"As a result of the prolonged recession and spiking fuel prices, more and more of our customers are opting for expedited ground-based solutions instead of domestic air freight, and they are looking for partners who can provide transportation management services rather than transactional transportation," said Heiner Murmann, CEO of Schenker, Inc.
Members of the company's management team met with employees at the Toledo-based hub location earlier this morning to share the news of this announcement. Approximately 700 employees at this location (primarily part-time positions) will be affected. "We deeply regret that there will be some layoffs as part of this realignment. However, we are working to redeploy as many employees as possible to other parts of our business," stated Murmann. "Our employees represent the cornerstone of our company and we will treat all affected personnel in an open, transparent and respectful manner throughout this transition."
With almost $3 billion in revenue, over 200 locations and in excess of 10,000 employees, DB Schenker is one of the leading logistics providers in the Americas. The company is currently ranked #2 in air freight, #4 in ocean freight and #5 in contract logistics and supply chain management in North America.
"We remain committed to maintaining a strong presence throughout the Americas, including the U.S. and this realignment will help us achieve that goal," summarized Murmann.
Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority Statement - BAX Global:
"We are incredibly disappointed to learn that our partner for more than 20 years - BAX Global, a subsidiary of D.B Schenker Logistics (a German-based company) - will be phasing out of its U.S. dedicated air fleet and transitioning from operating its own air fleet to a non fixed-base model.
Toledo Express has a strong background in the global cargo market and it is the desire of the Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority to continue cargo operations absent of BAX Global. The Port Authority continues to actively pursue various activities and opportunities relative to cargo development at Toledo Express. We believe the combination of the experienced existing workforce and the logistical advantages of the Toledo region and Toledo Express provide a strong framework for these activities.
The Port Authority lease agreement with BAX Global, guaranteed by D.B. Schenker, is effective through September 2013. In the coming weeks, the Port Authority will determine the impact this will have on Port Authority operations.
Paul L. Toth, CEO
Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority"
