19 years in logistics at Theurl
Thomas in an
interview about
his 19-year
career
From managing the flow of goods to overcoming challenges: Thomas gives insights into his 19-year career in logistics at THEURL. In the world of logistics, there are many unexpected parallels to other areas of life. Our long-time logistics expert Thomas has shown us that caring for small animals and the challenges of logistics have more in common than you might initially think. In an insightful interview, he shares his experiences, gives valuable tips for aspiring logisticians and reveals what motivates him every day.
What is your role in the logistics department at THEURL?
I have been working in the logistics department at THEURL for more than 19 years. Together with my colleagues, I am responsible for ensuring that over 7,000 lorries of ordered CLTPLUS and BSH, planed timber and sawn timber are delivered to their destination on time every year. We also coordinate over 9,000 lorries of waste wood.
How important are long-term partnerships with regional freight companies?
Of course, we can’t do without external support! Our long-standing partnership with regional freight companies enables us to optimise route planning and helps us to avoid unnecessary empty runs within the DACH region. This helps us to adhere to the delivery windows on construction sites, which are timed to the hour.
How do you deal with the shortage of drivers and lorries in the transport industry?
We are continuously expanding our fleet to compensate for the shortage of drivers and lorries. It is also important that the drivers are familiar with the vehicle, the loading space optimisation and the products, as they also represent us externally to a certain extent at the destination.
How has logistics developed at THEURL over the years, what changes have been particularly exciting?
Full production at our CLT plant in Steinfeld has also greatly increased THEURL’s international trade. As a result, the range and the customers have changed, and the number of deliveries and the quantities to be processed have increased. It is particularly exciting to keep to the ever shorter time windows on construction sites, which are clocked to the hour.
What advice would you give to someone looking for a career in the logistics industry?
As logistics is often a balance between different requirements and interests, you need to be willing to compromise. You should therefore be able to find creative and flexible solutions that work for everyone involved. Commercial understanding and negotiating skills are abilities that help you to make well-founded decisions, but can also be acquired and improved as you work. However, the most important qualities in this profession are a willingness to communicate and patience. Clear and open communication is crucial in order to avoid misunderstandings and work together efficiently. Patience is necessary in this case, as not all decisions are made immediately, even if they are urgent.
What do you particularly appreciate about your work at THEURL and what motivates you every day?
I particularly appreciate the varied work and the challenge it brings. I have a lot to do with people, which I really enjoy. Above all, the communication with our own fleet and business partners is enriching. I also enjoy negotiating, speculating and calculating. The challenges involved motivate me anew every day. Above all, however, I am motivated by the responsibility that comes with this job. You are a central part of the company and play a key role in ensuring that everything runs smoothly.
One of your hobbies is caring for small animals. Have you ever used your experience from keeping animals to solve problems or challenges in logistics?
The daily care of small animals and working in logistics have more in common than you might think at first glance, especially when it comes to the importance of consistency. Just as you have to look after animals every day – whether it’s by feeding them or doing other care work – in logistics you have to take care of the basic tasks every day. Basic tasks in logistics, such as socialising, need to be completed on a daily basis to ensure smooth operations. In the worst-case scenario, neglecting these tasks can lead to losing contact with business partners or – in the case of animals – to them falling ill. In addition, animal care is a calming balance to work for me.
Thomas’ experiences and insights impressively show how varied and responsible the work in logistics is. From coordinating thousands of lorry transports to finding creative agreements that work for all business partners, he shows how important the work of a logistics specialist is for the smooth running of THEURL. We are proud to have Thomas as a long-term member of our team and look forward to continuing our successful collaboration.
