Go on a successful trading journey with OCS

No workday begins at OCS without the phone ringing. Although a modern freight forwarding company could hardly survive without digitalization, many still prefer to pick up the phone. Many customers already submit their transport requests via online forms. Others prefer to tailor the order processing to their specific needs. When clients have an unusual shipment or a particular logistics problem, they're looking for more: a reliable freight forwarder with whom they can discuss the situation and develop customized solutions. These processes are part of the training program at our freight forwarding company from the very beginning. Then the phone rings.

At that moment, we've already completed half the work: generating customers and raising awareness of the OCS brand. This doesn't require developing a new marketing strategy every quarter; instead, we reliably handle the second part of the logistics service: What's the solution for the customer, and how does the transport reach its destination? Across national borders and economic regions, it's a fascinating journey, because OCS is THE logistics provider for Eastern Europe and Scandinavia. Do you speak Russian, Polish, or another language from these regions? Then we've been looking for you!

Honorable merchants, robbers and pirates

Your journey begins in Bremen-Stuhr. For more than 250 years, Bremen was a member of the Hanseatic League. Above all, its highly praised beer found its way far north, even to Scandinavia, bringing wealth to the city. Joining this alliance of merchants brought further destinations and their products within reach. To this day, Bremen remains a major hub for the coffee that Germany drinks every morning.

The trade routes of that time were adventurous. Heavily laden cogs were easy prey for pirates. Robbers lay in wait during overland transport, such as along the Salt Road from Lüneburg to Lübeck. Thanks to good connections, trade was conducted quickly. But getting the goods to their destination was a challenge. The Hanseatic League succeeded! Parents from all over the world sent their children to Bremen to learn the intricacies of trade. Moreover, Hanseatic merchants were considered honorable because they kept their promises. Where better for aspiring freight forwarders and logistics providers to learn their trade than in a place with such a long trading tradition? Bremen and OCS are the perfect environment for training in freight forwarding. Join us on a "business journey".

Where the journey leads in training

Just like in the Hanseatic era, OCS's connections extend to Scandinavia and the countries of the former USSR, including Russia. We like to refer to Northern and Eastern Europe with Central Asia, as OCS has been serving these regions for over 30 years. During this time, we have earned the trust of long-standing customers. We transport goods for them to other countries in Europe and worldwide. But we don't want to put our horsepower to the test where everyone else is driving. We are passionate about the exceptional and seek the thrill of mastering a challenge. Just like the merchants of the Hanseatic League.

That is what our task as a freight forwarding company

For every transport order and every customer inquiry, our first step is to find the right solution. This usually means identifying the optimal load carrier and organizing the transport. At OCS, no half-loaded or empty vehicles travel to the next destination, emitting avoidable CO2. With "green logistics," we are actively committed to environmental protection and achieve maximum diversity. We access the fleets of external providers, giving us access to a wide range of vehicle types and other load carriers. The selection is enormous; a single freight forwarding company could not possibly provide and utilize this fleet.

We find the right load carrier and virtually track the transport along its entire route. Where medieval merchants relied on hunches and rumors about the whereabouts and condition of their goods, we know the location of our cargo practically at all times.

• From storage to acceptance by the recipient of the shipment
• Across borders and economic systems
• Taking into account all safety regulations
• By road or rail, in the air or at sea

This requires far more than simply knowing the transport routes. Depending on the cargo and goods being transported, regulations must be observed. A reputable freight forwarder supports compliance with these regulations, as they prevent serious environmental, material, and personal damage. However, in a multilateral trade network with customized solutions, the requirements become far more complex.

• What happens when crossing the border?
• What documents must the drivers have on hand?
• In which digital system?

Digitalization as a challenge

"The challenge for the future: to reconcile craftsmanship and digitalization and find the optimal solution for the customer. #hybridespedition"

@ocsspedition [twitter] from 06.05.2021

While digitalization has brought about enormous improvements, it also allows large logistics companies, like a former bookseller, to set their own terms. Freight forwarders and logistics service providers must bear this in mind . These processes must be implemented by the people involved in transportation. Operational know-how and experience in freight forwarding are essential here and pay off for the customer in the long run. The future belongs to hybrid freight forwarders who manage to combine digitalization and traditional craftsmanship to generate the optimal solution for the customer.

Good job: The transport has reached its destination

OCS handles and arranges worldwide imports and exports by sea, air, rail, and road. Transport to, from, or via Russia, in particular, has increased significantly in recent years. Borders have become more open. One thing, however, remains unchanged: the weather conditions that even Napoleon thwarted. On top of everything else, transporters must also have customs documents, waybills, and many other paperwork readily available. There may be a language spoken on the road that drivers don't understand. We take care of the drivers' backs by meticulously preparing everything. The demands on the road are high enough. And then comes the thrill: we receive confirmation that another challenging shipment has reached its destination! Next, the phone often rings again, and a satisfied customer thanks us for the smooth handling.

Together, we and the shipment reach their destination. Join us on our "trading journey" and begin an apprenticeship as a freight forwarding and logistics services specialist.