Celebrating five decades of Swissterminal
Since 1972, forward-thinking logistics solutions and family values have been the hallmarks of our company. Explore our legacy of innovation!
A history with a future
On 1 February 1972, when Alex Mayer founded Container Depot AG – the forerunner for today’s Swissterminal – no one could have imagined what lay ahead. Starting out with an empty depot, a single container and a caravan that served as an office, Alex may not have had much, but he did have a vision. His idea was to create more efficient trade solutions, driven by a strong commitment to customers.
This vision has characterised our business over the last 50 years, just like the Mayer family, who has remained the majority owner to this very day. Our commitment to both progress and people has made Swissterminal what it is now: a leading integrated logistics provider. The first five decades may be behind us, but we’re just as excited about our business as we were at the outset.
We have bold ideas for the years to come that include advancing our terminals, expanding our intermodal network, leveraging new technology, combating climate change and growing our presence to serve more customers across diverse locations. Because at Swissterminal, we carry the future.
Discover more about Swissterminal’s journey and vision in the anniversary issue (November 2023) of the company magazine Good News:
swissterminal.com/en/goodnews-magazine
Journey back in time
a decade
1st2nd3rd4th5thUnbox our company’s history.
A lot can change in 50 years! Travel to one of our previous decades of innovation and explore fond memories of times past.
1972-1982
Our first decade in operation was as groovy as the era… We pioneered the container business and started laying the foundation for the Swissterminal you see today.
1972Alex Mayer founds Container Depot AG, the forerunner for today’s Swissterminal.
1978The company moves from Basel to Frenkendorf, where our HQ is still located.
Go forward in time
1982-1992
Bold and empowered: These two words not only describe this era, but also our second decade in business. After getting operations in Frenkendorf off the ground, we began rapidly growing our service portfolio – and even opened a second location!
1984With the opening of a terminal in Niederglatt, the business expands into eastern Switzerland.
Go forward in time
1992-2002
At the turn of the millennium, track suits, fanny packs and rave music were all the rage. At the same time, the digital revolution was changing the whole world – including our business.
1994Swissterminal acquires Conteba container terminal in Basel from Danzas AG (now DHL).
2000Our founder and CEO Alex Mayer retires, passing the torch to his son Roman Mayer.
2001A rail shuttle between our Niederglatt terminal and the Rhine terminal in Basel is introduced.
Go forward in time
2002-2012
In the 2000s, everything happened at lightning speed. Disruptive technologies and trailblazing products drastically changed the way we lived and worked. At the same time, our business took great leaps forward as we continued to professionalise and expand.
2004Business expansion continues with the opening of the Birsfelden terminal.
2008Terminal Liestal Empty Truck Centre is opened.
2009Activities are centralized in Frenkendorf, and a new, contemporary brand design is introduced.
Go forward in time
2012-2022
From social and climate change efforts to technological advancements and the rise of social media, the past decade has been one of our most action packed yet. At Swissterminal, this decade also brought new product innovations, a partnership with a global logistics provider as well as international expansion.
2016Schweizerzug rail service is founded.
2020DP World joins as a strategic partner, and our warehousing services are launched.
2021The business expands into France with the operational takeover of three French inland ports.
Go back in time
