More than a decade of dependable communication: Why Dachser relies on Retarus Enterprise SMS
Cloud-based SMS provides dependable protection for time-critical processes, IT operations and international customs clearance
Secaucus, March 4, 2026 //
Dachser, a renowned global provider of logistics services, has been relying on Retarus Enterprise SMS for more than a decade. The company uses the cloud-based service to facilitate time-sensitive communication processes worldwide. The Retarus service plays an integral role in Dachser’s daily operations, with over 500,000 text messages ensuring processes, supporting IT operations and sharing information dependably with recipients.
Dachser uses SMS in several business-critical scenarios, including sending delivery and pickup notifications directly to customers via email-to-SMS. This enables Dachser to reach recipients no matter whether they have access to email or specialized applications. The company also uses SMS as a redundant channel for issuing alerts in the case of IT disruptions, thereby increasing operational reliability.
Supporting international customs processes
Another area in which utilizing SMS has proven highly beneficial is international customs clearance. For instance, Dachser supports processes related to the British Goods Vehicle Movement Service (GVMS) via SMS-to-email. In this context, it is of crucial importance that messages are delivered quickly and reliably, as delays may lead to added costs and damage to the company's reputation. At Dachser, SMS transmission takes place directly from its existing business applications such as HCL Domino, the IT monitoring tools CheckMK and Mplus, and Microsoft Outlook. This tight integration into the company’s IT landscape eliminates the need for manual intermediate processing and ensures media continuity.
Managed centrally, used around the globe
Dachser employs Retarus Enterprise SMS on a SaaS (Software-as-a-Service) basis. This architecture has allowed the logistics provider to roll out the service worldwide while administrating it centrally – without having to invest in additional infrastructure. The platform’s consistent user and management controls make it easier to operate across borders and company sites. Using functions such as the capacity to assign “Billing Codes” enables companies to ensure that the resulting communication costs can be allocated transparently to the respective cost centers. UTF-16 encoding ensures error-free transmission of content, even when non-Latin character sets come into play. To control access, Dachser automatically cross-checks authorizations with the active directory. In addition to Enterprise SMS, the logistics company also utilizes other Retarus communication services, including Cloud Fax.
Reliability the crucial factor
For Dachser, the reliable delivery of SMS is paramount. Messages need to arrive without delay and display information correctly to avoid obstructing delivery processes, disrupting IT workflows and delaying customs clearance. Successful use of the service over many years underscores how the Retarus service has continually fulfilled these requirements in daily operations.
“Retarus Enterprise SMS has been operating reliably at Dachser for many years – and whenever questions arise, the Retarus support team responds quickly and with real competence. We greatly appreciate this dependability,” says Hubertus de Poorter, Head of Corporate Indirect Procurement at Dachser.
About DACHSER
DACHSER is one of the global market leaders in system logistics and moved 83.2 million shipments weighing 44.1 million tons in the 2024 financial year. Headquartered in Kempten (Allgäu), the family-owned company is represented at 379 locations worldwide and generated consolidated sales of around 8.1 billion euros in 2024. DACHSER currently employs around 32,850 people. More than half of them work in Germany. DACHSER is represented by its own national subsidiaries in 41 countries.
With its global transport and logistics network and integrated IT solutions, DACHSER strives for the world's most intelligent combination and integration of logistics network expertise. The aim is to optimise the logistics balance of customers from industry and trade.
Since the company was founded, DACHSER's strategy has been geared towards the sustainable growth of its networks. New regions and markets have always been opened up through the establishment of branches and national subsidiaries or the acquisition of companies that could be integrated into the network in a tailor-made way. Consistent adherence to the corporate strategy and corporate values has the highest priority.