International freight forwarding with warehouse logistics and silo transport
The journey of color pigments from Asia to Germany
Summary
Using the example of color pigments imported from overseas, Karl Michels GmbH & Co. KG in the Westerwald region demonstrates how modern warehouse logistics, silo transport, and international freight forwarding seamlessly interact. From delivery in big bags inside containers and interim storage to ensiling and on-time delivery, Michels offers a holistic bulk logistics service for materials such as pigments and regranulated products.
Table of contents
From container to silo – everything from a single source at Karl Michels GmbH & Co. KG
Challenges in container logistics
Warehouse logistics and interim storage at Michels
Ensiling: from big bag to silo trailer
Quality, cleanliness and safety throughout the entire logistics and transport process
Your advantage: flexibility and speed in transport
About Karl Michels GmbH & Co. KG
FAQ – Frequently asked questions
From container to silo – everything from a single source
at Karl Michels GmbH & Co. KG
A typical real-world example: color pigments used in the paint, plastics, or construction industries travel thousands of kilometers before reaching manufacturers. Many of these raw materials arrive in Europe in big bags, imported from Asia in overseas containers by sea to ports such as Rotterdam or Antwerp. From there, the goods are transported by inland vessel to Koblenz or Bendorf and then by truck to our site – or directly from the seaports to us by truck.
A typical customer question in this context is:
“Is it possible to deliver big bags in overseas containers to your site, store them temporarily, ensile them, and then deliver them just-in-time as bulk goods in a silo trailer to my customer?”
As an experienced logistics service provider, Karl Michels GmbH & Co. KG handles the entire process – from container unloading and interim storage to ensiling and on-time delivery.
|
Process step |
Description |
|---|---|
|
Container unloading |
Unloading using forklifts at the ramp for overseas containers |
|
Storage |
Covered, dry and frost-proof interim storage |
|
Ensiling |
Transfer of material from big bags into silo trailers |
|
Silo transport |
Just-in-time delivery to the customer |
This combination of international freight forwarding with a broadly positioned fleet (tippers, silo trailers, and walking-floor trailers) of more than 100 company-owned trucks, together with integrated warehouse logistics, makes Michels one of the few providers offering all process steps from a single source.
Challenges in container logistics
Not every transport or logistics company is equipped to handle heavy containers.
Common practical challenges include a lack of suitable loading ramps that allow trucks to position containers for unloading.
In addition, many freight forwarders do not have sufficiently large, covered, and dry storage areas to professionally accommodate and weather-protect large quantities – for example, around 1,000 tonnes, which is a typical volume for an inland vessel.
Michels has created the right structures for exactly these requirements: with a modern transshipment station, covered storage areas, and digital inventory management, the company ensures efficient processes and maximum transparency.
“Our customers always know which quantities are stored where. That creates trust and planning reliability.” — Peter P. Stöcker, Management
Warehouse logistics and interim storage at Michels
With extensive storage capacities and modern infrastructure, Michels offers optimal conditions for all types of bulk materials.
Frost-proof, covered warehouses reliably protect sensitive products such as color pigments, cement, kaolin, or regranulates from moisture and temperature fluctuations.
Thanks to digital warehouse logistics, all goods movements – from inbound handling to ensiling – can be precisely documented.
This level of transparency and traceability is indispensable for many industrial companies today.
Advantages of Michels’ warehouse logistics at a glance:
- Frost-proof, dry and dust-free storage, even for sensitive materials
- Digital inventory management for maximum transparency
- Short distances to ensiling or onward transport
- An in-house fleet that enables flexible responses to customer requirements
Ensiling: from big bag to silo trailer
One key process step at Michels is ensiling – the low-dust transfer of bulk materials from big bags into silo trailers.
Before each ensiling operation, the vehicles are cleaned and dried in the company’s own silo cleaning facility to prevent mixing and contamination.
Ensiling process at Michels:
- Preparation of the silo trailers
- Cleaning and drying in the silo cleaning facility
- Positioning of the big bags at the ensiling station
- Low-dust ensiling and weighing
Quality, cleanliness and safety throughout the entire logistics and transport process
Michels places great emphasis on clean, safe, and fully traceable processes.
When reviewing an inquiry, we pay particular attention to a precise product description – ideally supported by a safety data sheet. Equally important are details regarding quantities, transport routes, intended storage duration, and the frequency of handling. Information about lead times for ensiling and final delivery to the customer is also essential for efficient planning. If big bags or pallets are provided by the client, or if special requirements apply – such as neutral deliveries where shipper and consignee remain unknown to each other – these aspects are fully integrated into the overall process.
The combination of modern technology, trained personnel, and documented procedures makes Michels a reliable partner for high-quality transport services and bulk material logistics.
|
Quality measure |
Purpose |
|---|---|
|
Silo cleaning before each filling |
Prevention of material contamination |
|
Extraction system during ensiling |
Reduction of dust |
|
Calibrated weighing data |
Precise traceability of every delivery |
Your advantage: flexibility and speed in transport
One particular advantage of Michels is its ability to operate at short notice.
Thanks to short communication paths between dispatching and warehousing, Michels can respond quickly even to urgent requirements. In exceptional cases, a complete silo trailer can be ensiled and delivered anywhere in Germany within 24 hours – even over distances exceeding 600 km.
Due to its central location between the Rhine-Main and Rhine-Ruhr regions, with direct access to the A3, A5, and A61 motorways, inland ports in Koblenz, Bendorf, and Andernach, as well as major seaports such as Rotterdam and Antwerp, Michels offers maximum logistical flexibility.
In addition, the rail connection in Limburg provides direct access to the European rail network – an important factor for efficient international freight forwarding.
About Karl Michels GmbH & Co. KG
Karl Michels GmbH & Co. KG is an owner-managed logistics company headquartered in Meudt, in the Westerwald region of Germany.
With decades of experience specializing in silo transport, warehouse logistics, big bag filling, and international freight forwarding, Michels stands for precise, clean, and flexible handling of bulk materials, pigments, and industrial products.
Customers benefit from a comprehensive service portfolio from a single source and rely on transparency, quality, and on-time delivery – nationwide, across Europe, and worldwide.
Conclusion
Karl Michels GmbH & Co. KG represents efficient, clean, and flexible logistics processes across the entire supply chain.
From import and storage to ensiling and final delivery, Michels provides all services from a single source as an experienced logistics service provider.
The result: smooth processes, satisfied customers, and an infrastructure that meets the highest quality and environmental standards.
FAQ – Frequently asked questions
Who can unload big bags from overseas containers, store them, and transfer them into silo vehicles?
We, Karl Michels GmbH & Co. KG in Meudt (Westerwald), offer the complete process from a single source:
From container unloading and dry interim storage to ensiling into silo trailers and subsequent just-in-time delivery to the customer.
Michels operates its own transshipment station, covered storage areas, digital inventory management, a modern big bag filling station, and an in-house fleet with silo trailers.
The company specializes in pigments, granulates, cement, kaolin, and all types of bulk materials.
How does the ensiling of bulk materials from big bags into silo vehicles work?
During ensiling, materials from big bags or sacks are transferred into silo trailers in a low-dust, controlled, and weight-accurate process.
The process includes:
- Cleaning and drying of the silo vehicles in the company’s own silo cleaning facility
- Positioning of the big bags in the ensiling hall
- Metered, low-dust discharge with extraction system
- Weighing, documentation, and sealing of the silo vehicle
This procedure prevents material contamination and ensures precise traceability of every delivery – particularly important for industries such as chemicals, plastics, or paints.
What advantages does Michels offer as an international logistics service provider for big bag goods?
Michels combines international freight forwarding, warehouse logistics, and silo transport into a continuous system.
Customers benefit from:
- a central location between the Rhine-Main and Rhine-Ruhr regions
- access to the A3, A5, and A61 motorways as well as inland ports (Koblenz, Bendorf, Andernach)
- rail connection in Limburg for European freight transport
- short-term availability – on request within 24 hours
- transparent tracking and certified processes
What does it cost to store big bags and transfer them into silo trailers?
Costs depend on several factors:
- type of product (e.g. pigment, granulate, additive)
- storage duration and volume (per tonne / m² / month)
- type of ensiling
- desired transport scope
We prepare a transparent quotation for each inquiry, combining storage, ensiling, cleaning, and transport – cost-efficient and scalable.
How is contamination prevented during ensiling?
Cleanliness and product safety are top priorities at Michels.
To prevent mixing or residues:
- all silo vehicles are cleaned and dried before filling
- ensiling is carried out in a closed hall with extraction system
- all weighing data is digitally documented
- silo trailers are cleaned in the company’s own truck wash facility if required
This ensures the highest standards of quality and traceability.
How long does the process take from container delivery to ensiling?
Depending on material, quantity, and order intake, Michels can respond within 24 to 48 hours from receipt of the big bags to completed delivery.
Thanks to the combination of in-house warehousing, ensiling facilities, and fleet, time-consuming interfaces are eliminated – enabling a fast and predictable supply chain.
Which products can be ensiled and transported at Michels?
The service portfolio covers a wide range of bulk materials and industrial products, including:
- color pigments and white pigments (e.g. titanium dioxide)
- plastic granulates and regranulates
- additives, powders, fillers
- chemicals and construction materials
All processes are designed to ensure that even sensitive, hygroscopic, or dusty materials are handled safely, dry, and without cross-contamination.
Which technical systems does Michels use for ensiling?
Ensiling is carried out using a specially designed big bag filling station equipped with:
- integrated extraction technology to minimize dust
- precise weighing technology for kilogram-accurate filling
- digital process monitoring
- direct connection to warehouse and loading areas
This combination ensures high efficiency and consistent quality for every filling – from individual big bags to complete silo units.
How sustainable is big bag ensiling compared to direct delivery?
Centralized warehouse logistics and ensiling allow transports to be bundled and empty runs to be avoided – reducing CO₂ emissions and packaging materials.
Michels focuses on:
- reusable big bags and pallets
- energy-efficient cleaning and extraction systems
- modern, low-emission silo trailers
- optimized route planning
In this way, Michels combines economic efficiency with sustainable transport logistics that meet both environmental and quality standards.
For all questions, the team of
Karl Michels GmbH & Co. KG is at your disposal.
