100 years of Sander Logistics – from a one-man haulage company to a logistics specialist operating across Europe
A century full of memories, stories and successes - that is what the transport and logistics company, Sander Logistics, can look back on as it marks its centenary. The company based in the northern German town of Itzehoe launched its business operations with a single truck in 1925 and has developed into a logistics specialist operating across Europe 100 years later. Sander Logistics now has about 250 employees, five business sites and a fleet of 140 vehicles.
How everything started at the beginning of the 20th century and subsequently developed Hans and Martha Sander initially founded Sander Logistics as a small family business in Itzehoe, which is located north of Hamburg. The company's journey was marked by entrepreneurial boldness from the outset, because Hans Sanders' father already operated a small railway forwarding company in Hamburg and his father-in-law a "collection point for general cargo".
The company has thrived on this passion for logistics to this day. "Experience isn't a sofa where you can lie down and relax." That is how Jorg Schmeidler, the Managing Director of Sander Logistics, describes his outlook, which has been the driving force for the company for generations. "We listen, contribute our ideas and keep up with the times." The company has established new business sites, strategic alliances and business fields with a sense of proportion and farsightedness: the branch in Hamburg was founded in 1958, the company expanded to Rostock in 1995 - then joining the CargoLine general cargo network in 2005 and integrating both Norderstedter Transport- und Logistik GmbH in 2013 and Jeschke Spedition in 2014 were important milestones. Sander Logistics has been part of the Duvenbeck Group since the end of 2024, a move that is opening up new possibilities. "The merger with the Duvenbeck Group has been a crucial step in order to further boost our efficiency - in terms of quality, coverage and innovative energy.
We combine tradition and the future," Jorg Schmeidler explains. Huge opportunities for more export and import business as well as new international overland services have opened up with Duvenbeck at its side and thanks to its proximity to the port of Hamburg. "As a fully owned subsidiary, we can make use of the strong network and the Group's resources, but still remain flexible and independent in operational terms. As a result, we can combine the best of both worlds," Jorg Schmeidler adds.
Sustainability and character are major priorities at Sander Logistics Sander Logistics has not only geared itself for the future in economic terms, but also ecologically. Paperless processes, low-emission vehicles, alternative fuels and route optimisation have been an integral part of everyday operations for a long time.
The company is also consistently investing in digitalisation, IT and process quality. Offering a broad range of services, which range from international procurement logistics to contract logistics and value-added services and even air and ocean transport operations, Sander Logistics has solutions within its portfolio to meet complex customer requirements. Despite the constant growth, the family spirit within the company is still very much alive.
Wolfgang, Leif and Bernd Sander, the great-grandchildren of the founding family, are still involved in the business. They all agree, "We're a family business with a sense of passion, depth and composure. We always keep close to the action - in terms of our customers and our employees."
Having already implemented its 2025 Strategy, which has given the firm growth in turnover to more than EUR 80 million, Sander Logistics is now setting its course for the next few decades.
Jorg Schmeidler says, "We're ready to face any challenge with enthusiasm, expertise and a clear course for the future."
The jubilee celebrations with all the employees are taking place on the river Elbe and will not only involve looking back to the past, but primarily signal a new start: to embrace the next 100 years!