CATL and GDB Logistics: the combination of customs expertise, cost advantages, and geographical proximity

Stories

CATL and GDB Logistics: the combination of customs expertise, cost advantages, and geographical proximity

We provided CATL with cost-optimized warehousing capacity suitable for handling goods under the T1 customs procedure. This enabled the transfer of containers from the high-cost bonded warehouse in the Port of Hamburg to a storage location outside the port environment, significantly reducing storage expenses.

Introduction

Our customer
CATL is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of battery systems for electric mobility and energy storage solutions with over 130.000 Employees and with a yearly turnover of more than 44 Billion EUR. For the European market, CATL imports large volumes of goods via sea freight through the Port of Hamburg. CATL’s European production facility is located in Thuringia (Arnstadt).

Challenge
During a major container inbound shipment, the goods were held under the T1 customs transit procedure at the Port of Hamburg. While bonded warehouses were generally available in the Port of Hamburg, they were very cost-intensive and therefore not economically viable for longer-term storage.

A cost-optimized bonded warehousing solution was required that:

  • allows handling under the T1 procedure,
  • is available at short notice, and
  • is logistically well connected to CATL’s existing warehouse in Thuringia.

Objectives

CATL pursued the following objectives:

  • Reduction of the high storage costs at the bonded warehouse in the Port of Hamburg
  • Rapid removal of T1 containers from the port area
  • Utilization of a cost-efficient bonded storage facility outside the port environment
  • Ensuring legally compliant handling under the T1 customs procedure
  • Establishing a logistically efficient interim solution close to CATL’s own warehouse location in Arnstadt

Approach

Solution
We provided CATL with cost-optimized warehousing capacity suitable for handling goods under the T1 customs procedure. This enabled the transfer of containers from the high-cost bonded warehouse in the Port of Hamburg to a storage location outside the port environment, significantly reducing storage expenses.

Thanks to our strategic location in Central Germany, a logistically efficient connection to CATL’s warehouse in Arnstadt (Thuringia) was ensured.

Methodology

  • Coordination with the freight forwarder and customs authorities
  • Receipt and storage of the goods in our customs-compliant warehouses
  • Continuation of the T1 transit procedure outside the port area
  • Flexible availability of the goods for onward transport to Arnstadt
  • Opening of a new T1 procedure as part of the onward transportation process

Results

Measurable results

  • Significantly lower storage costs compared to bonded warehousing at the Port of Hamburg
  • Avoidance of long-term dwell times in the port area
  • Cost-efficient interim storage solution prior to onward relocation to Arnstadt, Thuringia

Qualitative results

  • High level of cost and planning security for CATL
  • Reduced workload for CATL’s logistics and customs departments
  • Seamless integration into ongoing operations

As a result of the successful implementation, CATL has since become a long-term customer and regularly uses our warehousing solutions.

Customer perspective

Experience
From CATL’s perspective, the decisive factors were the combination of customs expertise, cost advantages, and geographical proximity to its own warehouse location. The solution enabled CATL to avoid high port storage costs without compromising customs compliance.

High Port Storage Costs – and Complex T1 Customs Procedures?

Many companies face the challenge that goods under the T1 customs transit procedure must remain in the port due to the lack of suitable and cost-effective bonded warehousing alternatives. These procedures are highly complex and are offered by only a limited number of logistics service providers outside the port environment.

We provide cost-optimized, customs-compliant warehousing solutions with T1 handling, located outside high-cost port areas.

Flexible, legally compliant, and strategically located – even for complex customs and regulatory requirements.

Talk to us if you want to:

  • avoid high storage costs in the port area,
  • find an alternative to expensive bonded warehouses, or
  • require a short-notice, T1-capable warehousing solution.

Specialized Expertise in Lithium-Ion Batteries

In addition, we offer extensive operational and regulatory expertise in handling lithium-ion batteries. Our facilities are fully equipped for WGK 3 (Water Hazard Class 3) requirements, including appropriate floor sealing, safety measures, and compliance infrastructure. This enables us to safely and legally store hazardous and sensitive goods, ensuring full regulatory compliance while maintaining operational flexibility for our customers.

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