Focus on skills shortage, future issues and strong partners

(Fulda, 2 October 2025) On Friday, 26 September 2025, VTL Vernetzte-Transport-Logistik GmbH held its annual system partner meeting. Shareholders, partner companies and representatives of the system headquarters gathered in Dresden to look back on the past financial year and further develop the strategic direction of the general cargo cooperation.

A central theme of the event was change in the world of work – in particular, the growing shortage of skilled workers. In a provocative and practical presentation, renowned speaker Stefan Dietz highlighted the pressing challenges facing the logistics industry. His conclusion: demographic change is further exacerbating the situation – but companies that focus on attractive employer brands, good leadership and strategic foresight can actively counteract this. New technologies such as artificial intelligence, autonomous driving and robotics are challenging not only processes but also traditional management models. Dietz used inspiring practical examples to show how companies can remain adaptable and innovative – and thus continue to attract and retain talent in the future.

In addition to professional input, the networking event provided plenty of opportunity for personal exchange and discussion – especially on current topics such as artificial intelligence, human resources development, the public image of depots and local transport. Furthermore, the digital booking platform transportami was presented, which was developed specifically for general cargo and pallet shipping. The aim is to make logistics processes more efficient and transparent through digital solutions. transportami offers numerous advantages, especially for VTL network partners – they benefit from automated order processing, reduced administrative effort and better access to new customers.

A festive highlight was the evening Partner Awards ceremony. Awards were presented to partner companies that have distinguished themselves through outstanding quality or exceptional growth. This year, the award for the greatest national growth went to Spedition Huckschlag GmbH from Fröndenberg. BTG Internationale Spedition GmbH from Frankfurt am Main was honoured in the ‘Best National Quality’ category. Claassen Logistics from Tilburg (Netherlands) received two awards: it won both the prize for ‘Largest International Growth’ and ‘Best International Quality’.

Long-standing partnerships within the network were also honoured, with awards for 10, 20 and 25 years of membership. 10 years: OSNA-TRANS GmbH & Co. KG (Osnabrück), INSATRANSPORT Speditions GmbH (Frankfurt am Main), Donau-Speditions-Gesellschaft (Regenstauf), Neele-Vat Finland Oy (Vantaa/Finland). 20 years: Hellmold & Plank GmbH & Co. KG (Gießen), Walter Eckhardt GmbH (Korntal-Münchingen), Bayern Express Spedition, T+S Helmrath Logistik GmbH (Bingen am Rhein), barth Spedition GmbH (Kandel), Eurosped EOOD (Sofia, Bulgaria). 25 years: Gericke Transport GmbH (Hohenstein-Ernstthal), Kraftverkehr Emsland GmbH (Nordhorn), decker & co Intern. Spedition GmbH (Achern/Baden).

The VTL CargoFamily looks back on a successful meeting with important outcomes for the future of general cargo logistics – and on strong partners who are shaping change together.

Pictures: VTL Vernetzte-Transport-Logistik GmbH