In 1998, Bernd Quast took over the company and quickly established it as the first point of contact for organizing the flow of goods from Hamburg and the surrounding area to Scandinavia. Shortly thereafter, the business was expanded to include import clearance from overseas.
For over 45 years, Udo Wichmann Spedition, founded in 1981 by its namesake Udo Wichmann, has been a fixture in the fresh produce sector. Having grown up in Scandinavian transport, the company has long since specialized in the requirements of modern import processing, with a clear focus on fruit and vegetables.
© Udo Wichmann
Jana Quast took over the baton from Bernd Quast in 2023.
"In the past, transport to Scandinavia was much more of a focus," explains Jana Quast, who took over the baton in 2023 and is now the second generation to run the company. "However, developments such as increasing domestic cultivation in Scandinavian countries and cheaper supply chains from Eastern Europe have led to a decline in this segment. This business area currently still accounts for around 25% of our activities." Instead, import clearance is booming at the Hamburg-based freight forwarder today – along with growing personnel requirements.
© Udo Wichmann
Small QC department as an extension of the range of services
An important step in the company's further development was the establishment of an internal quality control (QC) department. Quast: "For over a year now, we have had a small QC team in place that can work both on-site and externally. This allows us to respond specifically to the needs of our customers and expand our range of services at the same time."
Currently, the company serves almost exclusively customers in the fruit and vegetable sector, with a few additions in the dried fruit and nut sector. And yet, the company is thinking ahead: "We are putting out feelers."
Hamburg location as a success factor
A clear advantage in day-to-day operations: the location at Hamburg's wholesale market. "Many of our customers are based right here in the neighborhood, which enables quick consultations and short distances. It's also not far to the Alte Land, one of Germany's most important fruit-growing regions," says Quast. The focus is on personal relationships with customers.
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Seasonal goods set the pace
Most customers are located in northern Germany, but the goods come from all over the world: "Our main business is clearly seasonal – we work with products such as Egyptian potatoes, onions from New Zealand or Chile, pears from Argentina, and apples from South Africa or China." The peak season lasts from spring to late summer. "The only exception is bananas, which are available in consistent volumes throughout the year."
In addition to import clearance and transport to Denmark, Udo Wichmann Spedition now offers a small, flexible QC team and access to cold storage. "We store temperature-sensitive goods and check quality according to customer requirements – and not just at our premises."
Challenges on the road and at sea
Despite efficient structures, the industry remains challenging: "Currently, a major issue is the enormous shifts in shipping. Added to this is the tense traffic situation in and around Hamburg. Construction work, road closures, and bottlenecks require us to constantly adapt our plans flexibly," concludes Quast.
For more information:
Jana Quast
Udo Wichmann Speditionsgesellschaft mbH
© Udo Wichmann
Banksstrasse 28
20097 Hamburg
Tel: +49 40 81 97 897 -11
[email protected]
www.udowichmann.com