The EMO Trans management had invited, and 170 leading members of the logistics company from 45 countries around the globe responded to the call to attend the agent’s Global Network Meeting in Hamburg. On the occasion, the 60th anniversary of the agent was celebrated, founded by Hamburg-born Eckart Moltmann on 09SEP1965 in his apartment’s kitchen. His only “asset” was a typewriter.
The location for the delegate’s get-together was perfectly chosen. Following a harbor cruise through the port of Hamburg, the EMO community met at StrandPauli, a beach bar located directly on the shores of the Elbe River, in visual contact with the impressive assembly plant of aircraft manufacturer Airbus and about a ten-minute walk from the red-light district of St. Pauli with its world-famous Reeperbahn.
Perfect place
The beach bar StrandPauli proved to be an ideal place to relax, for wining and dining, chatting and exchanging the latest business information or industry rumors. “Hamburg is often called the ‘Gateway to the World’. And that is exactly what we are experiencing here during our network meeting. We know better than anyone that a port is more than ships and containers. It is a symbol of movement, of exchange, and of connections across borders,” stated Stefan Ritter, Managing Director of EMO Trans GmbH, in his welcome speech. “So let us take the opportunity to build bridges – not of steel but through conversations, a fruitful exchange of ideas, and perhaps even by making friends with those who have only recently joint our company.”
There should have been enough time to realize these wishes, as the Global Network Meeting took place between 05-09SEP.
Broadly positioned
What began small 60 years ago has now developed into a global logistics company offering the market a full range of product segments, including standard shipments, the transport of special items such as pharmaceuticals, valuables, or dangerous goods, road feeder services, air and sea freight, project logistics, customs clearance and more. In the U.S. alone, the company runs 30 stations coast to coast, employing almost 500 people. In Europe, new offices have recently been set up in Romania and Poland. And EMO’s appetite for more remains unsatisfied. “Further network expansions are in the pipeline but can only be communicated once the contracts have been signed,” Thomas Klinkhammer, Managing Director Sales & Marketing kept his lips sealed.
It won’t be in sub-Saharan Africa. That much is certain. Thanks to the agent’s cooperation with South Africa’s Bidvest International Logistics, which has been in place since 2019, EMO Trans has access to all sub-markets on the continent. Conversely, Bidvest can utilize EMO Trans’ global network of around 250 offices in 120 countries for globalizing its own business. “The cooperation with Bidvest is working very well. It’s a win-win situation benefitting both sides equally,” summarizes Stefan Ritter.
Solid business development
As far as the group’s current sales are concerned, there is no reason to be downbeat, says manager Klinkhammer. “Of course, we are feeling the effects of the multiple crises, but we cannot complain about developments during the first eight months in 2025. However, we will not achieve a record result like in 2023.” And Jenni Frigger adds from the U.S. perspective: “Our business runs strong and solid. We are cautiously optimistic despite the geopolitical tensions.” However, she admits that the U.S. tariffs introduced to the system have caused some instability. “But our global presence as a group and our broad product portfolio give us a great level of autonomy, so that we are not dependent on a single region or market.”
Touching possible network expansions, she mentions Southeast Asia and India. But nothing is carved in sone yet. The Global Network Meeting is a biennial event. Where and when the EMO members will meet next will be decided by mid-2026.
