Dachser: Vietnam is evolving beyond manufacturing into a regional logistic hub

Dachser's managing director for Air and Sea Logistics Asia-Pacific Roman Müller (left) and CEO Burkhard Eling

What makes Vietnam such an attractive logistics hub for international companies today?

Müller: Vietnam is a highly attractive destination for companies, thanks to its strategic location near major international shipping routes and its strong position as a manufacturing and assembly hub for semifinished goods. From a business perspective, this makes Vietnam an ideal base for offering services and expanding operations. The country has benefited significantly from recent shifts in global production, attracting substantial inflows of investment across various sectors, including electronics, footwear, automotive, and most recently, e-commerce.

Another key advantage is Vietnam’s supportive policy environment. The government has actively pursued economic integration through 17 Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) to date. These agreements enhance market access and strengthen Vietnam’s role in the global supply chain. Combined with its geographic proximity to major shipping routes, Vietnam provides a flexible and agile platform for companies to establish and grow their presence. Overall, it is a compelling location for international business.

Eling: We're seeing a growing number of international companies entering Vietnam for the country’s advantages. Our core mission is to support our customers wherever they need a well-functioning supply chain. What sets us apart is our in-depth understanding of our clients’ supply chains. We analyse their needs and offer integrated logistics solutions that combine warehousing and transportation, all underpinned by a robust IT infrastructure.

We are actively driving the integration of logistics, specifically, Dachser’s strength lies in groupage logistics, essentially, everything that can be placed on a pallet is where we truly excel.

Our IT capability is a key pillar of our service quality. Dachser has been investing in its own software systems for over 35 years. Unlike many others, we don't buy off-the-shelf systems, we build and continuously enhance our own, allowing us to tailor solutions to both our internal network and our customers’ specific requirements. This enables us to deliver high-quality physical goods flow, reliable shipment handling, and precise real-time information that empowers our customers to operate highly efficient supply chains.

What are the key trends shaping Vietnam's logistics industry?

Müller: A key trend in Vietnam’s logistics industry is the shift in global cargo flows, with intra-Asia trade on the rise. Vietnam is evolving beyond manufacturing into a regional hub for assembly and finishing, increasing demand for efficient sourcing and distribution logistics. Cross-border trucking with China, Laos, and Cambodia is expanding, driven by raw material imports. As a result, the logistics landscape is becoming more diversified, with rising demand for a wider range of service offerings.

At the same time, growing intra-Asia trade has made supply chains more complex, requiring real-time tracking and data-driven logistics. Dachser has responded with its digital Dachser Platform in Vietnam, offering customers visibility, documentation management, and integrated supply chain control, key advantages in a fast-changing market.

How is Dachser adapting to Vietnam's changing logistics needs?

Müller: We've observed two major trends shaping Vietnam's logistics sector, an increase in manufacturing and the diversification of product segments, particularly in response to the growing domestic consumer base. One segment that has stood out is luxury goods, driven by Vietnam's rapidly expanding middle class. This includes not only fashion and accessories but also high-end food and beverages, including wines and spirits.

Dachser is well-positioned to capitalise on this trend. A significant part of our heritage and business in Europe lies in food and beverage logistics, it's where our story began. In the 1930s, Thomas Dachser started the company by transporting milk and cheese from the Bavarian Alps to Munich. That legacy still runs deep in our operations today.

In Vietnam, we see a clear opportunity to apply this deep expertise. As demand for premium goods grows, particularly among urban consumers, we are bringing our proven capabilities in food and beverage logistics to this market. This includes leveraging our network and integrated supply chain solutions to serve both global brands entering Vietnam and local companies looking to scale.

By tapping into our global knowledge and adapting it to Vietnam’s evolving needs, Dachser is strengthening its long-term position in the market. We're not just following trends, we’re proactively shaping them, using our strengths to meet the demands of a rapidly developing economy.

What's driving Dachser's success in Vietnam's evolving logistics sector?

Müller: Dachser has achieved strong double-digit growth in Vietnam by expanding beyond traditional freight forwarding to offer warehousing, distribution, and integrated logistics services. As global companies redesign supply chains, Vietnam has emerged as a key hub. Vietnam’s logistics landscape is changing rapidly, and we view that as an opportunity rather than a challenge. Despite global disruptions, the country benefits from production shifts, and Dachser is well-positioned to capture this growth thanks to its strong local presence and skilled team. By investing in people and leveraging global standards, Dachser is not just adapting to Vietnam’s logistics evolution, it’s helping lead it.

Eling: Dachser is growing faster than the overall market in Vietnam, with strong untapped potential ahead. We’re committed to continued investment in our network, talent, and capabilities to support both local and global customers. As a strategic market in Asia, Vietnam plays a key role in our global growth and serves as a vital connector between Asia, Europe, and the Americas. Leveraging our global network, we deliver integrated, high-value logistics solutions tailored to today’s dynamic supply chain demands and fast-moving economy.

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