Eurosender, the online logistics booking platform recently celebrated its 10th anniversary. CEO and founder Jan Štefe tells us more about the company’s biggest successes, lessons learnt, and collaborations with Luxembourg players POST and SnT.
You recently celebrated 10 years of Eurosender. What are some of the achievements of the past decade that you are most proud of?
Celebrating the 10th anniversary of Eurosender has been a remarkable milestone for us. Reflecting on the past decade, several achievements stand out that have shaped our journey and define who we are today.
First and foremost, I am incredibly proud of the strong team we have built. From a small startup, we have grown to a robust organization of over 100 dedicated professionals. This includes a core team of 30 experts in research and development, primarily based in Luxembourg, which underscores our commitment to innovation and excellence. Our R&D team has been instrumental in driving the technological advancements that keep Eurosender at the forefront of the logistics industry.
Secondly, serving over 1,000,000 clients on our platform every month, it is a testament to the trust and reliability we have established in the market. Every month, countless individuals and businesses visit our platform, relying on us for their logistics needs. This consistent engagement highlights the value we provide and our ability to meet diverse shipping requirements efficiently and effectively.
Moreover, our ability to cater to a wide spectrum of clients is a significant achievement. From small, one-time shippers to large e-commerce businesses and even national postal operators, Eurosender has developed solutions that are versatile and scalable. This flexibility has allowed us to expand our reach and ensure that our services are accessible to anyone in need of reliable logistics support.
What are some of the strangest things that people have tried to ship?
Over the past decade, Eurosender has handled a wide variety of shipments, ranging from the everyday to the extraordinary. Among the most common items we’ve shipped are personal belongings and furniture for people relocating, and even full mobile houses.
Our services have also facilitated the transport of various modes of transportation, with a significant number of bicycles and electric bikes, as well as cars—including some very rare and valuable supercars. One of the most remarkable shipments involved parts of an airplane, such as engines and tails, which required special preparations due to their unique nature and size.
We’ve also encountered numerous unusual requests. For instance, we’ve been asked to ship human or animal remains, which we do not allow in our network due to regulatory and ethical considerations. Perhaps the most surprising request was from individuals wanting to be shipped as cargo themselves, a service we unequivocally do not offer.
Despite these unusual requests, the most commonly shipped items remain those close to the heart of our regular customers, particularly those living abroad. Many of these customers ship local foods and other items from their home countries that evoke a sense of familiarity and nostalgia. These shipments often include traditional delicacies and personal mementos that provide a comforting connection to their homeland.
The diversity and uniqueness of the items we ship reflect the vast and varied needs of our clients. Each shipment tells a story, whether it’s a precious item reminding someone of home or a highly specialized piece of equipment requiring careful handling. Our ability to cater to such a wide range of requests is a testament to the flexibility and reliability of our services. As we continue to grow, we look forward to embracing even more unique challenges and delivering solutions that meet the evolving needs of our clients.
“In logistics, success hinges on innovation, efficiency, and execution, and AI has been instrumental in achieving all three for Eurosender.”
Jan Štefe, Founder and CEO of Eurosender
In 2017, Eurosender partnered with Post Luxembourg. How has this partnership evolved since then?
JS: The partnership with POST Luxembourg in 2017 marked a pivotal moment in the history of Eurosender, contributing significantly to our growth and success over the years. This collaboration has been instrumental in propelling Eurosender to new heights, resulting in a tenfold increase in revenue and a fivefold growth in our workforce, ultimately reaching stable profitability.
POST Luxembourg has provided invaluable knowledge and connections, which have been essential in enabling our expansion. Their expertise and support have allowed us to develop our service portfolio from simple parcel shipments to a comprehensive array of logistics solutions, including parcels, pallets, VANs, and trucks. This diversification has equipped us to meet the diverse needs of our clients and has significantly broadened our market reach.
During this period, Eurosender has evolved from a company primarily catering to individuals and small clients into a multinational logistics player capable of handling the most demanding tasks for Europe’s largest clients. Our ability to tackle complex logistics challenges and deliver exceptional service has been greatly enhanced by the strategic insights and industry connections provided by POST Luxembourg.
AT: Partnering with Eurosender in 2017 has been a transformative experience for POST Luxembourg. This collaboration has not only contributed to Eurosender’s impressive growth but has also been fundamental in keeping us at the digital forefront of the logistics industry. It is a prime example of POST Luxembourg’s constant commitment to digital innovation, as demonstrated by our involvement in recent initiatives like the new compartment of the Digital Tech Fund to support innovative startups.
Working with a young, agile company like Eurosender, where decisions and innovations happen rapidly, has provided us with invaluable insights in the world of start-ups – it’s been fascinating to see their dynamic approach from up close. While we have always been available to offer advice and support as experienced partners, we have also seen them grow increasingly self-sufficient. In fact, this blend of perspectives has enabled both companies to learn and adapt, leading to mutual growth and innovation, exemplifying how traditional companies can thrive alongside startups.
After 10 years, we can proudly say that Eurosender has matured from a startup into a well-established company. We are honored to have witnessed their evolution and to have played a part in their success.
Given Luxembourg’s strategic position in Europe, how has establishing a base there influenced Eurosender’s business operations and market reach?
Establishing our base in Luxembourg has significantly influenced Eurosender’s operations and market reach. Luxembourg provides an excellent environment for a scale-up company, with a talented and hardworking workforce essential for business growth. Its central position in Europe places us close to major markets, enhancing our operational efficiency and service reliability.
Luxembourg’s strong reputation in logistics has helped us build trust with our clients. The country’s robust infrastructure and supportive regulatory framework have facilitated our expansion and innovation. Overall, Luxembourg’s strategic advantages have been pivotal in shaping our growth and success in the European market.
You’ve also collaborated with the SnT to leverage AI in the logistics sector. How has AI improved your operations?
In logistics, success hinges on innovation, efficiency, and execution, and AI has been instrumental in achieving all three for Eurosender. Our usage of AI has allowed us to leverage various aspects of our business, significantly enhancing efficiency and customer satisfaction.
But our cooperation with SnT goes further than that: Through AI and machine learning, we’ve optimized vehicle utilization and load distribution. This not only drives down costs and reduces emissions but also improves profitability for all parties involved. By continuously refining these processes, we ensure that our operations are not only efficient but also environmentally sustainable.
The integration of AI has transformed our logistics capabilities, making us more agile and responsive to market demands. This cooperation with SnT represents a significant step forward in our commitment to innovation and operational excellence.
“Over the next decade, our goal at Eurosender is to transition from a small logistics company to a major player in the industry.”
Jan Štefe, Founder and CEO of Eurosender
What are some of the biggest lessons you’ve learnt over the past decade?
Firstly, I’ve realized that the foundation of any business growth is hard work. Dedication and persistence are crucial in navigating the various challenges that come our way. Secondly, it’s essential to focus on doing the right things, but that’s only part of the equation. Timing and quality are equally important. Executing strategies at the right moment and maintaining high standards are critical for sustained success.
Additionally, business conditions are constantly changing. Opportunities can arise and disappear quickly, so a successful business must be agile and adaptable. Being able to navigate through these fluctuations while continuing to grow is key. Lastly, the biggest limitations to growth often lie in the ambitions and commitment of people. The drive and dedication of our team members are fundamental to overcoming obstacles and reaching new heights. These lessons have been integral to our journey at Eurosender.
What are your goals for the next ten years?
Over the next decade, our goal at Eurosender is to transition from a small logistics company to a major player in the industry. Currently, any company in our market with less than €100m in revenue is still considered small & we are in that group. However, we see tremendous potential for growth, especially with the strong R&D base we have established in Luxembourg.
We believe that our advanced technology will give us a competitive edge, enabling us to significantly expand our market presence. Our vision for the next ten years is to achieve over €1bn in revenue and grow our team to more than 500 employees. Out of these, we aim to have at least 300 dedicated to R&D and automation, ensuring that we remain at the forefront of innovation in the logistics sector.
By focusing on technological advancements and expanding our capabilities, we are confident that Eurosender will evolve into a leading logistics company, capable of tackling the most complex challenges and delivering exceptional value to our clients.
