Challenge
Finding a cost-effective way to ship delicate cargo
Hydro produces aluminium poles and extrusions and their size and shape pose a unique transport challenge. On top of being long enough to require flatbeds with overhang or extendable trailers, they’re also exceptionally fragile. Transporting them quickly and securely demands considerable insight.
Once made, poles and extrusions are picked up from the company’s plant in Drunen, NL and then shipped by ferry to Ireland and the UK. The extrusions are also transported from Lichtervelde, Belgium to Ireland and the UK, as well as from Harderwijk, the Netherlands to Germany, Ireland, and the UK.
The company wanted to find a reliable carrier capable of handling these fragile goods with care, while also helping them reduce the number of carriers used and lower transport costs in the Benelux region.
Solution
Flexibility and secure handling
When Hydro approached us, we set to work to find the ideal solution. We focused on flexibility and secure handling, leveraging a large fleet of flatbeds and extendable trailers.
A single point of contact
We offered Hydro a team of specialised drivers who have extensive experience dealing with aluminium and transporting fragile products. With a single point of contact in place for the entire operation, Hydro were able to undertake urgent bookings without delay and carry out multiple deliveries from a single load.
Through DFDS, Hydro are now better placed to organise export documentation and navigate Brexit-related challenges. Today, our partnership with Hydro also includes its tautliner transport where we assist in ensuring fast and secure deliveries to help them meet transport-related KPIs.
Results
Dealing with just a single point of contact has saved Hydro time and improved the product cost per kilo. The system has also cut transport expenses while ensuring consistent on-time delivery.
"DFDS Special Cargo are specialists in flatbed transport, which for us was a very important factor in finding the right carrier. With DFDS, we have one dedicated contact for our entire solution.”
- Geert Huisman, Transport Planner, Hydro Pole Products
