Specialised in transport and storage of prepacked products, Sobotram is now planning on developing the chemical market. explanations from Christian Carlot, assistant general manager for Sobotram.

• Could you introduce the company to us ?

Sobotram, a family owned business which in 2003 celebrated 50 years in business, has four companies in Burgundy. we are a full freight and logistics provider. In 2006 our turnover reached 50,5 million euros with a workforce of 385. Currectly the chemical industry represents 15 to 20% of our business, a percentage which we are keen to increase. until recently our growth was significant, however in the last two years due to the economic environment we have experienced a slow down.

• What services are you offering for chemical product transport ?

We want to offer a full range of transport solutions. We can handle individual documents, parcels, express deliveries. we have a courrier service which can handle up to three tonnes.
We move packed chemical products, not in bulk. 80% of the time from 3 pallets or 600 kilos, we deliver using our own vehicles either in part or full loads. For parcel or international deliveries we have agreements with a network of carriers, airlines and maritime shippers.

• How did the company become a logistics provider ?

This activity was set up in 1992, building a first warehouse and managing the inwards and outwards flow, collecting goods from production units, order preparation and delivery to point of sale. We have always used cutting edge technology to control the movement of products from start to finish. The customers can track their deliveries on our extranet site. By offering a full freight and logistics solution our customers have only one source and one contact, enabling them to reduce direct and indirect costs.

• Did you immediately offer a logistics solution for the chemical industry ?

We started with industrial products and were consequently approached by a customer specialising in water treatment who was already using our delivery services. Stocking chemical products is a complex business, requiring large investment, which includes specially equipped warehouses which are regularly inspected by the government safety department. Regular checks which are carried out for environmental purposes include supplying information on the quantities stocked and the danger grade. Authorisation is complex and the personnel has to be highly trained. Due to this fewer companies are providing this service. In this field we can provide a high added value.

• What is your current chemical products storage capacity ?

We have 50 000 m2 of warehousing, 24 000 of which is purely for hazardous goods. a further 9000 m2 are under construction, 2 800 m2 of which are for inflammable goods. The investment represents 4.5 million euros and will be operational in 2005. We aim to obtain a Seveso approval for these buildings.

• What is the length of a typical logistics contract ?

The situation is quite paradoxical. While our investments are spread over 10 to 15 years, the logistics contracts are rarely signed for more than three years. However as the warehouses are shared and contracts renewed we do not have a large investment for one indivdual customer. 35 customers share the 40 000 m2.

• What do you forecast for the future of transport and logistics ?

Chemical industries are subcontracting logistics more and more to concentrate on production. According to a study carried out by accenture, 30% of company logistics is subcontracted, and 42% of companies have the intention of doing so in the future. We will therefore be developing this market.
Customers also require easy access to information concerning deliveries. Long distance trucks, like the parcel delivery trucks, are being equipped with EDI. In our France express network we can access the photocopy of the signed delivery ticket 30 minutes after delivery to the customer. However traceability and proof of delivery will evolve. Communication is the key to our speciality.

Sylvie Latieule