In the dynamic logistics industry, adaptation and evolution are essential for survival. Our New Silk Road Network Member from Poland, Ostsped Logistics Sp. z o.o. exemplifies resilience and innovation, successfully navigating market intricacies over the past seven years. Part of the longstanding Ostsped Group, which originated as a Customs Agency three decades ago, Ostsped Logistics has evolved into a significant player in the competitive Polish road freight sector.

Join us as we speak with Mr. Piotr Zawistowski, Key Account and Sales Manager at Ostsped Logistics, to explore their growth trajectory and understand their future outlook.

In conversation with Piotr...

(Pic Credit: Ostsped Logistics Sp. z o.o.)

NSRN: Ostsped Group commenced its operations as a Customs Agency in 1994 and established Ostsped Logistics in 2017. Since then, the company has undergone a remarkable transformation, evolving into a comprehensive asset-owning entity. Today, Ostsped boasts a diverse portfolio encompassing trucks, warehouses, and transshipment centers. Could you please elaborate on this journey?

Piotr:  With over thirty years of experience in the logistics sector, Ostsped excels in customs agency, warehousing, general cargo transport, and FTL services throughout Poland and Europe. Specifically, at Ostsped Logistics, I am proud to say that today, we are known for being a top-notch container road operator in Poland, specializing in road container services across Europe. Being part of the Ostsped Group allows us to offer a wide range of logistical solutions, which can be beneficial for a client with holistic needs. We may not be the market leader, but we are confidently among the top-tier players in Poland when it comes to trucking to and from Polish ports, and even for trucking from German and other European ports for Polish companies.

The journey till now was not easy. We started in January 2017 with small-scale operations in Poland, focusing on handling single orders with just four people in one office, sharing a single table all crammed into one room. It wasn't quite like Microsoft in a garage, but nonetheless, it was a humble beginning. Now, we've expanded to occupy an entire floor in the building, so you can see we've really grown. We manage around 1,500 orders every month. What began with just four people and 5 trucks has now grown to 21 people and 80 trucks, and possibly 100 by the end of this year, depending on how the market goes. As a private family business, we do not necessarily have the deep pockets of large corporates, but we are dedicated to providing top-quality services and making the most of our limited resources. We make every investment count, and this is something we're really proud of. 

NSRN: A key characteristic of Ostsped Logistics is its extensive reach not just in the domestic market but also in surrounding countries. This definitely is also facilitated by Poland’s central location in Europe. Can you give us an idea of the key routes and markets you currently serve with your fleet?

Piotr: Since 2017, Ostsped Logistics has been at the forefront of the dynamic expansion of road container transportation across Polish and European ports. In 2023 alone, we successfully executed over 10,000 transports originating from the ports of Gdańsk and Gdynia, primarily servicing destinations within Poland while extending our reach to the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Slovakia. While firmly established in the Polish container transport market, our primary focus remains on international transportation. We operate efficiently within German ports such as Hamburg, Bremerhaven, and Wilhelmshaven, as well as other major Western hubs like Rotterdam, Amsterdam, and Antwerp. Moreover, our recent efforts have seen the development of services surrounding Southern ports like Koper, Rijeka, Trieste, and Venice. Notably, we facilitate transport from these ports to Poland and the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Hungary. Equally significant is our involvement in the corridor from Małaszewicze for deliveries to various destinations across Europe

NSRN: You mentioned Ostsped's fleet of 80 trucks earlier. Could you elaborate on this? Specifically, what factors are influencing your expansion plans for the fleet?

Piotr: Yes, our fleet currently comprises 80 container sets, most of which are outfitted explicitly with gensets tailored for transporting refrigerated containers. Most of our drivers hold certifications for transporting dangerous goods, ensuring safe and compliant operations. Looking ahead, our objective for this year is to expand our fleet to 100 sets. To achieve this, we closely monitor market trends and, most importantly, actively engage with our customers, whose valuable feedback guides our continuous development and growth.

Ostsped Logistics's Fleet; (Pic Credit: Ostsped Logistics Sp. z o.o.)

NSRN: How does Ostsped Logistics plan to address the challenges posed by the current uncertainties in the logistics industry, particularly in terms of minimizing costs and adapting to evolving transport corridors, while maintaining a focus on sustained growth and excellence?

Piotr: In the current logistics landscape, the road container transport market faces considerable uncertainty driven by political-economic factors and mounting pressure to minimize costs. Despite this, the challenges of sustaining a business and managing transport expenses continue to rise, so we are feeling the squeeze on both sides. Adaptability to evolving transport corridors adds another layer of complexity, necessitating dynamic responses to emerging needs and solutions.

To navigate these turbulent times and ensure sustained growth, we are forging long-term partnerships with clients and continually refining internal processes, highlighted by our ISO certification obtained last year. Recognizing the critical role of a dedicated team, we're investing in employee training and fostering optimal working conditions. Additionally, we're developing innovative IT solutions for transport management and customer service, with an upcoming dedicated transport management system currently in progress—an exciting venture we're eager to unveil soon.

This year, we were also recognized for our commitment to growth and excellence with the prestigious Forbes Diamonds award, which we deeply value. Nevertheless, the ultimate measure of success lies in the trust and satisfaction of our clients, reflecting our dedication to fostering partnerships and delivering exceptional service.

NSRN: What strategies and initiatives have Ostsped Logistics implemented to ensure the delivery of exceptional service quality and tailored solutions to meet clients' expectations? 

Piotr: Our primary focus revolves around delivering exceptional service quality. We pride ourselves on our adaptability and ability to provide customized solutions tailored to our client's unique expectations. The core values we uphold are central to our approach, encapsulated by the four "P" principles: Partnership, Professionalism, Progress, and Protection of the natural habitat.

The partnership extends to our clients and the dedicated team behind our company, developing collaborative relationships that drive our success. Additionally, our investments in cutting-edge IT solutions emphasize our dedication to innovation. As slightly hinted before, we are developing an in-house transport management system thoroughly crafted from our extensive industry experience. This is not a common investment for trucking companies, but we see it as a necessity in today’s world.

This year, we have also implemented structural enhancements within our organization, including separating our customer service and transport planning departments. This strategic move ensures heightened accessibility and responsiveness to our customers' needs.

NSRN: What strategies did Ostsped Logistics employ to establish partnerships along the Silk Road, particularly in facilitating cargo transport from Małaszewicze?

Piotr: Our initial objective was to establish partnerships with entities operating along the Silk Road, particularly those utilizing the railway connection from China to Europe, to facilitate road container transport from Małaszewicze. Leveraging our extensive experience, we have successfully delivered containers domestically and to various European destinations.

Despite being relatively nascent, the New Silk Road Network has proven to be a highly effective and professional organization in uniting companies and individuals within the network. Notably, its smaller and more exclusive nature fosters enduring relationships akin to a familial or partnership dynamic. These core values align closely with our guiding principles and influence our daily operations.

(Pic Credit: Ostsped Logistics Sp. z o.o.)

NSRN: What are the key factors driving the growth of container transport in Poland, and how is Ostsped Logistics adapting to the challenges and opportunities presented by the current economic climate and the evolving landscape of the logistics industry?

Piotr: Container transport has grown significantly in the recent years, particularly in Poland. Despite the current economic slowdown and prevailing uncertainties, road transport still effectively manages numerous projects and container flows. A primary concern remains the lower competitiveness of European countries in terms of industrial development, especially compared to Asian countries.

I foresee a trend towards increased professionalization in road transport, with smaller carriers joining forces to form groups and alliances. This is also one of the reasons why we place great importance on fostering longstanding partnerships with drivers and carriers. Looking ahead, we are optimistic about the future of our company and confident in our ability to navigate the evolving landscape of the logistics industry.

NSRN: How is Ostsped Logistics navigating the industry's current challenges such as a general slow down of trade due to the global economic situation and political disruptions? What specific investments and strategies are you implementing to ensure future growth and maintain high service standards for your clients?

Piotr: We need to navigate this challenging period in our industry while keeping an eye on the future. Our focus remains on delivering the best possible services for our clients by investing in our transport management system and our staff's continuous development and training. Despite the difficult times, our mission stands firm: to provide the highest value road container services for leading shipowners and sea forwarding companies worldwide. Looking ahead, we aim to become Poland's largest digitalized road container operator. We believe this goal is within reach, with consistent investment and a steadfast focus on our customers' needs.

Piotr Zawistowski; (Pic Credit: Ostsped Logistics Sp. z o.o.)

NSRN: Lastly Piotr, based on your experience in both large corporations and medium-sized family-owned businesses, what words of advice can you give us for establishing a strong foothold in the logistics arena?

Piotr:  In the past I have worked at big companies like Maersk Line and the PKP Group. It was a great experience, and I gained not just logistical skills and knowledge, but also invaluable connections that are even helping me in my daily job today. However, at one point I decided it was time to make a change. Unlike in large corporations, where middle managers have limited impact, in smaller companies, my knowledge allows me to contribute on a more strategic level and have a greater impact where I can leverage the expertise gained through all those years.

For me, the most important aspect of my career has always been earning trust and reliability from customers. I take this approach with me no matter where I go. At Ostsped, a smaller, family-owned company, I deeply value how we prioritize our employees and their development. While larger corporations might find it easier to launch new projects despite the substantial initial investments, we at Ostsped scrutinize every expense carefully. This cautious approach can be challenging but is also immensely rewarding. Achieving smaller goals quickly and receiving personalized recognition for individual accomplishments creates a fulfilling work environment here.

Throughout my career, I have seen how Ostsped's dedication to high standards and quality has earned it a stellar reputation in the Polish logistics community. The company's focus on delivering exceptional value and maintaining rigorous standards aligns perfectly with my own professional values. This shared commitment to excellence motivates me to be consistently helpful and effective, contributing to our collective success and reinforcing our company's reputation.

Ostsped Logistics Website

Ostsped Logistics LinkedIn