From city logistics to reverse logistics: BD Logistics goes the 'extra (s)mile'

A national network for value-added local logistics. This baseline sums up BD Logistics' business model well. Thanks to a unique network of local depots, the innovative logistics player goes for a finely-meshed customer approach, combined with logistics solutions that create added value. From city logistics to reverse logistics, Managing Director Kristof Gouvaerts explains how BD Logistics makes a difference in the industry.

"Transporting goods from A to B can be done by anyone, but offering the customer added value only a specialist does." Speaking: Kristof Gouvaerts, co-owner and Managing Director of BD Logistics. "Since starting up at the end of 2019, we have grown into a specialist in value-added deliveries and collections. One of our strengths is that we have a national network of local depots, so we offer our customers fine-grained access to the entire Belgian territory. So one national point of contact for all their logistics flows, both B2B and B2C."

Healthy growth aspirations

From the headquarters in Bornem, Kristof expresses healthy growth ambitions for BD Logistics. "With our approach, we want to go a few steps further than classic carriers," he says. "In 2022, our company's turnover rose from 12 to 15 million euros. This year we are aiming for 18 to 20 million euros, and within three to five years we want to cross the 50 million euro turnover mark. With a team of around 100 permanent employees, supplemented by the same number of external partners to support our substantial volume growth, we are fully committed to this growth! In addition to expanding our current portfolio, new acquisitions are certainly also a possibility." In 2020, BD Logistics already got off to a flying start with the acquisitions of city logistics company CityDepot and oversized delivery expert Dockx Select.

Sustainability as a common thread

Kristof and his team are realizing that growth strategy through the rollout of four pillars. Kristof: "With BD Logistics, we offer value-added logistics. We do this on various fronts: in urban and rural areas, for both standard formats and complex or oversized goods, and also for actively and passively refrigerated deliveries. All deliveries we realize through an open ecosystem, in collaboration with partners, to create value for our customers. Our four pillars are City Logistics, Oversized Logistics, Fresh Logistics and Reverse logistics."

"In each pillar, sustainability is a common thread running through our approach. Through smart bundling of goods in the last mile, we reduce the number of logistics movements. In this way we contribute to livability, safety and mobility in cities and rural areas. We are also investing heavily in a green fleet. This is how we fully draw the card of green mobility in urban logistics."

Four pillars as a foundation

Kristof likes to explain what each pillar stands for: "First of all, there is urban logistics, where we pioneer sustainable urban distribution under our CityDepot brand, to the city and back. We look at sustainability as broadly as possible, on an ecological, economic and social level. For all our stakeholders - retailers, suppliers, transporters, cities, public organizations and consumers - we look for customized solutions."

"The second pillar, Oversized Logistics, involves one- or two-man deliveries and installations to consumers' homes. We deliver abnormal-sized goods right to the end customer, from surface-mounted swimming pools to kitchens. We also take care of customers via pick-up points. In addition, our team also handles assembly, installation and waste recovery."

"In 2021, we started Fresh deliveries, the third pillar of our business model. With a new fleet of refrigerated vehicles, we make refrigerated deliveries, both to retailers and private individuals. Think of the delivery of flowers or fresh food. Through temperature controls and professional stock management, we always respect the cold chain."

"The last pillar, Reverse Logistics, fits perfectly within our ambitions in terms of sustainable transport. We fight against empty trucks or vans, and we do this by means of a so-called 'closed loop': we pick up the goods, bring them together in our depots, sort them where necessary and bring them back to their final destination in groups. In this way, we link efficiency to the lowest possible ecological footprint. A strong example of circular economy, in other words."

Green 'extra mile'

Value-added logistics has the wind in its sails. "That added value is the growth engine of our company," Kristof said. "We clearly notice that our customers are setting the bar higher and higher in terms of sustainable and efficient transport, from the first to the last mile. For every customer, we are happy to go that 'extra (s)mile,' but one that is as green as possible." ■