INTERVIEW TIMO AUGUSTIN
“Strong together” – an interview with Timo Augustin, managing director of KARL JÜRGENSEN
KARL JÜRGENSEN is a true expert in groupage transport. The family-owned company offers groupage transport as well as part and full loads throughout Europe. In addition, the service portfolio includes contract logistics at the Hamburg and Schleswig locations, as well as the specialized area of port logistics, which focuses on handling shipments to and from the Port of Hamburg. The company has been part of the CTL network since 2009. Timo Augustin is the fourth generation of his family to run the company and is committed to continuously optimizing its business operations. In this interview, the 31-year-old talks about his responsibilities, the collaboration with CTL, what inspires him, and the advice he gives to young people entering the logistics field.
Mr. Augustin, what are your responsibilities at KARL JÜRGENSEN?
I am the managing director of the operational division. This means I am responsible for the day-to-day running of the business and work to continuously improve it and keep it on the road to success. At the same time, I take on the management and coordination of cross-location projects. My tasks include fleet management, developing strategies to optimize our services, and looking after our partners, customers, and collaborations.
Let’s stay with you for a moment: What is your motto at work?
“Strong together – acting sustainably, tackling issues head-on, taking responsibility.”
Is there anything that inspires you?
I like to be inspired by people who are visionaries and go their own way while creating added value for society and the environment.
KARL JÜRGENSEN has been part of CTL since 2009. What were your reasons for becoming a member?
We became a member because our growth demanded strong partners who could join us on this journey. At the time, it was particularly important for us to find a strong national network that was well positioned and met our standards of quality and reliability. The integration of a HUB-and-spoke system and attractive price structures further supported this step and laid the foundation for the collaboration.
How would you describe the partnership?
It has developed very well, especially in recent years, and we have built a strong relationship based on trust. We work together as equals and enjoy working as a team. In particular, brainstorming together often leads to good results. In challenging situations, we help each other and work together to find solutions that add value for all sides.
How do you think the CTL network has changed in recent years?
In the last few years, the network has developed in various areas – it has gained stability and the quality has improved significantly. In addition to digitalization, the expansion of the HUB locations was an important step that has enabled optimized production. In addition, the CTL product range has been adapted and expanded to better meet market requirements. CTL has established itself as a strong brand in recent years and built up a network of qualitatively reliable system partners. Its market presence has already increased significantly nationally, while the international market is currently being developed strongly.
What expectations and wishes do you have for CTL in the coming years?
I expect CTL, together with its partners, to successfully master the increasing cost pressure and growing demands in the rapidly changing LTL market. In addition to managing costs, I consider the expansion and optimization of internationality as well as the expansion and improvement of international transport to be key priorities. The focus here is not only on physical connections, but also on digital networking.
How does KARL JÜRGENSEN meet increasing customer demands?
At KARL JÜRGENSEN, we meet increasing customer demands with a clear goal: to always ensure high quality and reliability in logistics. Since 1928, our owner-managed family business, which now has over 200 employees, has stood for consistency, customer-oriented action and long-term business relationships. The new freight forwarding software introduced in 2022 has enabled us to make processes more efficient and cost-effective – an advantage from which our customers and partners benefit equally. With experience, flexibility and a clear focus on quality, we are ideally positioned to continue meeting our customers’ requirements in the future.
To what extent will the use of artificial intelligence (AI) support you in this and change your work?
The topic is extremely complex and can hardly be answered in a few sentences. However, it is clear that AI will change the freight forwarding industry in the future – from optimizing routes and capacity planning to automating administrative processes, proactive maintenance and sustainable fleet management. AI could enable more precise demand forecasts, improve customer communication and strengthen risk management through data analysis. Dynamic pricing also offers new possibilities, while autonomous driving has the potential to fundamentally change the transportation process. However, many of these scenarios are not yet fully implementable and will initially only be available to a limited extent, especially in medium-sized companies and on German roads. In the long term, however, AI will not only increase efficiency and profitability, but also promote sustainability and innovation.
Another technology is zero-emission trucks. How important will these become?
There is no doubt that zero-emission trucks are an important part of the future of transportation, as they help to reduce CO2 emissions. However, it remains to be seen which technology will ultimately prevail. Whether hydrogen, batteries or other innovative solutions – the development is dynamic, and there are still many unanswered questions regarding efficiency, infrastructure and economic viability. The next few years will show which technology will win the race.
At KARL JÜRGENSEN, you also provide training yourself. What advice would you give to young people who want to work in the industry?
My most important tip for young people who want to get started in the freight forwarding and logistics industry: Be brave! This industry thrives on people who take responsibility, embrace challenges, and aren’t afraid to break new ground and make decisions. Dare to think outside the box and do things differently – that’s what’s valued in this diverse and dynamic industry. Your work has a real impact on the supply of entire regions, and those who boldly lead the way can achieve a lot here. It’s not just your technical skills that count. Your attitude, your drive and your willingness to go the extra mile make all the difference. With courage and commitment, all doors are open to you in the logistics industry!
Thank you very much for the pleasant conversation and the truly inspiring answers!