I’m thrilled to sit down with Marco Gaietti, a veteran in business management with decades of experience in strategic operations and customer relations. Today, we’re diving into the fascinating world of multimodal logistics through the lens of Ewals Cargo Care, a company that has transformed from humble beginnings into a European powerhouse. Our conversation explores the company’s remarkable evolution, its innovative approaches to sustainability and efficiency, the impact of its recent brand refresh, and how it adapts to ever-changing industry demands. Join us as we uncover the strategies and vision driving this family-owned giant forward.
How did Ewals Cargo Care transform from a single horse-and-cart operation in a small Dutch town to a multimodal logistics leader with a presence across 14 countries?
Well, it’s quite a journey that spans over a century. Starting in 1906 with Alfons Ewals, it was all about local transport with very basic means. Over the decades, the company stayed family-owned, and each generation built on the last, adapting to the times. The real shift came with the embrace of multimodal transport—combining road, rail, and sea to optimize efficiency. By investing in technology and expanding their network, they grew to 28 offices and over 2,500 employees, handling thousands of movements daily across Europe. It’s a testament to vision and persistence, always focusing on customer needs while scaling up strategically.
What do you think has been the most defining moment in the company’s growth over the past 100 years?
I’d say a pivotal moment was the decision to go multimodal in a big way. This wasn’t just about adding trailers or routes; it was a complete rethink of how to move goods smarter. By integrating short-sea and rail options alongside road transport, they unlocked huge efficiencies and positioned themselves as a versatile player in a competitive market. This shift, especially in the last few decades, allowed them to meet modern demands for sustainability and cost-effectiveness, setting them apart and fueling their expansion.
Can you tell us about the inspiration behind the recent brand refresh and what the company hopes to communicate through this change?
The brand refresh was about refining their identity, not reinventing it. After over a century, they wanted to honor their legacy while signaling a forward-looking approach. The updated logo and mission statement aim to showcase their depth—now with over 4,500 trailers and a sophisticated control tower system. It’s about making sure the market sees them as a dynamic, customer-focused innovator, not just a traditional logistics firm. They unveiled this at a major industry event, which really helped amplify the message of growth and ambition.
How does the mantra “Care, Connect, Move” reflect the company’s values and resonate with both employees and clients?
“Care, Connect, Move” encapsulates their core philosophy. “Care” is about taking responsibility—for the cargo, the customers, and their own team. It’s personal for them, almost like it’s in their DNA. “Connect” speaks to linking people, places, and solutions, ensuring seamless operations across borders. And “Move” is the action—delivering goods efficiently and reliably. For employees, it’s a rallying cry that defines their daily work. For clients, it’s a promise of partnership and performance, showing that this isn’t just about transport but about building trust and value.
With the trailer fleet expanding from 3,800 to over 4,500 in just two years, what’s fueling this rapid growth?
The growth is driven by rising demand across multiple sectors. Industries like automotive, recyclables, chemicals, and even e-commerce are scaling up, and they need reliable, high-capacity transport solutions. Geographically, areas like Eastern Europe and Turkey are becoming hotspots for logistics activity, requiring more trailers to handle longer transit times and higher volumes. The company’s ability to tap into these emerging markets and adapt to diverse client needs has been key. It’s not just about adding trailers; it’s about strategically positioning them to support expanding supply chains.
Can you walk us through what makes the Mega Trailer such a significant innovation for logistics operations?
The Mega Trailer is a standout because it maximizes volume in a way that delivers multiple benefits. Its design, co-created with the automotive industry, allows for more cargo per trip, which directly cuts shipment costs. It also reduces fuel consumption per unit of cargo, which is a big win for both cost savings and sustainability—fewer trips mean lower emissions. It’s become a cornerstone of their fleet, especially for industries needing high-capacity solutions over long distances. It’s a practical example of how innovation can align economic and environmental goals.
How does Ewals Cargo Care manage to stay so adaptable in an industry where customer needs and challenges can shift overnight?
Versatility is at the heart of their model. With a vast network—think multiple ports across the UK, Holland, Belgium, and beyond—they can pivot quickly. If one route or mode faces disruption, they’ve got alternatives ready to go. Their unaccompanied transport model adds flexibility, allowing them to reroute or adjust without being tied to specific drivers or schedules. It’s also about experience; years in the game mean they can anticipate issues and respond fast. Whether it’s a sudden customer request or a border delay, they’ve got the reach and know-how to adapt on the fly.
Can you share a specific story of a time when the company had to quickly solve a complex customer problem?
Absolutely. I recall a situation where a client in the fashion industry needed an urgent turnaround for a large shipment from the Far East to the UK due to a sudden spike in demand. The original plan hit a snag with port congestion. The team rerouted through a less crowded port in Holland and combined short-sea shipping with a direct rail connection, shaving days off the transit time. They coordinated with local hubs to ensure trucks were ready for the final leg. The client was amazed at how seamlessly it came together, and it reinforced the value of having such a broad, integrated network.
Let’s dive into the Modal Shift approach. How does this strategy help tackle sustainability challenges in logistics?
The Modal Shift is all about rethinking transport to cut carbon emissions. By prioritizing short-sea and rail over traditional road-only options, they’re reducing the environmental footprint significantly. For instance, a route from Manchester to Zeebrugge via short-sea shipping can slash emissions compared to a longer road journey through Calais. Savings can range from 10-15% up to 60%, depending on the mode and distance. It’s not just big changes; even small tweaks in routing can add up. Plus, using Euro VI standard vehicles and exploring biofuels like HVO 100 pushes those reductions even further—up to 90% in some cases. It’s a holistic way to address sustainability while maintaining efficiency.
Looking ahead, what’s your forecast for the future of multimodal logistics and sustainability in the industry?
I see multimodal logistics becoming the standard, not the exception. As sustainability regulations tighten and consumer expectations grow, companies will have to integrate rail, sea, and road more seamlessly to stay competitive. Technology will play a huge role—think advanced tracking and AI-driven route optimization to cut emissions further. I also expect alternative fuels like HVO to become mainstream, alongside electric and hydrogen options for shorter hauls. The challenge will be balancing cost pressures with these investments, but firms like Ewals Cargo Care, with their focus on innovation and adaptability, are well-positioned to lead the charge. It’s an exciting time, but it’ll demand bold steps and collaboration across the industry.
