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When Embraer S.A. had to get a 130-ton shipment from Europe to Brazil, it called on longtime partner DB Schenker for help coordinating the logistics and transport of the bulky, heavy goods.
Brazilian aerospace conglomerate Embraer S.A. moves around some pretty heavy pieces of equipment and machinery—undertakings that require very high levels of logistics and transportation coordination.
By allowing Embraer to focus on its core business, DB Schenker takes over and provides the expertise needed to get the manufacturer’s products from Point A to Point B in a timely and secure manner.
Point A to Point B
Earlier this year, DB Schenker helped Embraer deliver a large piece of machinery from the manufacturer’s plant in Austria to its aircraft assembly line in Brazil. This “door-to-port” project included the pickup of the 130-ton shipment from the European plant, delivery of the shipment to the port, and arranging the shipment’s secure transport to Brazil via ocean carrier.
“We handled everything from pickup to storage at origin, to the ocean freight and delivery to the final destination (i.e., the port in Brazil),” says Bruno Cardoso, DB Schenker’s Global Account Manager.
Due to the shipment’s size, the logistics provider had to use special equipment to load and unload it at all points in the process—from the warehouse to the vessel to the final destination. “That required a lot of advanced planned,” Cardoso says, “and it made for a logistical challenge”
Ironing Out the Complexities
The DB Schenker-Embraer alliance dates back to 2011, when the two companies began working together at a local level in Brazil. “We worked on an initial local agreements, and over time we’ve handled numerous projects for Embraer and expanded our relationship globally,” Cardoso explains. “During our time working with Embraer, we have increased our expertise in aerospace and its unique needs. We have used this experience to improve our solutions for other aviation customers in the industry.”
Like any complex project, the movement of Embraer’s 130-ton shipment required some last-minute preparation and coordination to ensure a smooth end-to-end process. For example, the original plan was to transport the heavy shipment via barge (from the manufacturing plant to the port of origin). Low water levels got in the way of this plan and forced DB Schenker to find storage space for the goods until those levels rose.
“We had to change the physical location, which meant finding a DB Schenker warehouse to keep it in for a few weeks,” says Cardoso, who adds that the issue was caused by a lack of rain in Europe. “The river wasn’t high enough for the barge to operate, so we found a viable alternative.”
Managing Complex Needs
A Brazilian aerospace conglomerate that produces commercial, military, executive, and agricultural aircraft (and also provides aeronautical services), Embraer is headquartered in São José dos Campos, São Paulo.
Knowing that the aerospace industry requires innovative supply chain solutions to meet its unique demands and requirements, DB Schenker has an expert team that covers points around the world. It sets high-quality standards and provides dependable logistics solutions customized to the needs of customers like Embraer.
“We understand that complex industries require innovative and customized logistics solutions,” Cardoso says. “For these reasons, we’ve invested for many years in a dedicated and subject-matter-expert organization that can effectively and efficiently meet the specific demands of the aerospace industry.”
Some of DB Schenker’s aerospace-focused offerings include innovative and cost-efficient transport and logistics solutions of high quality and from one source; local, national, and global logistical capabilities; dedicated aerospace specialists and Competence Centers; and aircraft on the ground (AOG) desks that provide 24/7 coverage.
More to Come
The third-largest producer of civil aircraft (after Boeing and Airbus), Embraer entered into a joint venture with Boeing in 2018. Boeing, which now owns an 80% stake (valued at $4.2 billion) in Embraer commercial jets division, is expected to take over operational control and management of the company. According to AirlineGeeks, the deal is a “win-win situation” that will benefit both Brazil and the U.S., with the potential to be important for the development of Boeing’s New Midsized Airplane.
“In a second partnership still in negotiations, Embraer will own a [51% majority stake] and Boeing will own the remaining 49 percent in the production of military airplanes,” the publication reports. “The deal can also create markets for the KC-390, an Embraer military multi-mission airlift aircraft, backed by the Boeing name.”
Cardoso sees positive things ahead for the Embraer-DB Schenker alliance and expects the two entities to continue working together as the merger of Boeing and Embraer continues. “The volume of business we do together grows every year,” he says, “and now includes engagements in Brazil, the U.S., Europe, and Asia.
