The firm has experience managing transport and logistics during major sporting events
The Australian arm of global integrated logistics firm DB Schenker has been appointed the official logistics provider for the 2018 Commonwealth Games (GC2018).
The news means Schenker Australia will provide a range of capabilities including:
- access to a comprehensive global freight forwarding network
- an integrated warehouse and distribution service for receiving assets from suppliers and delivery to venues
- a distribution solution for transfer of athlete baggage on arrival and departure
- a distribution solution for transfer of athlete equipment to venues
- supply of a warehouse management system for control of assets moving through the warehouse
- a warehouse to consolidate and manage the disposal of assets post Games.
Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation (GOLDOC) chairman Peter Beattie says given Schenker’s history as official suppliers/provider of other international sporting events, the organisers are optimistic with their selection.
“Delivering GC2018 is a massive proposition and we need experienced partners on board who are experts in their field,” Beattie says.
“Schenker has operated in Australia since 1962 and has been a consistent provider of quality logistics across major sporting events since the Sydney 2000 Olympic & Paralympic Games.
“They were also the official supplier/providers for the Commonwealth Games in Manchester 2002, Melbourne 2006 and Glasgow 2014.
“In addition, Schenker in Brisbane successfully handled logistics for G20 in 2014.
“As Games logistics specialists Schenker can efficiently mobilise to meet our pre and post Games requirements and already employ hundreds of people across South East Queensland.
“Schenker provided the most cost effective and experienced submission following a fair and equitable tender process.”
Schenker Australia CEO Ron Koehler says the company is looking forward to help deliver a successful event.
“Working with GC2018 allows us to do what we do best, move items quickly and efficiently while at the same time developing additional opportunities for members of our team,” Koehler says.
Schenker Australia Queensland GM Richard Holy says in the weeks leading up to GC2018, Schenker will process and move close to 500,000 sports items.
“We’ll distribute another 96,000 pieces of furniture, 21,000 pieces of luggage and 3,000 individual sport items from the airport through our distribution hub to the Village and Games venues,” Holy says.
He says the company is also looking at offering training and employment opportunities.
“We are pleased to announce a lasting legacy through the training and employment of up to eight currently unemployed young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander persons,” Holy says.
“This will provide a training pathway and skills legacy post GC2018 for these individuals. In addition, indigenous logistics company, Winangali Logistics, will be utilised as a sub-contractor to provide drivers and vehicles to assist with freight movements.”