Case Study

Supporting Gebrüder Weiss’ U.S. Expansion with Strategic Recruitment

Expanding into new markets requires not only infrastructure but exemplary leadership. For Gebrüder Weiss, a centuries-old logistics company, expanding across the U.S. logistics market meant opening new branch offices in key hubs across the country. But with growth came the challenge of finding experienced leaders who could not only manage new locations but drive them to success. 

Gebrüder Weiss needed talent they could trust to take ownership and deliver results from day one. This is where Freight Appointments came in—building a partnership rooted in trust and commitment to identify the right leadership to make Gebrüder Weiss’ U.S. expansion a reality.

About Gebrüder Weiss

Gebrüder Weiss, founded in 1488 in Lauterach, Austria, is the world's oldest transport and logistics company, with over 180 locations in 30+ countries. The family-owned company offers a full range of logistics services, including road, air, ocean freight, and supply chain management.
While dominant in European road freight and warehousing, Gebrüder Weiss has been strategically expanding in North America, focusing on ocean and air freight to meet the growing demand for integrated global logistics services. As the company looked to expand in the U.S., it became clear that understanding the market’s unique demands was key to success. Gebrüder Weiss recognized that establishing strong leadership was essential to successfully launching and managing new branches in key logistics hubs across the country.

Prior to our involvement, Gebrüder Weiss had already begun its U.S. expansion, but to support growth, the company needed the right regional leaders—people who could establish new teams in new locations to oversee operations and lead in a competitive environment. Our role was to help identify regional leaders who could meet these challenges and drive Gebrüder Weiss' growth in the U.S.

Objective

Gebrüder Weiss aimed to achieve the following as part of its U.S. expansion strategy:

Expand U.S. network by establishing additional branch offices in key freight hubs to strengthen regional operations covering air, ocean, and road freight
Source middle-management level talent with branch management, import & export operations, and commercial development expertise to drive business growth
Enhance brand recognition and market presence in the U.S. by securing experienced professionals capable of leading new offices and managing complex logistics operations
Create a scalable recruitment model to support ongoing expansion, ensuring a consistent pipeline of qualified candidates for future operations

Results

Our partnership has helped reach significant milestones in Gebrüder Weiss' expansion:

23

placements across essential operational and leadership roles, contributing to the success of new branches

18

of these hires have happened since December 2022, showing a deepened and ongoing collaboration

5

successful branch startups in El Paso, Miami, Laredo, Denver, and Phoenix, with more planned for the future

100+

candidates engaged, ensuring a solid pipeline of professionals with sector-specific experience

Zero Attrition

All hires for branch startup roles remain in place, driving long-term stability and success

The Challenge

Gebrüder Weiss aimed to achieve the following as part of its U.S. expansion strategy:

Hire proven leaders with experience managing new branches and operational teams in U.S. logistics hubs

Identify candidates with U.S. market expertise, especially in air and ocean freight, to navigate local market complexities

Partner with a staffing firm they trust—one that understood their goals and could deliver the right talent, backed by strong industry relationships and a reputation for success

Find people who align with company values, ensuring hires were a cultural fit and could contribute to long-term growth

Identifying the right individuals for these roles was critical, as each startup location required leadership that could deliver immediate operational efficiency while aligning with Gebrüder Weiss’ long-term growth strategy.

The Solution

Freight Appointments worked closely with Gebrüder Weiss, building a strong partnership from the start. We immersed ourselves in their goals, providing not just candidates, but leaders who could shape the future of their U.S. expansion:

Understanding Their Vision

We took the time to understand Gebrüder Weiss’ broader goals, ensuring our placements aligned with both their immediate needs and long-term strategy for growth

Targeted Recruitment

Using our extensive network in U.S. logistics, we sourced experienced leaders with proven expertise in ocean and air freight, branch management, and operations who could make an immediate impact

Consultative Partnership

Beyond recruitment, we became trusted advisors, guiding Gebrüder Weiss every step of the way to ensure our candidates weren’t just the right fit for the role, but also for the company’s culture and future vision

Industry Presence and Expertise

We’ve built a reputation as active, reliable partners in the logistics industry, attending key events and staying updated on the latest market trends, which enabled us to find the best talent that meets the evolving needs of Gebrüder Weiss

Building a Relationship Based on Trust

The relationship with Gebrüder Weiss was built gradually over time, rooted in trust and consistent delivery. From the start, we worked closely with their leadership team to understand their unique needs. With every successful placement, our partnership grew stronger. By listening, adapting, and continuously meeting their expectations, we earned their confidence as a trusted recruitment partner, knowing we could deliver the right leaders for each new office.

Our global presence and deep understanding of logistics, combined with a passion for supporting ambitious companies like Gebrüder Weiss, meant we could offer more than just recruitment services. We became an integral part of their expansion strategy, ensuring that every hire was a strategic step toward long-term success. 

We are proud of the relationship we built based on trust, understanding, and the shared goal of helping Gebrüder Weiss continue to grow and succeed in the U.S. logistics market.

Client Testimonial

"Freight Appointments have been instrumental in helping Gebrüder Weiss open branches in new locations including Miami and El Paso, with two or three more in the pipeline. They understand our business and our goals and use that understanding to identify key individuals who can be our first boots on the ground in a new city. These candidates are responsible for everything from finding new premises to building a team of operators and salespeople underneath them. I highly recommend Freight Appointments for more than just finding individual candidates for already established branches."
Sean Yanok
Vice President, Regional Development
Gebrüder Weiss USA
View LinkedIn profile

The Outcome: A Scalable Recruitment Model for Future Growth

Freight Appointments is delighted to be a part of Gebrüder Weiss’ U.S. expansion. Being entrusted with delivering leadership for a brand with such a rich history in the logistics industry has been a rewarding experience. We’re proud to contribute to their growth by providing leaders who will drive not just operational success but long-term strategic growth.

  • 23 successful placements in key leadership and operational roles, each critical to the establishment and success of new branches.
  • 18 hires since December 2022, demonstrating the continued trust and deepening partnership between our teams.
  • Zero attrition: All the candidates placed in branch startup roles have remained in their positions, ensuring stability and continuity across all locations.

At Freight Appointments, we’re more than a recruitment partner. We’re proud to support Gebrüder Weiss in strengthening its position in the U.S. logistics market and helping them navigate the challenges of expansion. As Gebrüder Weiss continues to grow across North America, we are honored to be part of their journey and contribute to their legacy of success in the logistics industry.