Backed by DP World, Swissterminal is accelerating growth, connectivity and customer-focused innovation
International logistics juggernaut, Swissterminal, continues building its empire with investment into new products, strategic industry partnerships, and a sustainable vision for the future. The company has come a long way since its founding in 1972, as Chief Executive Officer, Matthias Dischinger, begins: “At Swissterminal, we now combine deep regional expertise with global reach.
“Originally founded as a family business, today we are leading the company into its next generation, together with DP World. Being part of the DP World network allows us to offer a broader portfolio of international logistics products while maintaining our local roots and customer-centric mindset.”
Offering a comprehensive range of services, from container handling to port operations, keeps Swissterminal at the forefront of Europe’s bustling transport industry. As Matthias details: “Swissterminal provides a wide range of inland terminal services, including container handling, storage, customs clearance, and value-added logistics services. We also offer integrated logistics solutions that combine terminal operations with intermodal transport and warehousing.
“In addition, we support customers with standalone transport services – rail and barge in particular. Alongside our container business, our ports in France focus on bulk handling, where we deliver extensive storage and transshipment capabilities.”
Matthias himself has come a long way, too, bringing years of experience to his position at Swissterminal. As he discusses: “I studied economics in Basel, Switzerland, and later in Freiburg, Germany. After my studies, I gained valuable international experience in logistics and leadership, going on to hold positions in global corporations, and working abroad.
“Besides commercial and operations roles on the corporate level, I also gained extensive experience on the country level. All this shaped my international perspective, while sharpening my understanding of what it takes to lead an organization like Swissterminal with a strong local identity. Since joining the company – initially as COO and now as CEO – I have used this background to help drive the company’s development within the DP World Group.”
As one of Swissterminal’s most trusted professional partners, DP World brings operational insights and industry connections: “We benefit from DP World’s global network and its unmatched level of professionalism, all of which helps us to further improve our structures and processes. Being a member of the DP World family enables us to develop new logistics solutions while maintaining our local agility and strong operational culture,” Matthias confirms.
“The support of DP World strengthens our financial and strategic foundation, enabling us to move forward with confidence. Thanks to our partnership, we can now accelerate infrastructure upgrades, expand our intermodal capabilities, and explore new locations to serve our customers more effectively,” he adds.
Alongside strategic partnerships, Swissterminal has been expanding its accreditations to ensure wider reach and consistent compliance. As Matthias reveals: “Our GDP certification underlines our commitment to the highest quality standards in handling temperature-controlled containers. As required by the supply chain, these containers must be handled according to very specific standards and specifications.
“The certification covers our terminals in Basel, Birsfelden, and Frenkendorf, and strengthens our ability to meet strict regulatory expectations while expanding our service offering to customers.”
Having entered an exciting new chapter, Swissterminal now works to strengthen its international presence and core product offering: “We are currently optimizing our footprint in France and are involved in exciting intermodal projects that enhance regional connectivity. Within Switzerland, we are also working to strengthen and expand our network – both physically and digitally.
“A new intermodal product is in preparation, which will further improve connectivity – the details for this will be available very soon. As we work on these projects, we’ll also continue to invest in digitalization, training, and development, to ensure our teams are fully equipped for the future,” Matthias reports.
Having continued to thrive for over 50 years, Swissterminal is well-equipped to overcome whatever challenges the industry faces. As Matthias asserts: “Global trade and political frameworks – such as tariffs and customs conditions – have a direct impact on our import and export customers. Combined with geopolitical uncertainty, conflicts, and exchange rate fluctuations, these factors significantly influence logistics flows.
“On top of that, intermodal rail transport in Europe’s hinterland is increasingly affected by infrastructure challenges and political developments in countries like Germany. At Swissterminal, we respond with effective production systems, strong partnerships, operational flexibility, and a culture shaped by adaptability and long-term thinking.”
Despite uncertainties within the industry, Swissterminal has remained steadfast. “Our priorities include mastering strategic projects such as site expansions, digital transformation, and organizational improvements. We are also focused on strengthening integration and exchange within the DP World network, all while continuing to enhance customer-oriented solutions and sustainability efforts.
“We aim to be a seamlessly connected, future-ready logistics platform that bridges inland and maritime transport. With continued investment and innovation, our vision is to lead not just in Switzerland and France, but to serve as a benchmark for inland terminal operations and intermodal transport across Europe. We especially want to focus on port-to-door connections between seaports and the tri-border region of Switzerland, Germany, and France. Our long-term mission is to act as a neutral terminal operator for a wide range of customers.
“We’re very proud of how far we’ve come – from a family-founded company to a key player in international logistics. Since the transportation and logistics industry is still a people’s business, our focus remains on building strong partnerships, while investing in innovation, and shaping a more sustainable future for the industry,” he concludes.