Our locations
Here you can select our various locations around Rhenus. You can choose between countries, the corresponding locations, business areas, as well as locations in your surrounding area.
Carriage of Dangerous Goods
For many years Rhenus Logistics has provided a specialist service for the international shipment of liquid chemicals, oxidising agents, flammable and compressed gases, poisons, powders and granules, both packed and in bulk – in fact, the majority of hazardous cargo classifications. In addition our dangerous goods qualified staff ensure that we are up to date in all aspects of handling dangerous goods, and as a company we monitor our operations to ensure they conform to the latest environmental guidelines. Our four main hubs in Bradford, Cannock, Maldon and Manchester have successfully obtained SQAS certification to ensure correct, secure and safe handling of hazardous products.
WHAT ASPECTS OF OPERATIONS ARE VITAL IN THE CHEMICAL SUPPLY CHAIN?
Efficiency savings and cost reduction: More 3PLs operating in the chemicals supply chain need to adopt a ‘Total Cost of Ownership’ approach – this means creating an end-to-end analysis of logistics costs.
Improved inventory management: Freeing up capital by better use of just-in-time solutions is a key area for chemical logistics over the next decade.
Investment in technology: Smart investment in appropriate logistics assets – such as track and trace – encourages a more collaborative approach to the supply chain.
Safety and security: This continues to be a top priority for chemical companies. The challenge is to turn this cost into a strategic advantage. A proactive approach to safety across an international supply chain can be a long-term and profitable differentiator.
Added value services: The final element is to get the right logistics services for the product and business unit. Differentiated services and supply chains specifically designed to meet customer requirements can create a competitive advantage in an industry where standard chemicals are basically the same, no matter what region they are made in or by which company.
INVESTMENT IN TECHNOLOGY
Increasingly, technology is playing a key role in the smooth running of chemical industry supply chains. Rhenus believes that IT platforms such as track and trace are key to the sector’s long-term competitiveness. Indeed, the global freight forwarder will complete the roll-out of its fully integrated, real-time tracking system across the EU before the end of the year. This will run in conjunction with a dedicated Transport Management System to provide a fully integrated supply chain intelligence tool. This type of investment in technology is vital as it will provide a seamless interrogation tool so customers know where their stock is and more importantly, when it will arrive at its destination, wherever it is.
In the final analysis, while UK chemical manufacturers are well-respected in many overseas markets, Rhenus states that there is a significant prospect to export more. A better understanding of the logistics challenges, and how innovation and technology is changing the nature of those barriers, can only help the call to export.
EXPERT ADVICE
Practicing what it preaches, Rhenus has established a best practice model by appointing a team of dedicated, in-house chemical specialists offering advice and solutions on hazardous transport challenges. The freight forwarding expert believes it is often hard for UK manufacturers to be aware of all appropriate European legislation in terms of the safe transportation of chemical products. Rhenus claims that UK chemical processors and manufacturers certainly lead the world when it comes to quality and product innovation, but it is often difficult for them to have a constantly updated, granular understanding of various countries’ standards and legislations.
CLEAR LINES
Direct lines of distribution for chemical products is an often overlooked consideration, for both European and worldwide destinations. Cost of distribution is understandably a major issue for transport and export managers from the outset, however Rhenus’ experience highlights the need for a product which fulfils the needs of the Chemical industry.
Within the Rhenus Group, there is now a specialist chemicals division - Rhenus Chemical Logistics which is an important development for the UK sector. This enables Rhenus to provide efficient and professional logistics services to chemical manufacturers. What makes Rhenus different is the proven capability on a pan-European basis across the company´s own network. For manufacturers, this is a genuinely seamless solution, irrespective of the market.
Hazardous Certifications
Training and standards play an important role in our business and our employees at all branches are continually appraised with on-going training as required, particularly hazardous goods and security training. In this respect our four main hubs have successfully been SQAS (Security & Quality Assessment Systems) assessed for the correct, secure and safe handling, storage and despatch of chemicals whether hazardous or not. Similarly we were one of the first forwarders to obtain ISO 9001 accreditation in October 1992 which has been continuous ever since and now applies to all 10 branches as does ISO 14001 which we gained in 2010.
Furthermore Rhenus UK obtained AEO (F) certification on 8th December 2011 (Authorized Economic Operator) status for safety, security and customs compliance. AEO is an EU customs regime granted to trusted businesses aimed at increasing the security of the international supply chain, while facilitating trade. This is an important step in underlining the Rhenus commitment to quality and high levels of customer service.
Please see below the updated 2015 Dangerous Goods signs. A PDF version is available here.
