Lidl Starts Own Shipping Line Amidst Supply Chain Woes

The German retailing giant Lidl, part of the Schwarz Group, has started its own shipping line, “Tailwind Shipping Line,” for greater consistency and flexibility in managing its supply chain.

Lidl is the fifth-largest retailer globally, operating around 11,200 stores in 32 countries. They recently applied with the European Trademark office to register the name “Tailwind Shipping Line” and other details associated with the new venture. The application states that this new operation will be used for import and export cargo handling, including air and ship cargo transport.

The news of the retailer being in negotiations with shipping companies was reported in the German trade publication Lebensmittel-Zeitung and was later directly confirmed by the company. The trade publication also said that Lidl tried to invest in existing shipping companies before starting their shipping line.

There are reports of the retailer currently having a transport volume of 400 to 500 TEU per week. The number of ships to be purchased by the shipping line and the routes they intend to ply is unknown.