Sustainability is not just a buzzword – it's the future of logistics. For Ludwig Meyer GmbH & Co. KG, it's all about staying ahead, meeting market demands, and investing in new technologies that make their operations more sustainable. But how exactly have they achieved this? What challenges have they faced? And what does it take to navigate the logistics landscape of the future?
What sets Meyer Logistik apart is not just their extensive fleet or impressive customer portfolio. It's their approach to sustainability. By being pioneers in alternative fuels, the company proves that it’s possible to drive change without waiting for the market to demand it.
"We were the first to have CNG vehicles on the market. The first with LNG trucks here on site. The first LNG filling station in Germany was here. We were also one of the first to have electric trucks registered in Germany." – René Groß, Fleet Manager at Meyer Logistik.
These initiatives demonstrate that Meyer Logistik doesn’t just follow trends – they set them. For them, sustainability is a strategic priority that permeates the entire business. It’s about being at the forefront, daring to invest early, and understanding that sustainability is not a project but an ongoing process.
An interesting insight from René Groß’s interview is how customer demands influence decisions on new investments. But it’s not just about adapting – it’s about doing it wisely. "What does the customer want? Diesel, gas, electric or hydrogen? The customer decides."
Major clients like Edeka, Rewe, Lidl, and Penny are increasingly demanding sustainable solutions. Meyer Logistik responds by offering a wide range of alternatives – from biogas and LNG to electric and hydrogen-powered trucks. For the company, ensuring that investments generate value and that the technology works in practice is key. This highlights their ability to balance business value with future-proofing strategies.
Although Meyer Logistik has taken the lead in sustainability efforts, René Groß points out that infrastructure still lags behind: "We had two electric trucks here. If we charged them simultaneously, the lights would flicker. Infrastructure is still lacking."
This underscores one of the logistics industry’s biggest challenges: having cutting-edge vehicle technology means little if support systems don’t keep up. Meyer Logistik demonstrates that the key to success lies in collaborating closely with customers and stakeholders to push for better infrastructure. Achieving this requires not only technology but also a clear vision and the ability to build long-term partnerships.
To keep their fleet in top condition, Meyer Logistik uses advanced telematics systems. By analyzing driving data, they can optimize driving styles, reduce fuel consumption, and predict maintenance needs.
It takes more than just technology – collaboration and knowledge-sharing are essential to fully leverage technological potential. It’s about understanding how data can be transformed into actionable insights and having the right people who can interpret and act on them.
So what makes Meyer Logistik so successful? According to René Groß, it’s the company’s ability to stay flexible and continuously adapt to customer needs: "Continuity. Always being a little better than the competition. It’s about being able to adapt vehicles and shift planning to customer requirements."
With a fleet of up to 900 vehicles and daily deliveries to 6,000 stores, success requires more than just great trucks – it takes a well-oiled system where technology, people, and infrastructure work together. Robust and high-performance components from Ringfeder, such as the coupling of truck and trailer, play an important role in contributing to safety, performance, and reliability, keeping operations running smoothly and sustainably. This synergy ensures that Meyer Logistik's vehicles meet the highest industry standards, reinforcing their leadership position in sustainable logistics."
Meyer Logistik shows that sustainability in the logistics sector is not just about eco-friendly vehicles. It’s about understanding customer needs, making strategic investments in new technology, and driving infrastructure development. The challenges are many – from inadequate charging infrastructure to complex data solutions – but with a proactive approach, Meyer Logistik has proven that the future of logistics is already here.
For other fleet managers out there, the message is clear: the future belongs to those who dare to act now.
It’s about having the courage to invest, the willingness to collaborate, and the ability to see the bigger picture. Meyer Logistik hasn’t just adapted to the future – they’re leading the way there.