Celebrating loyalty: cargo-partner honors long-standing employees worldwide
The international transport and logistics provider celebrates the loyalty of its long-standing employees, with global events honoring round anniversaries of up to 40 years of service. The company’s strong roots in Eastern Europe, a cornerstone of its growth, remain a key focus in its success story.
This year, cargo-partner, a group company of NIPPON EXPRESS HOLDINGS, INC., is marking a milestone by celebrating its long-standing employees, some of whom have been with the company for four decades. With round anniversaries such as 10, 15, 20, 25, 35, and even 40 years being honored across the globe, the celebrations underline the company’s recognition of loyalty and expertise as cornerstones of its success. cargo-partner also follows the motto “we take it personally” when it comes to the company‘s biggest asset – its people. Just as cargo-partner‘s employees put the customer at the center of their work, the company also prioritizes the well-being of its employees.
cargo-partner, founded in 1983 by Stefan Krauter with just five employees at Vienna Airport, has grown into an international transport and logistics provider with over 4,000 employees. A key factor in this success is the dedication of its team members, many of whom have spent the majority of their careers with the company.
“We believe that a diverse workforce that bridges generations is one of our greatest strengths,” said Sabine Neuwirth, who works in the Corporate Human Resources Department at cargo-partner and is celebrating her 15th anniversary with the company this year. “Our long-term employees embody the values of cargo-partner, and their contributions have been instrumental in our growth and achievements over the years. Moreover, it is fun to work here and I have never had a boring moment.”
A Vision Rooted in Eastern Europe
The logistics provider’s journey has been closely tied to the development of Eastern Europe. cargo-partner was one of the first Austrian logistics providers to expand into the region, pioneering its first international branches in Slovakia and the Czech Republic in 1993. This expansion continued through the late 1990s and early 2000s, including Hungary, Slovenia, Croatia, Poland, Romania, Bulgaria, and Serbia.
This focus on Eastern Europe remains a cornerstone of cargo-partner’s success. In January 2024, the company became part of the Nippon Express Group, with its strong regional network cited as a key asset in enhancing the group’s global logistics capabilities. The recognition of long-standing employees as one of the company’s greatest assets reflects the shared values and commitment to loyalty that unite the two companies.
Honoring Decades of Dedication
This year’s global celebrations included events to recognize employees with long tenures, highlighting their impact on the company’s culture and growth. Among them are individuals who have been with cargo-partner since its earliest days.
“Thirty years with cargo-partner is more than just a professional journey – it’s a bond,” said Ralf Reischütz, Global Head of IV Development Pharmaceuticals & Healthcare. “While there were challenges along the way, my connection with the company has always remained strong. Contributing to the development of our specialized logistics solutions, particularly in the complex and rapidly evolving field of pharmaceuticals, has been deeply rewarding. Seeing how our work directly supports healthcare supply chains worldwide makes every challenge worthwhile.”
“After finishing university, I was excited to apply my knowledge and see theory come to life in the dynamic world of logistics,” said Agnieszka Derekov, Corporate Director of Temperature-Controlled Logistics, who is celebrating her 25th anniversary with cargo-partner. “From managing global foodstuffs shipments to leading our temperature-controlled sea freight division, I’ve witnessed firsthand how our innovative solutions ensure the timely delivery of essential perishable goods. Being part of a team that consistently rises to logistical challenges has been one of the most fulfilling aspects of my career.”
Across the company’s international network, employees in various countries are also celebrating noteworthy anniversaries. “Over the past 20 years, I’ve truly had the opportunity to grow – from my start in air freight operations in Slovakia to directly advising clients and helping them find the right solutions for their logistics needs,” said Pavol Ptašinský, Manager Business Development in Slovakia. “Through its focus on employee recognition and development, cargo-partner fosters an environment where loyalty is not only appreciated but encouraged.”
“Reaching my 20th year with cargo-partner reminds me how much this company feels like a global family where every member embodies our core values of ‘we take it personally’ and ‘passion for excellence,” said Nebojsa Djekic, Director Business Development for Serbia and Croatia. “These values, combined with the company’s recognition of individual contributions, have been key reasons for my motivation to stay with the company for so many years.”
As the company celebrates these milestones, it continues to focus on its growth strategy, blending a commitment to its roots with innovation and sustainability. As part of the Nippon Express Group, cargo-partner is well-positioned to continue building on the strong foundations laid over the past four decades.