Holding out for a hero: European shippers are on the lookout for a logistics provider who can navigate the U.S. market.

European shippers at this year’s Transport Logistik conference, the largest logistics conference in Europe, expressed their concern with how difficult it is for them to break into and navigate the increasingly changing U.S. market.

European shippers have discovered that to navigate the difficult challenges they face, they need to employ a competent, highly connected, U.S. based logistics advisor with a history of developing out-of-the box supply chain strategies. Ideally, these hard-to-find advisors should have a deep understanding of the U.S. market. This understanding can help them create strategies that can help keep costs down – a key to competing in the world’s largest consumer market.

“Getting traction in the U.S. market is hard enough when the market is calm,” said Anthony Fullbrook, president of OEC Group’s North American Region. “However, it becomes exceedingly difficult when things are uncertain and European shippers are understanding just how critical it is to have an expert on your side in both the best and most difficult of times.”

In addition to finding an expert with intricate knowledge of the U.S. market, European shippers are also looking to work with a logistics company that can offer additional services and provide one-stop-shop services to help make their supply chains more efficient, cost effective, and easier to sustain.

Many European shippers are searching for logistics partners to be able to provide trucking, warehousing, and customs brokerage connections, as many European companies see this as a major need.

“Finding and working with an experienced logistics expert who both has deep industry relationships and understands the supply chain nuances associated with the U.S. market will put shippers on a path to long-term success,” said Nick Klein, Vice President of Sales, and Marketing for OEC Group. “My advice for any European shipper who finds a logistics expert that can provide them with all the necessary knowledge and services is simple: do whatever it takes to hold on to that expert. Like any hero, there are very few of them around.”