Located in 's-Heerenberg, about 20 kilometers east of Arnhem, JCL Logistics has been active in the bicycle industry for several decades. The company initially focused on the storage and transshipment of bicycles on behalf of manufacturers. In 2017, it expanded its services by introducing its own distribution network for bicycle retailers in the so-called premium region, which includes the Netherlands, northern Belgium, and western Germany.
“Previously, we outsourced this work to transporters, but we noticed a decline in the quality of distribution and a rise in costs, largely due to the growing popularity of heavier e-bikes,” says Bert de Vries, the company's CEO. “Transporters faced challenges with the weight of e-bikes, often exceeding 30 kilograms, leading to damage and dissatisfaction. We decided to take on this challenge ourselves, starting small and gradually building a dedicated distribution system.”
JCL Logistics now operates a fleet of vehicles, including vans, box trucks, city trailers, and standard trailers, to meet the varying needs of its premium region. The company's drivers are ADR-certified, ensuring safe transport of batteries alongside bicycles.
Capacity for over 190,000 bikes
In early 2023, JCL Logistics opened a new 34,000-square-meter facility, increasing its total bike storage capacity to over 190,000 bicycles. The company distributes more than one million bicycles annually, including models from leading brands, across Europe. For deliveries outside the premium region, JCL Logistics relies on trusted external partners.
Seamless service for manufacturers and dealers
“Our goal is to offer comprehensive logistics solutions, supporting both manufacturers and dealers. We ensure safe, reliable, and consistent delivery throughout the year,” explains De Vries. “Dealers know exactly when to expect us, and we streamline deliveries by combining shipments from multiple brands. This minimizes disruptions and allows us to pick up returns at the same time.”
Deliveries are tailored to dealers' needs, with bicycles taken directly to storage or workshop areas rather than being left in retail spaces. Dealers only need to verify the shipment's accuracy.
Assembly services
JCL Logistics has become a crucial link in the entire supply chain of bicycle manufacturers over time. Its role goes far beyond mere storage and transportation to stores. Upon request, JCL Logistics also handles part of the assembly process at its own facilities. This primarily involves batteries, which are stored separately. Manufacturers provide instructions on which batteries to mount only shortly before delivery.
“The advantage for our customers is that they can produce fewer units and maintain much greater flexibility,” explains De Vries. “Lead times are significantly reduced. An additional benefit is that shipping from Asia becomes much more efficient when frames and batteries are transported separately.”
Thermal cameras
The company’s 's-Heerenberg facility features state-of-the-art safety systems, including sprinklers and thermal cameras. “We monitor the temperature of incoming batteries and perform a second check an hour later to ensure stability,” explains business manager Ivo van der Zwaag. “We’ve also equipped areas where batteries are unpacked and prepared with detection cameras to mitigate risks. Additional measures are in place for emergencies.”
New battery storage facility for 12,000 pallets
In February, JCL Logistics will open a new, dedicated storage facility near its current location. Covering 8,300 square meters, the facility complies with all European safety standards for battery storage. “Because this warehouse is located even closer to our bicycle storage facility, we can operate much more flexibly, quickly, and efficiently,” says Van der Zwaag. He anticipates that this development will make JCL Logistics an even more attractive partner for additional brands.
“Our outlook is that more and more manufacturers will ship bicycles with separate batteries to retailers, with the batteries only being added to the bicycles later in the supply chain. We can easily take on this part of the process,” he explains.
Expansion into Southern Germany
The new battery storage facility is not the end of JCL Logistics' expansion ambitions. Later this year, the logistics partner will launch a new branch along the axis between Frankfurt and Stuttgart, aiming to expand its service area.
“We currently handle distribution as far as Cologne, but our freight data shows that many bicycles are destined for locations further south,” explains De Vries. “We also see opportunities for collaboration with other brands in Germany that can be integrated into our logistics concept. Several manufacturers have already expressed interest and are eager to work with us.”
This article is sponsored by JCL Logistics.
