Sustainable Logistics: The DB SCHENKER Advanced Warehouse Concept

The Challenge

The first ideas for an Advanced Warehouse (AW) emerged around 2014. 
RAI’s central location, combined with the city's and exhibition center’s growth over the years, makes deliveries during fairs a logistical nightmare. Heightened environmental regulations and the need to reduce vehicle traffic around event venues have become urgent challenges.

At the RAI, this led to traffic congestion, increased complaints from neighbors, excessive noise, higher pollution levels, longer delivery wait times and extended working hours. Overcrowded halls and aisles also result in more forklift traffic, raising the risk of accidents for employees, stand constructors, and exhibitors.

“Our goal is to not only reduce inbound and outbound traffic congestion around venues but also contribute to a more sustainable and smooth event industry.”– Nicole Biesheuvel, Vice President Fairs, Events and Special Logistics BeNeLux, DB SCHENKER

Our Solution

DB SCHENKER aims to provide the optimal solution for every event while continuously enhancing it in alignment with our ESG objectives and those of our partners. The solution is to redirect traffic to a strategically located sustainable warehouse outside the city center, reducing congestion at the RAI and in surrounding areas. The first hands-on experience with this innovative concept took place pre-COVID in 2019. In 2022, the project was restarted in collaboration with the RAI.

The Process Explained

“The process is simple: all exhibitor goods are first delivered to the AW, eliminating the need for specific timeslots for delivery at the venue. Intermediately stored at our warehouse, we ensure that the goods arrive at the venue exactly when the exhibitor needs them. Instead of sending multiple small trucks, we consolidate shipments for multiple simultaneous trade exhibitions into one large trailer. We apply the same efficient method during dismantling. All goods are transported back to the AW, where exhibitors can collect them at their convenience.” – Luca Frischmann, Head of Fairs, Events and Special Logistics Netherlands, DB SCHENKER

A Win-Win Situation

The AW-Concept demonstrates that economic aspects can align with ESG objectives and even benefit them. Future regulations that have yet to be announced were proactively implemented, helping shape the future before it is shaped for us.

“Since 2012, DB SCHENKER has been a reliable and loyal logistics partner for us in a sector where extreme flexibility, creative problem-solving, and passion for the profession enable us to stand out from the rest. Their 24/7 service, combined with their proactive thinking and action, results in highly satisfied customers and a pleasant collaboration with the team. The logistics landscape is rapidly evolving. New mobility solutions offer new opportunities to optimize logistics around RAI. 
We are very satisfied with the collaboration with DB SCHENKER, who proactively thinks along with us and drives innovation in this area. 
Over the past years, we have built a sustainable relationship with DB SCHENKER. They are our logistics partner with whom we develop and implement mobility solutions to optimize logistics in and around RAI. We see our partnership as a joint challenge to continuously exceed customer expectations and contribute to RAI’s spatial future vision. Examples include the establishment of an advanced warehouse to reduce transport movements to and from RAI and the deployment of electric vehicles. There are now 12 electric forklifts operating at RAI, which is a major step forward. 
This is where DB SCHENKER truly adds value as a logistics partner for RAI.” –Bart van der Heijden, Director Events, RAI

Looking to the Future

The holistic approach of DB SCHENKER includes reducing CO2 emissions by relying on e-trucks and electric forklifts. The warehouse features its own truck charging station, minimizing additional trips and making e-truck usage more practical for daily operations.  A photovoltaic system, green roof, wind generators, and water recycling options complete the sustainable setup.  

The warehouse is strategically located at the Port of Amsterdam, just 18 minutes from Schiphol Airport, giving customers flexible delivery options by Air, Ocean, or Land Transport.

The Advanced Warehouse Concept has already been implemented or is under consideration in Frankfurt, Hamburg, and Berlin. It’s biggest success so far is the significant reduction in vehicles around the RAI by 1,400 to 1,500 per year, leading to measurable improvements across all areas of our ESG goals.

“In the coming years, the RAI area will be further developed. Housing, offices, and businesses are likely to be added to the RAI area, resulting in reduced available logistics spaces around RAI in the future. The advanced warehouse of DB SCHENKER will play a significant role in compensating the loss of logistics space. Last year, more than 1,600 deliveries were carried out at the advanced warehouse. Yearly, this reduces around 1,400 to 1,500 vehicle movements around the RAI. Today, this start gives the biggest benefit for our immediate surroundings and neighbors by avoiding traffic. And for the future, the advanced warehouse will make RAI ready for further development.” – Wim Braakman, Manager Traffic and Logistics, RAI

DB SCHENKER Fairs, Events and Special Logistics – We Love Extraordinary Logistics. Stronger together.