, we specialize in providing the personalized, transparent, and flexible logistics services that large forwarders often can’t deliver. Don’t let the complications of the DSV-Schenker merger affect your supply chain. Contact us today to learn how we can offer the reliable, tailored solutions your business needs to stay ahead in a rapidly changing industry.
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