5 compelling reasons to choose a Swiss company over DHL

Large international carriers face structural difficulties in offering truly personalized service due to their size. The international express services market is highly concentrated: the five main players (including DHL Group) hold nearly 92% of the market, which leads to standardized offerings that do not always meet the specific needs of companies.

Conversely, Swiss logistics companies favor partnerships and tailor-made solutions. STAR Logistique exemplifies this approach through several differentiating features:

●      Partnership-based relationships: Business relationships are built on trust and cooperation.

●      Continuous availability: Guaranteed hotline and after-sales service.

●      Tailored solutions: A mission focused on personalized logistics and transportation services.

●      Complete supply chain coverage: Complete management of all logistics stages.

This personalized approach is particularly important when transporting complex or urgent shipments requiring immediate decision-making.

Regional specialists have in-depth knowledge of regulations and operational expertise that global players cannot always offer.

Switzerland boasts world-class infrastructure: more than 80,000 kilometers of roads, including approximately 1,500 km of motorways, ensuring optimal connections for national and international road transport. In addition, Switzerland has an excellent rail network, with a daily transport of approximately 185,000 tons of goods.

Swiss logistics providers offer distinctive advantages when it comes to alternatives to international transport via DHL:

●      Regulatory expertise: customs clearance management, taxation, warehousing, and logistics. A significant advantage for regular transport needs.

●      Strategic location: Geneva, an ideal distribution hub in the heart of Europe and in neighboring France, facilitating imports from Europe.

●      Specialized handling: the ability to manage fragile, dangerous, high-value, or oversized goods.

●      Multimodal options: road transport in Europe, sea and air freight for Asia, the Americas, and Africa.

This expertise is crucial for companies operating in Europe, where understanding cross-border regulations is essential.

While DHL focuses primarily on express services, Swiss logistics companies offer comprehensive solutions covering the entire supply chain. Logistics is a key factor in e-commerce success, highlighting the importance of integrated management beyond simple transportation.

STAR Logistique provides:

●      Warehousing solutions: presence in Germany, Canada, Spain, the United States, France, Italy, the United Kingdom, and Switzerland, with worldwide distribution.

●      E-commerce integration: comprehensive services including warehousing, cross-docking, logistics planning (WMS), and e-logistics.

●      Order management: comprehensive inventory tracking from customer order to delivery.

●      Technology integration: secure online access, ready-to-use file templates, ERP/CMS compatibility, connectors, and APIs.

●      Cross-border services: customs clearance, tax representation, commercial domiciliation, etc.

This integrated approach eliminates coordination issues between multiple service providers and improves overall supply chain visibility.

Swiss companies excel in secure transport, particularly for high-value and sensitive goods. STAR Logistique has made this a specialty. This is a major asset for companies looking for a more reliable alternative to DHL's standard services, which offer only minimal security and insurance.

STAR Logistique expertise covers:

●      Secure warehousing and transport: protection of watches, jewelry, precious metals, spare parts, confidential documents, works of art, and luxury goods.

●      Dangerous Goods Management: Storage and transportation of dangerous goods, compliant with regulations, regardless of the chosen mode.

●      International coverage: national and international solutions including customs clearance and taxation.

●      Regulatory compliance: Strict adherence to standards for all types of transportation, including the transport of hazardous materials.

These specialized skills meet the needs of sectors where safety is critical, and where standard express services may be insufficient.

Swiss logistics companies generally offer clearer pricing models than the complex structures of large groups. Their international networks allow them to guarantee preferential rates and real-time tracking, offering an advantage well beyond the simple cost of transportation.

Pricing benefits include:

●      Preferential rates: Specific to transportation companies, thanks to partnerships with international carriers.

●      Volume-based pricing: Negotiated on a case-by-case basis based on quantities and type of goods.

●      Technological efficiency: Use of WMS software to optimize logistics flows and productivity.

●      Control of the entire supply chain: tax, warehousing, order and logistics management, transportation, etc.

These advantages translate into reduced lead times, better inventory management, and increased operational efficiency. A win-win for you and your customers.

For example, in the Asia-Pacific region, the interregional segment dominates the international express market, with a 73% share in 2024. This region is the largest in terms of volume, but European companies benefit from the expertise of regional specialists who understand local dynamics.

Swiss logistics companies offer:

●      Regional specialization: perfect mastery of the Swiss-European trade corridors.

●      A partnership approach: relationships based on trust, not just transactions.

●      Operational flexibility: the ability to maintain high standards while adapting quickly.

Sector expertise: recognized know-how in the transport of valuables, particularly in watchmaking.

DHL's lack of flexibility can be a concern if your company is in the process of reducing CO2. While these large groups are investing heavily in reduction projects, this solution may not be suitable for your business. With approximately 40% of CO2 emissions related to the last mile, it may seem natural to obtain a report on your journeys and be able to adapt your logistics to your CSR objectives. This is an advantage that DHL does not offer..

Furthermore, DHL often uses centralized hubs to sort your packages, which can lead to more transport. Swiss companies, with local hubs, facilitate deliveries by avoiding empty return journeys.

DHL still remains largely dependent on air transport for its express shipments. This decision increases its carbon footprint. 

Swiss companies often operate with renewable and local energy and are more easily certified as renewable with Swiss certifications.

The international express market continues to grow, estimated at a compound annual rate of 6.74% to reach USD 96.77 billion by 2030.

While DHL's global network guarantees extensive coverage, Swiss logistics companies offer specialized expertise, personalized service, and comprehensive solutions. Indeed, they are particularly suited to the needs of European companies wishing to import their goods into Switzerland or vice versa.

STAR Logistique embodies this Swiss approach to international logistics: combining precision, reliability, and true partnership. For companies seeking an alternative to DHL's standardized offerings, Swiss specialists represent a strategic choice, capable of improving operational efficiency and competitive positioning.

Companies wishing to optimize their international transport operations should consider the support of Swiss providers such as STAR Logistique, capable of providing the competitive advantage necessary for successful expansion.