Militzer & Münch Vietnam: Building a Presence in a Dynamic Market

Today, Vietnam is one of the most important manufacturing hubs in Southeast Asia. Since late 2023, Militzer & Münch has been running its own country unit in Ho Chi Minh City. The young office is led by two female managers: Tuyen Nguyen, Managing Director, and Tram Ngo, her deputy. Together, they are developing the company in a dynamic market characterized by intense competition, infrastructure challenges, and geopolitical uncertainties.

Tuyen Nguyen and Tram Ngo have known each other professionally for years. What began as a collaboration between colleagues in a large company has evolved into a well-coordinated leadership team. In this interview, they discuss the development of the country unit, the unique characteristics of the Vietnamese logistics market, and their experiences as women in leadership positions.

 

Ms. Nguyen, Ms. Ngo, you have been working together for a long time. How do you complement each other as a leadership duo in your day-to-day work?

Tuyen Nguyen: Our professional backgrounds are different, and precisely that is a great advantage. Tram brings a wealth of experience from the operational side of the business and knows the daily processes in detail. My focus is more on finance, administration, and strategic management. This combination helps us view decisions from different perspectives—both in terms of operations and business management. At the same time, we two liaise very closely in our day-to-day work.

Ultimately, we’re pursuing the same goal: building a strong team, developing stable processes, and securing Militzer & Münch Vietnam’s long-term success in the market.

 

How has Militzer & Münch Vietnam developed since its founding, and where is the company headed in the coming years?

Tuyen Nguyen: Our development has met expectations so far. In the current phase, the main focus is on establishing ourselves in the market and building trust with our customers.

We have a clear goal for the coming years: we want to operate profitably, with a team of up to 15 employees and, in the future, an additional office in Hanoi. Step by step, we want to further expand our presence in the Vietnamese market.

 

What is the logistics market in Vietnam like? What are the biggest challenges right now?

Tram Ngo: Structurally, the market has changed less over the past 15 years than one might expect. At the same time, competition is very intense. Price pressure is correspondingly high. Another particular challenge is acquiring available cargo, as Vietnam is predominantly a so-called Free-on-Board (FOB) market, which means that many transport decisions are actually made outside the country.

Then there are infrastructure issues. Vietnam’s economic development is very dynamic, but the transportation network cannot always keep pace. Especially during the rainy season, flooding occurs regularly, which can delay shipments.

 

How do geopolitical developments affect your key trade lanes?

Tram Ngo: Our main trade routes connect Vietnam with Europe, the U.S., and other Asian markets. Geopolitical developments therefore have a significant impact on our work. The situation in the Middle East repeatedly leads to longer transit times and rising prices. In air freight in particular, it is currently difficult to secure sufficient cargo space on the route between Europe and Vietnam.

The ongoing trade dispute between the U.S. and other trading partners is also causing uncertainty, as, in some cases, regulatory conditions can change at very short notice. Intra-Asian traffic is generally more stable, though extreme weather events there led to noticeable disruptions toward the end of 2025.

 

Air freight is your most important segment. What makes this area so relevant to your business?

Tram Ngo: We have very good relationships with master loaders. This allows us to create very competitive offers and secure capacity—a decisive factor in air freight.

The market itself is fundamentally stable, though capacity bottlenecks remain a constant issue, especially during peak season. When geopolitical events or crises are added to the mix, finding cargo space becomes even more challenging.

 

What role does ocean freight play in your portfolio?

Tram Ngo: Ocean freight is also an important part of our services palette. However, competition is particularly fierce here, as the available local rates are not always competitive. We can still make attractive offers for some key ports in Europe, China, and the U.S. Looking ahead, we also see further growth potential here.

 

What expectations do manufacturing companies in Vietnam have of their logistics partners?

Tram Ngo: The requirements are relatively clear: companies primarily expect competitive prices and short transit times. Combining both is a key challenge in the current market environment.

 

What role does the Militzer & Münch Group’s international network play in your daily work?

Tram Ngo: Our international network is a key advantage for cross-border transports. Currently, our focus is on building up the local business and developing our customer relationships.

In the future, the network could contribute even more to our competitiveness, for example through global contract rates with airlines or shipping lines.

 

You are female managers leading the M&M Vietnam in a traditionally male-dominated industry. What has your experience been so far?

Tuyen Nguyen: It’s still harder for women to make their mark in the business world in Vietnam—not just in logistics. But the situation has already improved significantly. We’re currently seeing more and more women taking on leadership roles. Continuous professional development is very important in this regard, especially to demonstrate determination. Overall, we face significantly fewer obstacles today than we did a few years ago.

 

What motivates you personally the most in building up Militzer & Münch Vietnam?

Tuyen Nguyen: Building up a new business location is a special challenge and, at the same time, a great opportunity. We can help shape structures from the very beginning, assemble a team, and jointly create a corporate culture.

For us, it is particularly important to create a work environment in which our employees can develop over the long term. People are the most important part of a company. That is why we place great value on good working conditions, training opportunities, and a collegial environment. The idea of establishing Militzer & Münch Vietnam in the market step by step and developing it into a strong part of the international group over the long term also motivates us.

Reliable logistics partner for exporters and importers in New Zealand

Due to its unique location in the South Pacific, the island nation of New Zealand is a very special location for logistics. Militzer & Münch has been active in the country with its own country unit since 2022. Based in Auckland, the team manages the steadily growing business. The clear focus is on exports by sea freight. We look back on the year 2025 and look ahead to what comes next.

New Zealand is more than 1,500 kilometers from the next large landmass, the Australian continent. Due to this geographical location, efficient sea freight connections are essential, which in turn require efficient hinterland transport by rail and road. The New Zealand logistics sector is strongly export-oriented and closely linked to the country’s primary industries. The most important export goods include dairy products, meat, forestry products – especially logs – well as fruit and seafood, while imports mainly consist of machinery, vehicles, and consumer goods. The most important trading partners are China, the USA, Australia, and other significant markets in the Asian region.

Structured solutions for sea freight

At Militzer & Münch New Zealand, too, the focus in 2025 was on exports in sea freight. Timber exports are one of the most important pillars of the business. Over the years, the team has acquired in-depth operational expertise in this area. Import activities have likewise been expanded, for example in the automotive sector. “2025 was an important year for us,” says Shakir Samsudeen, Managing Director at Militzer & Münch New Zealand. “We were able to establish regular volumes in timber exports, and we successfully integrated vehicle imports from India into our business. These are important milestones for our team.”

Large export shipments, particularly of timber and scrap metal, characterize daily operations and require precise coordination. “In addition, automotive imports from India are a remarkable project that underscores our ability to develop structured solutions for sea freight imports,” says Shakir Samsudeen. The New Zealand country unit is also pursuing a long-term strategy to increase the diversity of goods transported.

A strong network provides support

New Zealand is an important component in the Militzer & Münch network, and benefits from close international cooperation. The team cooperates with colleagues in other countries to coordinate sales, route planning, documentation, customs clearance, and delivery.

“Militzer & Münch’s strengths are its international network, many years of experience, and significant local expertise,” says Shakir Samsudeen. “In New Zealand, too, our employees are our greatest asset. Their market knowledge, commitment, and practice-oriented approach are crucial to our success.”

Moving forward

In 2026, Militzer & Münch New Zealand plans to further strengthen its own sea freight export business while diversifying the cargo it transports in order to achieve even more stable volumes throughout the year. Beyond that, there’s potential for growth in imports.

One focus will be on expanding the sales team. Given the long sales cycles in the New Zealand market, it’s essential to be on the ground to build relationships and achieve sustainable growth. “New Zealand is a market which rewards long-term commitment and strong partnerships,” says Shakir Samsudeen. “By investing in employees, expanding our sales presence and leveraging Militzer & Münch’s global network, we are positioning ourselves as a reliable logistics partner for exporters and importers alike.”

Militzer & Münch China: “We support highly complex international companies”

Militzer & Münch China is reporting success in a year marked by international tensions. In this interview, Jeffery Guo, Deputy Managing Director and Director North China, and Carl Gao, Director South China, explain what made this possible. They also talk about how business is developing in the People’s Republic, what makes Militzer & Münch a strong partner for customers in the region, and what they are planning for 2026.

Mr. Guo, Mr. Gao, how did Militzer & Münch’s business in China develop in 2025?

Jeffery Guo: We have achieved several new milestones this year, giving proof of our company’s capabilities. We have made significant progress, particularly for our automotive customers and in the area of project logistics. And this despite the fact that the economic conditions were anything but ideal. Of course, we felt the impact of the trade dispute between China and the US, especially in the first half of the year. However, thanks to our highly diversified business structure, we were able to cushion the effects of international tensions very well.

One of our greatest successes in recent months was being promoted to strategic logistics partner for one of our largest customers. This internationally operating group specializes in the manufacture of industrial and automotive glass. Our team handles sea, air, and rail shipments and international road transports for this customer.

Carl Gao: Together with Militzer & Münch France, we have also set up a consolidation service between China and France. This covers LCL shipments to France, Tunisia, Algeria, and Morocco.

 

You mentioned the automotive sector. What projects are you currently working on in this area?

Jeffery Guo: One of the world’s largest car manufacturers is currently building a factory in southern Hungary. The site is expected to create up to 10,000 jobs and produce 300,000 electric vehicles per year. Our task was to transport the spray painting production line from various locations in China to Koper, Slovenia, and then by truck to the new plant in Szeged. The total freight volume was 50,000 cubic meters, divided into six to eight batches.

We also supported the construction of a factory in Indonesia for the same customer. A plant with a capacity of up to 18,000 employees is being built on a 126-hectare site in West Java; annual production capacity is expected to be around 150,000 electric cars. For this project, which ran until the beginning of December, we delivered around 50,000 cubic meters of cargo for a new spray painting production line to the customer by sea.

  

What do you consider to be Militzer & Münch’s key strengths?

Carl Gao: As a company, we have built up a comprehensive global network over the years. Our experts are on site in many countries around the world and have local expertise. This is a major advantage, especially in more challenging markets.

Jeffery Guo: Every day, we see how committed our colleagues are to our customers. This applies to our teams here in China, but also to the many other country units we regularly cooperate with. As a result, we are able to support our customers in almost all their requests with tailor-made logistics solutions that are ideally suited to their needs.

What are your plans for 2026?

Carl Gao: In the coming year, we want to continue to grow, both within China and in international transport. To this end, we are working on further standardizing our processes, and we will continue to expand our cooperation within the Militzer & Münch network.

Jeffery Guo: In 2026, we plan to take on several new customer projects and further deepen existing partnerships. Militzer & Münch China’s stated goal is to provide the best possible support for the business activities of even the most complex international companies. We achieve this by combining excellent service with first-class rates.

Militzer & Münch Mongolia – a look back, a look ahead

In the summer of 2024, Militzer & Münch established its own country unit in Mongolia, entering into a joint venture with an internationally operating trading company. The M&M representation had already been active in the market since the mid-1990s, but had previously managed its activities from Berlin. In which way has the new national subsidiary changed the business in its first year?

In the first few months, the main focus was on stabilizing operations and developing operative capacities and a more reliable structure for day-to-day business. “Our start was a dynamic mix of challenges and successes,” says Nyambaatar Purevdorj, Managing Director of M&M Militzer & Münch Mongolia LLC. “Entering the Mongolian market required adaptability and a great deal of commitment from our core team on site. I am proud of the progress our team has made, especially in terms of service quality.”

The joint venture partner has provided Militzer & Münch with access to a railway concession that supports local rail transport needs. Moreover, connections to other trading companies have helped open doors and allowed tapping into new opportunities. Customers regularly request customs clearance and transport as a package. Demand comes mainly from the food and pharmaceutical industries, with a focus on imports, as well as from companies exporting tungsten*.

 

Already established as a partner

As Militzer & Münch Germany has been active in Mongolia for many years through its Berlin office, the company is known as a trustworthy and professional partner. “We strive to continue to live up to these expectations while expanding our services to meet modern requirements,” says Nyambaatar Purevdorj. “Our core customers value reliability above all else.”

The team in Mongolia works closely with the Militzer & Münch office in Berlin and the group’s international network to organize shipments to and from Europe. Bajarzengel Fröhlich, delegate of Militzer & Münch Germany, shares the office in Ulaanbaatar with the local team, which facilitates real-time coordination. In addition, the country unit cooperates with InterRail Europe GmbH to optimize intermodal transport.

“Expanding services from East Asia, especially China and Korea, is one of our top priorities for the coming years,” says Nyambaatar Purevdorj. “The establishment of the Germany–Ningbo–Mongolia connection is promising, as it can reduce transit times by one to two weeks compared to the Xingang route. In addition, the continuing increase in continuity in day-to-day business is an important foundation for us to be able to take on more complex transports in the near future.”

 

(*) Tungsten, a metal, is used for its exceptional hardness, high melting point, and density in many applications, including incandescent light bulb filaments, industrial cutting tools, high-temperature components for furnaces and electronics, welding electrodes, etc.

Auto parts and cheese for the Caucasus

Across Europe to the Caucasus: With its transport services, Militzer & Münch regularly connects Western and Central Europe with Georgia – thus offering services tailored precisely to the customers’ needs.

 From Stockstadt in central Germany, employees coordinate a tour that takes trucks from various countries in Europe to Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia. The transports mostly pass through Germany, Austria, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, and Turkey. The transit time averages nine to twelve days. Every week, eight to twelve trucks set off on the long haul – mostly loaded with butter and cheese from Brittany and the Paris metropolitan area. The goods are packed in cartons and palletized. The modern reefer trucks ensure that the sensitive foodstuffs reach their destination in perfect condition.

“We have a lot of experience with temperature-controlled transport, even on challenging routes,” says Sinan Aras, Trade Lane Manager Turkey, who is also in charge of the Caucasus region. “Our trucks deliver high-quality European dairy products safely and, above all, quickly to consumers in the Caucasus.”

 

Auto parts from Eichenzell

 In Eichenzell, not far from Stockstadt, the experts at Militzer & Münch have recently started consolidating regular shipments for a customer in Georgia. The customer is a dealer in auto accessories with numerous branches, who has been cooperating successfully with Militzer & Münch for many years.

The retailer’s suppliers have their goods transported to Militzer & Münch in Eichenzell. Several times a week, the customer’s own trucks then pick up the groupage freight. From Hesse, the trucks then embark on the long drive to Tbilisi. Other groupage shipments from Militzer & Münch also reach Georgia in this way.

This complements the Caucasus region portfolio for customers and offers even higher departure frequencies.

“Depending on requirements, we consolidate shipments, provide support throughout the value chain, or fill trucks with our own shipments,” explains Thomas Winter, Managing Director of M&M Militzer & Münch GmbH. “This means that the customer doesn’t have to worry about it themselves and can be sure that their trucks are fully loaded. It’s a very convenient solution for them, saving them time and ensuring planning security.”

Militzer & Münch India – successful air freight operations

The Militzer & Münch country unit in India is celebrating its first anniversary in August 2025. The company is already handling large air freight orders and is considering expansion.

Militzer & Münch India has quickly established itself on the market. The company’s core business areas are air and sea freight, with a particular focus on the pharmaceutical industry and AOG services, as well as project logistics. Currently, the majority of Militzer & Münch’s air freight shipments come from, or go to, the Netherlands, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom and Canada. India has already become an important hub within the Militzer & Münch network.

 

Major contracts and growth plans

In February, Militzer & Münch India began handling its first major air cargo contract: 50 tons per month from Delhi to several destinations. The freight consists mainly of courier bags containing parcels, stationery, books, household articles and many other items. Each courier bag weighs around 25 kilograms.

“We are dealing here with time-sensitive shipments on very tight deadlines,” says Vijay Narayan, Managing Director of Militzer & Münch India. “Our team handles all shipments with the utmost care and dedication.”

Given the success of the first few months, Militzer & Münch India plans to further expand its business. In a first step, air freight from Mumbai will be added, but ultimately, all major cargo airports in the country are to be included in the network.

Militzer & Münch opens maritime logistics location in Fujairah

St. Gallen, September 4, 2025. In mid-August, the Militzer & Münch Group took into operation a branch office in Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates. The focus is on services related to maritime logistics.

“The opening of the Fujairah office is a significant step in the further expansion of our long-standing activities in the areas of maritime logistics, including equipment and supply of marine spare parts, as well as complementary services – and underscores our continued strategic growth in the Middle East,” says Nikolaus Kohler, Regional Managing Director Middle East / Central Asia. “With the new location in Fujairah, a branch of M&M Militzer & Münch LLC, Dubai, we are positioning ourselves at the center of one of the world’s most important maritime service hotspots, the Fujairah Anchorage Area (FAA).”

Located on the Gulf of Oman, close to the Strait of Hormuz, the FAA is internationally recognized as a central hub for maritime services. These include ship spare parts logistics, bunkering, crew changes, and ship repairs. Thanks to its strategic location and comprehensive range of services, the multi-purpose port is an ideal location for local and international shipowners and ship operators.

Under the leadership of Anil Manath, Managing Director of M&M Militzer & Münch LLC, and Praful Mullassery, Director Freight Operations, the team strives to provide reliable, high-quality solutions for supplying ships in the region and for the Militzer & Münch Group’s global network.

“The Asia-Pacific region is an economic area with its own rules and opportunities.”

In recent years, Militzer & Münch has established a number of country units in the Asia-Pacific economic area. In this interview, Andreas Löwenstein, Regional Managing Director Asia/Far East, talks about the underlying strategy, current developments, and plans for the future.

 

Mr. Löwenstein, Militzer & Münch has been growing strategically in the Asia-Pacific region for several years now. What sparked this development?

For many years, we were not particularly well represented in this region with our own companies. Only in China have we been active since 1981. Sri Lanka was added in 2018. In 2021, we began to establish country units in many other countries in quick succession. So far, these include Malaysia, New Zealand, Vietnam, Indonesia, India, Mongolia, Taiwan, and Singapore.

The Asia-Pacific region has long been known as a high-growth economic area with its own rules, opportunities, and risks. It is very much in line with our long-term strategy to establish our own network in this part of the world.

Are you satisfied with Militzer & Münch’s development there?

We are really happy with how our business is developing. Until a few years ago, our brand was hardly known outside China in most East Asian countries. That has changed significantly.

The success also lies in the consolidation and growth of our structures and in the contribution this region makes to our existing network. Our European customers welcome this, and the extent to which we are able to win new customers indicates that this additional regional focus is benefiting the company.

Our intra-Asian transport operations are developing dynamically. We also handle complex large-scale projects in the region. I am thinking, for example, of the relocation of entire production facilities from China to Indonesia. In addition to such demanding projects, however, our focus is on the steady growth of our customer base and our regular freight forwarding business.

What are the strengths of the Militzer & Münch Group?

Our strength lies in our employees. We have experienced logistics experts with excellent technical and local knowledge in the markets in which we operate. Every country comes with its own challenges, which our experienced employees meet with a customized approach.

What does the future hold for Militzer & Münch in the Asia-Pacific region?

We can envisage entering further markets. The general focus, however, is on consolidation and growth within the group – albeit certainly with an emphasis on intra-Asian transports.

 

Militzer & Münch India: “We are where our customers need us”

India has long been a major global economic powerhouse and, with its strategic location between Africa, Asia, and Oceania, an important logistics hub. The Militzer & Münch country unit launched in August 2024 has already established itself successfully in the market.

Even in times of geopolitical and economic tension, India remains a stable growth market: the Indian Ministry of Finance is forecasting GDP growth of 6.5 percent for 2025. Export volumes are also up slightly, driven by products from the electronics, mechanical engineering, and pharmaceutical sectors. M&M Militzer and Muench (India) Private Ltd. is a reliable partner for these and many other industries, such as fashion and retail.

Militzer & Münch handles road transport, air and sea freight, and project logistics for its customers in India, both domestically and for import and export. M&M India also offers value-added services such as customs clearance and warehousing. India is set to become an important hub in the Militzer & Münch network, particularly for shipments to and from China, Southeast Asia, Europe, and Africa.

Militzer & Münch currently operates at eight of India’s most important locations: Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad, Delhi, Chennai, Coimbatore, Kochi, and Kolkata. “We are exactly where our customers need us,” says Surendrasingh Panwar, Country Manager India. “That is our great strength. Our experts know the logistics market in India inside out and always find the right solution for our customers.”

 

Air freight is booming

Militzer & Münch India focuses on air and sea freight, project logistics, and express services. The company has both an IATA and a breakbulk license.

India is well on its way to becoming the world’s third-largest aviation market in the near future, which makes the segment all the more important for Militzer & Münch. The country unit currently already handles 50 tons of air freight per month – and the target for 2026 is to break the 2,000-ton mark. Militzer & Münch is particularly well versed in the demanding and time-critical AOG sector.

Especially in the pharmaceutical sector, India is considered an emerging market. The huge and growing population and an ever-expanding middle class are driving demand for medicines, particularly generics, cancer drugs, and vaccines. Around 20 percent of the global volume of generics is already produced in India. So, the need for pharmaceutical transport is also growing. Militzer & Münch has made a name for itself in India in this area as a reliable service provider with high, regularly monitored quality and hygiene standards.

 

Just the beginning

Now that Militzer & Münch India has successfully established itself on the market in a short period of time, the focus is on further increasing market penetration. The declared goal is to open up new trade routes and win customers from other industries.

“We have made a very good start, but that was only the beginning,” says Surendrasingh Panwar. ”We expect further growth. The potential in the domestic market and in transports to and from India is far from exhausted.”

Militzer & Münch delivers turbine parts for the world’s highest hydroelectric power plant

A truly massive project: the Rogun Dam, currently under construction on the Vakhsh River in Tajikistan, will be the highest hydroelectric power plant on earth. Militzer & Münch is delivering plant and turbine parts from Austria to the construction site more than 4,000 kilometers away.

The dam in Rogun, Tajikistan, will be 660 meters long and 335 meters high. Once completed, the hydroelectric power plant will not only be the highest, but also one of the largest in the world. Construction began in 1976, was interrupted after the collapse of the Soviet Union, and resumed in 2008. The power plant is one of the flagship projects of the Global Gateway Initiative in Central Asia; it is to strengthen the regional energy supply.

Militzer & Münch has been delivering plant and turbine parts as well as tools and accessories from the supplier in Austria to Tajikistan since 2024. As requested by the customer, the shipments take the route via Turkey and the Caspian Sea. The project is scheduled to last at least five years.

“We have the advantage of being able to advise and support customers in both Austria and Tajikistan,” says Nikolay Gueorguiev, Branch Manager at M&M Militzer & Münch in Vienna. ”Our experienced experts are on site in person. This means we can always provide the right services for our customers in country of destination.”

The Militzer & Münch branch in Vienna, which is responsible for this project, specializes in land freight and primarily handles large orders by road or rail. Its customers include manufacturers of agricultural and construction machinery, as well as plant engineers, manufacturers of rail vehicles, power plants, and consumer goods.

Across the Mediterranean with spare parts

The road experts at Militzer & Münch handle even large orders reliably. They have decades of experience, particularly in transport to and from the Maghreb countries. This is currently paying off with a new major order: the transport of more than 300 full loads of car spare parts between Tunisia and Germany.

Connecting Western and Central Europe with the Maghreb by road transport has long been one of the core competencies of the Militzer & Münch Group. This is one of the reasons why a well-known German technology group, which has been relying on Militzer & Münch for more than ten years, placed a major order for transports from Tunisia to Germany at the beginning of 2025.

“In personal discussions, we impressed with our rates, our product portfolio, and our expertise on this trade lane,” says Thomas Winter, Managing Director of M&M Militzer & Münch GmbH. ”We have a long-standing, trusting relationship with this customer. It was therefore soon clear to all sides that we were the right partner for this major project.”

The safe route across the Mediterranean

Over the course of the year, Militzer & Münch will transport more than 300 full loads of automotive spare parts under this contract. This corresponds to three to four FTL shipments per week. The transit time averages five days.

From Tunisia, Militzer & Münch’s semi-trailers cross the Mediterranean by ferry to the ports of Genoa or Marseille. Trucks then take over the rest of the route. The team at the Augsburg branch coordinates operations in cooperation with Militzer & Münch in Tunisia.

“99 percent of customers who give us a chance, stay with us for many years.”

Faster than sea freight, cheaper than air freight, greener than road transport – thanks to its many advantages, the popularity of rail as a mode of transport keeps growing. In Germany, a team of specialists in Düsseldorf manages Militzer & Münch’s national and cross-border rail freight services.

The situation is not easy for rail transport companies around the world: the geopolitical situation, high cost pressure, and above-average inflation are making work difficult for them. Nevertheless, Militzer & Münch’s rail segment continues to develop even in these times. Over the past two years, new products have been added to the range of services, and the team has tapped into new markets. These include intermodal transport in Europe, but also cross-border transport, for example between India and Uzbekistan. In addition, the focus is on continuously improving operational processes and increasing efficiency.

 

From Madrid to Guangzhou

Rail connects Europe and Asia over thousands of kilometers. Depending on the route chosen, goods usually reach their destination station in around three weeks: westbound, it takes 19 to 21 days, and eastbound, 20 to 22 days. Militzer & Münch transports around five consolidated containers per week on the Northern and Middle Corridor. The company has its own locations in many Asian countries and can therefore draw on a wealth of local expertise. Most recently, the team delivered 100 40-foot containers to Mongolia as part of a project.

 

The right solution for every customer

“Service is our top priority,” says Michael Spitzlei, Head of Business Segment Rail at M&M air sea cargo GmbH. ”We strive to provide all customers with the best possible service, regardless of the number of bookings they make. We tailor the product to the needs of our customers. With us, no one has to settle for an off-the-shelf offer.”

This flexibility extends to all areas: Militzer & Münch is not tied to specific terminals, routes, or partners. From the smallest to the largest companies, the experts from the team in Düsseldorf find the right solutions for every order. This only works through personal contact. Every customer has one or more permanent personal contacts who are available to answer all questions — no one ends up with a recorded message or an AI assistant.

The personal connection and reliable service are convincing: “99 percent of customers who give us a chance stay with us for many years,” says Bezaf Zeway, Operations Manager Railfreight. She is a graduate of the M&M Talent Management Programme.

 

Growth for the future

M&M air sea cargo GmbH will continue to optimize and expand its rail freight segment in the future. The team is set to grow, as is the service portfolio. For many customers, rail transport is a sensible addition or alternative to air and sea freight – especially when time-critical deliveries need to be made faster than by ship, but the costs of air freight must be avoided. New customers are always welcome, and the company also focuses on continuously expanding existing customer relationships.

“We are always working to further improve the services we offer our customers,” says Bezaf Zeway. ”We remain flexible, communicate openly, and find the right solution for every order.”

“Mongolia is a market brimming with untapped potential”

In August 2024, Nyambaatar Purevdorj was appointed Managing Director of the new country unit M&M Militzer and Muench Mongolia LLC. In this interview, he talks about the Mongolian logistics market, the development of Militzer & Münch’s business in his country, and why logistics is his passion.

 

Mr. Purevdorj, in August last year you took on your new role, becoming one of the youngest Managing Directors of the Militzer & Münch Group at the age of 33. How have you been getting on in your first few months in the job?

As this is my first position as Managing Director, I have gained a lot of new experiences in the last few months. It was a big challenge at the beginning, but it has also been a very fulfilling task from the outset. I am grateful to my superiors and colleagues for providing me with valuable support during this time. Friends and family often describe me as a passionate person. Being passionate helps me to overcome all the challenges I face in my new role.

 

How would you describe the Mongolian logistics market?

Compared to the markets of the major global powers, Mongolia is a smaller market but offers numerous untapped opportunities. There are several well-established routes into and out of the country that importers and exporters are keen to use. Mongolia’s most important trade partners are its immediate neighbors. Since Mongolia is one of the countries with the largest mineral resources, some of its main export commodities are coal, fluorspar and iron ore, as well as cashmere wool. Key imports are petroleum products, machinery, vehicles, electronic products and foodstuff.

 

How does Militzer & Münch operate in Mongolia?

Militzer & Münch Germany has had an office in Ulaanbaatar since 1992. So, we have been operating in Mongolia for more than 30 years. So far, we have been particularly strong in the LTL transport sector. In July 2024, we expanded by opening our own country unit, M&M Militzer and Muench Mongolia LLC. Since then, we have expanded our services to include all modes of transport and are no longer limited to road freight and domestic services. We are currently in the process of establishing ourselves as experts in transit through Mongolia, adding this important field to Militzer & Münch’s already extensive global network. One of our main goals is to further expand our market share in traffics to and from Mongolia.

 

What do you particularly like about your work?

Logistics is a challenging field, and I see it as my profession and my calling at the same time. I always say that there are always opportunities in the midst of chaos.  Most of all, I enjoy the sense of achievement that comes when you overcome particularly difficult obstacles.

 

At Militzer & Münch, I particularly appreciate the company’s precise decision-making and ability of the M&M Group to take on any project, no matter how difficult. We have a remarkable 145 years of experience in logistics, and it shows. I am very proud to represent Militzer & Münch to our customers and to demonstrate our commitment to excellence. The corporate culture is perfectly aligned with my personal values. What counts here, is clear communication, and recognition for good performance.

Tradition meets future – Militzer & Münch turns 145!

A successful leap from the 19th into the 21st century: On April 1, 2025, the Militzer & Münch Group celebrates 145 years of success. What once started as a railroad freight forwarding company in Hof, Bavaria, has developed into an international logistics group for demanding markets – with around 2,300 employees in almost 40 countries. While the industry has experienced revolutions and new challenges, the organization has continuously developed. One thing, however, has remained the same: the mission of enabling its customers to access new and demanding markets.

While Germany’s railway network was still being expanded at full speed, Richard Militzer and Werner Münch were already demonstrating true pioneering spirit: in 1880, they merged their companies and founded the rail freight forwarder Militzer & Münch. The founders quickly started thinking beyond Germany’s borders. In the early years, they offered their customers from the local porcelain, glass and textile industries not only groupage freight transports to Berlin and Hamburg, but also international connections – and thus access to new markets such as Italy and England.

Soon, Militzer & Münch also introduced road haulage for its customers. As early as 1923, Militzer & Münch included the first truck in its 30-kilometer line service between Hof and Oelsnitz. It was only from the 1930s onwards, however, that this flexible mode of transport would become the most important means of freight transport.

After World War II, the company dared to take the next big steps. Since its foundation, Militzer & Münch had developed considerably and become international; the company now entered the sea and air freight business, positioning itself already for the coming wave of globalization. In 1949, the company was appointed IATA agent. Two years later, in 1951, Militzer & Münch opened its first office abroad in Athens. With further German locations, for example in Hamburg and at Frankfurt Airport, the company steadily expanded its business.

Militzer & Münch continued to lead the way and, from 1971, expanded for the first time with its own country units into countries that gained increasingly strategic importance for international trade, such as Greece and Turkey, which served as hubs and bridges for trade between Europe and Asia, and Morocco, as a gateway to Africa. But that’s not all: shortly after perestroika, M&M began opening up new emerging markets in Eastern Europe, in Central Asia and China for its customers.

Militzer & Münch continues to expand its worldwide network. For years, the company’s growth strategy has focused on the fast-growing and future-oriented markets in the Far East and on the Indian subcontinent. After setting up new country units in countries such as India, the fastest growing economy, as well as Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Mongolia and New Zealand, M&M Taiwan was added in February 2025 as the youngest member of the M&M group in the region.

Militzer & Münch also continues expanding in Europe: in January 2025, M&M Belgium was created to improve, in particular, the connection between the Benelux region and the Maghreb countries.

“As a strong partner to our customers, we are constantly entering new logistics fields and expanding our range of services in a targeted manner,” says Michael Albert, Chairman of the Board of Directors of M&M Militzer & Münch International Holding AG. “Nothing is more important to us than to convincingly combine local expertise, flexibility and reliability. The future will be challenging – we look forward to shaping it together with our customers”.

Digitalization is the way forward

Since Militzer & Münch Romania was founded in 2004, Managing Director Valentin Dragu has driven the country unit’s activities with great commitment. Although the country’s economic climate continues to be characterized by high inflation, rising energy prices and the effects of the war in Ukraine, the team has been able to maintain its strong market position. Valentin Dragu relies on two things in particular: adaptability and digitalization.

 

Mr. Dragu, how would you describe the situation of Militzer & Münch Romania in the face of the current challenges?

At this time, our geographical location and the resulting imponderables are strongly impacting our work. However, we have been quick to adapt to the conditions. This is what sets us apart, and it makes me very proud.

How did you and your team achieve that?

In short: through adaptability. Rising energy prices, for example, require optimized cost management in other areas. We are responding to the currently growing demand in road transport, coupled with a slight decline in other business segments, by reorganizing our team accordingly. I really appreciate the fact that we, as a country unit, can act so flexibly and independently, but can always count on the support of the Militzer & Münch Group. This makes us competitive. Because in principle, it is important to keep up with the times, to quickly accept changes and to respond to them.

Could you give us an example of such a change?

Since last year, a new electronic system has been in force in Romania for the road transport of certain goods. The mandatory reporting that this entails for us technically means more time and effort, which we have been able to successfully minimize, because we are already working hard to digitize and optimize our internal processes. Thus, we quickly found an efficient way to comply with the new regulations.

What other plans do you have for Militzer & Münch Romania?

We want to continue to grow, we want to further improve our order situation and stand out from the competition. That is why we are continuously working on tailoring our range and our services to the needs of our customers in the best possible way. Our goal is also to further increase brand awareness, and here, too, digitalization is the way forward: we want to increase Militzer & Münch Romania’s presence in social media in the future and use social platforms to increase visibility and to establish contacts with potential customers. I am convinced that this is the way for us to successfully master the challenging phase we are currently in.

Militzer & Münch: new country unit in Taiwan

 

St. Gallen, 06 March 2025. Network expansion in Asia: on February 3, Taipei-based M&M Militzer & Münch Taiwan Ltd. took up operations

For years, the Militzer & Münch Group has been gradually expanding its presence in the Far East and on the Indian subcontinent: after China, Malaysia, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Indonesia, Mongolia and India, Taiwan is now the latest addition in the region. The Taiwan team is led by Igor Zarenko, a German national with more than 25 years of logistics experience in Asia.


Expanding in growth markets

The new M&M country unit in Asia is a perfect fit for the group’s strategic growth concept. “With its stable economy and favorable location in the Western Pacific, Taiwan is a logical addition to our activities in the region and an important element in the overall picture of our growth strategy in Asia,” says Andreas Löwenstein, Militzer & Münch Regional Managing Director Asia / Far East.

The Taiwan Institute of Economic Research forecasts economic growth of more than three percent for 2025, with future technologies from the electronics and semiconductor industries playing a crucial role. Moreover, Taiwan is set to become an AI hub; the demand for chips and servers is correspondingly high. Well over half of all semiconductors produced worldwide come from Taiwan, but chemical products, metal goods and high-quality bicycles are also among the island’s economic strengths.

COO Radosław Brejnak is driving digital transformation at M&M Poland

 

Radosław Brejnak’s career at Militzer & Münch in Poland began in early 2017 as Head of Road. Since then, he has spearheaded many successful projects, completed the Talent Management Programme and taken on more and more responsibility. In May 2024, Radosław Brejnak was appointed Chief Operating Officer (COO) of M&M air sea cargo S.A. We interviewed him on the nature of his position, the projects he is driving forward and his assessment of Poland’s economic development.

A brief classification – what exactly is the role of a COO?
As COO, I ensure that the company’s operations run smoothly. I head and coordinate the most important departments, support strategic decision-making and maintain close relationships with our key stakeholders.
My focus is also on managing collaborations and partnerships at the national and international level. And together with our CEO Marek Ziemniewicz and the entire Militzer & Münch management team in Poland, I also work continually on promoting the long-term growth and stability of the company.

Did the Talent Management Programme (TMP) of the TransInvest Group, Militzer & Münch’s parent company, help you in your career?
The TMP was a decisive milestone for me. It not only provided me with valuable insights in areas such as strategy, leadership and process management, but also boosted my confidence and helped me to expand my network. In particular, the focus on resilience, sustainability and digitalization – essential topics in today’s corporate landscape – was impactful. These insights have significantly influenced my approach to challenges. The TMP showed me the importance of strategic thinking, adaptability and a willingness to innovate if you want to be successful in the long term.

 You’ve led many projects to success, which ones are you currently working on?
We are currently working intensively on the digital transformation. A major focus is on optimizing our IT infrastructure and implementing new digital processes in various business areas. Thus, we are improving the electronic document flow and our transport management system to be able to react more quickly to market changes. We are also adapting our reporting standards, particularly with regard to sustainability and CO2 emissions. These projects are crucial for us to remain competitive and to proactively meet our customers’ requirements.

Despite global uncertainties, Polish economy is growing – how is M&M air sea cargo S.A. developing in this context?
If we look back over the last three to five years, we have experienced steady growth. However, the conflict in the East has changed the business world considerably. It takes time to get used to this new reality.
Given the current economic situation in our country and across Europe, we must do everything we can to retain our customer base. The competitive environment has become more aggressive from all sides – which makes customer retention an absolute priority.
At the same time, we are concentrating on acquiring new customers, developing innovative solutions and strengthening our sales structures. Here, our focus is on adaptation, growth and preparing for future opportunities.

Are you planning any new services?
In 2023, we obtained the GDP (Good Distribution Practices) certification, which entitles us to transport medicinal products in accordance with EU standards. The certificate opens up new opportunities for us to offer services to the pharmaceutical industry. Although the competition is fierce, we have already had some success in this sector and have established long-term partnerships with a number of customers.
A rail product is likely to be the next area we will focus on. The rail segment offers significant growth opportunities that we intend to fully exploit in the near future. We see great potential here and plan to use resources to strengthen our position in this area.

What do you like about your job, what do you like about Militzer & Münch? How would you describe the corporate culture?
The variety of my tasks and the opportunity to take on challenges – that’s what I like most about work. Critical thinking and adaptability are required – that makes things exciting. I also appreciate the collaborative working environment at Militzer & Münch, where open communication and flexibility are encouraged. The corporate culture is characterized by a strong team spirit and a common goal. Decisions are made efficiently, which enables us to react quickly to changes. This supportive environment allows room for growth and innovation and makes working here truly rewarding.

Change of course in Sri Lanka

 

Sri Lanka is considered an important logistics hub in South Asia, and the port in Colombo, the country’s capital, is one of the largest transshipment hubs in the Indian Ocean. The key role the tropical island plays in the region’s logistics was recently overshadowed by the coronavirus pandemic as well as economic and political crises. Now the wind is changing – also for Militzer & Münch Sri Lanka.

Militzer & Münch has been represented in Sri Lanka since 2018; the country unit is located in the immediate vicinity of the port. The challenging conditions in the country did not leave the activities of Militzer & Münch Sri Lanka unaffected. Freight rates rose sharply, fuel became scarce, and also the labor market was impacted by the crisis. But the M&M team overcame the hurdles with great commitment and continued to expand existing business. New projects and services include transports to Uzbekistan via Karachi (Pakistan), air freight handling in Colombo and sea freight consolidation services.

“The market is still volatile, but we are already sensing that the recent political upheaval will bring positive developments also from an economic perspective. This opens up new opportunities for us”, says Dilum Stembo, Managing Director of Militzer & Münch Sri Lanka.


More capacities at the port of Colombo

All over South Asia, new capacity is currently being created in the transport and logistics sector, and ports are growing. In Sri Lanka, the new dynamic is exemplified by the rapid growth of the port of Colombo, where handling volumes have recently increased significantly. The new Colombo West International Terminal (CWIT) with a total area of 65 hectares is due to open at the end of this year. The new terminal will increase the port’s capacity by around three million TEU.

Militzer & Münch Sri Lanka is well prepared for the upswing and the expected increase in demand: the team has now grown to a total of 19 employees; at the end of 2023, the company moved to a new office due to expansion. “We have achieved a very good position in the logistics market. We are a member of the country’s important logistics associations and networks, and maintain long-standing and successful business relationships with shipping companies, airlines as well as our customers. That’s something we are very proud of.”


Plans for a promising future

An upswing in the country, increasing port capacities, a strong market position and a highly motivated, committed team – a promising future lies ahead for Militzer & Münch Sri Lanka. The country unit’s goal now is to optimize routes, reduce costs and offer even better service. The strategy to reach this goal is clearly defined: In future, Dilum Stembo’s team will focus more on multi-country cargo consolidation – a logistics practice that combines shipments from multiple suppliers in different countries into a single shipment and sent to a specific destination or country.

“You give your best and look after the company, and we will look after you. This simple yet powerful statement has guided us through tough times. It’s not just about managing a business; it’s about nurturing a family. When everyone feels valued and heard, they’re motivated to give their best, which in turn drives the company forward,” says Dilum Stembo.

Militzer & Münch Dubai: “Understanding hurdles as opportunities – that is our great strength”

 

After the relaunch of Militzer & Münch in Dubai in 2017, the young country unit quickly succeeded in building stability and positioning itself on the market. As Managing Director of Militzer & Münch UAE, Anil Manath experienced the rapid development as well as the challenges of recent years, above all the coronavirus pandemic, from the very beginning. We spoke to him about strategies in times of crisis, plans for the future and the merits of his team.

Mr. Manath, how have you experienced the development of Militzer & Münch in Dubai so far?

We managed to grow strongly in the initial phase and establish the location. This gave us an important foundation, which benefited us in the challenging years that followed. We clearly felt the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, for example in the form of supply bottlenecks and freight fluctuations. However, we were able to absorb this very well as we can react flexibly and have the right attitude when it comes to overcoming difficult phases.

Could you describe this attitude in more detail?

Only with motivation and enjoyment of our work can we be successful. That’s why it’s crucial to create the best possible working conditions for the team, and to adapt them to the situation. During the pandemic, we set up a dedicated team to support our employees, for example, in seamlessly continuing to work from home. However, it is just as important not to stick to the status quo in our own activities, but to view hurdles as an opportunity to break new ground – which is our great strength. We have encouraged our team to find innovative solutions to maintain customer satisfaction and our operational efficiency, for example by offering alternative routes and new products, such as LCL consolidation services. Thus, we made the most of the situation and even achieved record results during that time.

And Militzer & Münch Dubai has continued to grow…

That’s right, we now have 65 employees. That is also an impressive development in view of the sometimes adverse circumstances, and it’s a sign of our efficiency!

Which transport routes are particularly in demand, and what is the current focus of Militzer & Münch’s activities in Dubai?

Maritime transports are the most frequent, followed by air freight and road haulage. We are strongly product-oriented. Our services include LCL consolidations from France, China, India, Germany, Italy and Sri Lanka as well as LCL groupage transports from Kuwait. We are experiencing increasing demand in the area of ship spare parts forwarding and chandling services. We will soon be opening a new branch in the port of Fujairah to further improve service in this sector for our customers. We have also successfully expanded our asset-light contract logistics model: Our team now operates three leased warehouses with a total of some 1,670 square meters. We hold more than 4,000 pallets in external warehouses.

What motivates you personally in your work?

That I get to work with professionals who give their best every day and fully identify with the Militzer & Münch company. Our team does not shy away from difficult tasks, but works hard to solve them. The excellent results we achieve confirm my belief that working together as a cohesive unit is the most simple and effective recipe for success.

 

“Militzer & Münch China: experience makes the difference”

The Militzer & Münch Group has been active in the Chinese market for more than 40 years and has accumulated an enormous wealth of experience during this time. The first office in Beijing opened in 1981. Since then, the local team has steadily expanded its presence in the country. Over the years, the strategic importance of the People’s Republic for Militzer & Münch has also grown.

There is no way around the world’s second largest economy: the New Silk Road is one of the most important trade and transportation networks in the world and already connects the “Middle Kingdom” with more than 100 nations. Today, about 140 Militzer & Münch China employees at eleven locations and three sales offices handle domestic shipments as well as imports and exports via all modes of transport.

“What drives us is to develop new logistics processes and to continuously expand and optimize our product and service portfolio as a trustworthy, competent and high-performance partner for our customers”, says Elyar Sherkati, Managing Director of Militzer & Münch China.

Specialists for special challenges

A large part of the freight transported by Militzer & Münch China is shipped to Central Asian and European countries. Special services include AOG (Aircraft On Ground) and cross-border road transports for oversized and heavy lift goods. Major customers come from the electronics, automotive, manufacturing and medical industries.

“The market presents many challenges, but also just as many opportunities,” says Elyar Sherkati. “We have to respond to changing global conditions every day and adapt our transport routes and our services accordingly.”

 

Successful even in complex situations

A situation in August 2024 exemplifies the professional handling of complex situations: because of increased goods volumes, the traffic situation at the Chinese-Kazakh border crossing at Horgos/Korgas was particularly strained. The number of foreign vehicles crossing the border fell drastically within a short period of time due to regulatory measures by the Kazakh government, which led to a backlog of goods and rising freight rates.

Militzer & Münch was nevertheless able to successfully complete two important international truck transports and deliver the goods safely and on time from China to Uzbekistan and Slovakia: The transport specialists managed the 6,000-kilometer route from Guangzhou to Tashkent in only 12 days. For the 9,000 kilometers from Tianjin to Bratislava, they only needed 19 days.

“The Militzer & Münch Group has built a strong name for itself in its more than 140 years of existence – and for more than 40 years here in China”, says Elyar Sherkati. “With high-quality products and services as well as a strong corporate culture, we ensure that we live up to this continuing good reputation.”