DHL Global Forwarding, Freight Becomes an Economic Driver

The logistics initiative “The Economic Drivers” gains a new participant with DHL Global Forwarding, Freight. As part of Deutsche Post DHL Group, one of the leading logistics companies in the world, it is well positioned to engage with the Economic Drivers for greater visibility and appreciation for logistics in the general public, thereby addressing the growing shortage of skilled workers. For the year 2023, the campaign focus of the initiative is under the motto: “Your Future in Logistics. Makes Sense!”

The shortage of skilled workers is here – and it will further intensify by 2033, when over 7 million people in Germany are expected to retire. In light of this situation, “The Economic Drivers” have placed a focus on the topic of “Working in Logistics” in their actions for 2023. The initiative is currently supported by around 100 companies, associations, and universities, and gains a renowned logistics company, DHL Global Forwarding, Freight, as a new member.

The Economic Drivers see the biggest challenges in creating coordinated public relations to address long-standing image problems and prejudices against logistics. Employees tend to underestimate the diversity and attractiveness of logistics professions, while the societal relevance of the economic sector remains insufficiently visible to the public.

“Logistics is the backbone of the global economy. Yet despite its immense importance, it is more of a hidden champion that rarely stands in the spotlight,” explains Tim Scharwath, CEO of DHL Global Forwarding, Freight, regarding the decision. “Especially in light of the shortage of skilled workers, it is increasingly important that we place the performance and added value our industry provides more prominently and attractively in public consciousness. Therefore, we support the activities of the Economic Drivers as a unique overarching image initiative. I hope that together with as many other market participants as possible, we can further increase the visibility and attractiveness of logistics in the public eye.”

“That freight forwarding and logistics have an initiative like the Economic Drivers is long overdue,” adds Daniela Kerkhoff-Günther, Vice President Talent Attraction, Talent Management and Engagement at DHL Global Forwarding, Freight. “I know this not only from my professional career as a logistics expert but also from my parents’ transport company. The campaigns of the Economic Drivers impressively demonstrate how diverse and innovative logistics is, with various entry and development opportunities, regardless of age, gender, nationality, or educational background. Because talent and performance know no boundaries at DHL and in logistics. These approaches are, in my view, spot on. We are happy to contribute to changing the image of logistics, especially among young people and women!”

For “The Economic Drivers,” the focus on “Working in Logistics” in 2023 also means intensified collaboration with the education sector. Partnerships with schools, universities, and employment agencies are planned to help show presence at relevant points and create relevance. At training and trade fairs, it is important to dispel prejudices and enable a coordinated approach of logistics towards potential employees. The working lives of numerous people who recognize their role in logistics as a meaningful task in a socially relevant economic sector should be showcased. All this under the motto: “Your Future in Logistics. Makes Sense!”

“We are pleased to welcome DHL Global Forwarding, Freight, as another logistics brand among the Economic Drivers,” explains Frauke Heistermann, spokesperson for the Economic Drivers. “The commitment and participation of all our small and large participants show how important the work of the Economic Drivers is. The publicly effective solidarity community within logistics is also the best way to address the shortage of skilled workers through greater visibility and appreciation.

Photo: © The Economic Drivers / Image caption: The initiative “The Economic Drivers” gains a new participant with DHL Global Forwarding, Freight.