LOGISTIK HEUTE: Mr. Schmid, you have already published several books in the HUSS-VERLAG, in which LOGISTIK HEUTE also appears. So far these were practice books with clear actionable instructions. Now your first management book has appeared – with the unusual title "Vom Leider zum Leiter". Sounds provocative. What's behind it?
Christian Schmid: The title is deliberately provocative. The word "leider" (unfortunately) keeps appearing in discussions with leaders: "Yes, recently we unfortunately had some transport damages" or "Unfortunately we received a notice to appear." This "unfortunately" stands symbolically for an attitude that prefers to hide behind excuses and look away, instead of taking responsibility and actively working toward a functioning organization.
Many leaders often only perceive problems when external pressure rises – whether from transport insurance, sales, or management. In the worst case, they become aware of their responsibility only when the criminal police initiates investigations.
With "Vom Leider zum Leiter" I pursue a clear goal: I want to support leaders – especially in the logistics sector – in sustainably solving recurring problems. Ideally they recognize their "little problems" early, before they become real problems. In doing so I contribute to the personal safeguarding of leaders and help companies avoid image damage with customers and to future-proof their processes.
Your book advocates for clear structures and real responsibility. Why is that so hard for many leaders?
Besides the lack of awareness of their responsibility, they often cannot imagine the consequences. Added to this is acute time pressure: operational hustle leaves
little room for process improvements. Another factor is cost pressure. Logistics is viewed as a pure cost center in many companies. Packaging, service providers and infrastructure are trimmed. Instead of initiating changes, one clings to the status quo: "We have always done it this way." This attitude impedes progress and increases the risk of damages, legal consequences, and reputational losses.
Is there an "aha moment" you would like to give leadership—some kind of game changer?
This book offers far more than a single "aha moment" — because the benefit strongly depends on the individual reader. Logistics areas are as individual as the people who shape them. Some companies are already well positioned and only need targeted impulses or individual advice. Others are still at the beginning – whether because the operation has just been established or because changes have not been possible or desired so far.
For most, however, one thing will be particularly valuable: the real stories from more than twelve years of hands-on experience with my clients. Some of these appear in the book and help readers recognize their own situation — and understand what exactly can be done to go home in the evening with a clear mind. After all, no one should carry a load mentally on the way to the customer and wonder: "I hope it arrives safely."
Who did you actually write the book for – more for beginners, old hands, or both?
The book is aimed at everyone: both logistics newcomers and
experienced leaders. It targets not only individuals but also young as well as established companies. Beginners and new operations will find valuable impulses to set up their logistics area in a meaningful and future-proof way from the outset. Because every leader brings a desire for change — that is in our nature. A targeted change with a clear plan is the most effective path. Experienced leaders will gain a practical tool from this book to reflect on, optimize, and gain new perspectives on existing structures.
Why do you address leaders in the logistics field so deliberately?
Because real change can only be initiated from the top. It is not enough if individual shipping or warehouse managers try to fix issues. For even the best forklift operator or the most experienced forklift driver cannot achieve anything if the conditions are not right. When every truck is loaded, regardless of its condition, when loading units are formed without a plan and faulty securing materials are used, the result is predictable—and rarely positive. Logistics is a team sport. And as in football: a team with top players will not win the championship if the coach makes wrong decisions.
Won't automation and AI render many structures obsolete anyway?
No. In many companies people talk about Logistics 4.0, about automation, digitization and AI. But all of that is of little use if Logistics 1.0 does not work. For example, imagine the following scenario: a truck is loaded automatically, but is technically dilapidated and the
driver does not know the product. That is not innovation, but a risk.
And not least: Logistics is the last link in the chain before the product reaches the customer. It helps determine whether the customer is satisfied or disappointed. The image of a company depends largely on how professionally and reliably its logistics operate. And image is – especially in times of reviews, social media and global competition – one of the most important currencies in business.
The interview was conducted by Julia Bönsch.
Author: Christian Schmid
Since 2013, Christian Schmid has been advising manufacturing and shipping companies on logistical questions. More than 600 executives have participated in his seminars so far or worked directly with him. Through his work as a sergeant in the Bundeswehr, a driving instructor, and an entrepreneur, he has developed a clear understanding of leadership and responsibility.
In over a decade he has accumulated deep practical experience: He knows what logistic failures look like—and how to succeed. Together with companies, he has written several dozen shipper manuals that clarified structures and defined rules of play for all involved. This allowed problems with control authorities, insurers, and customers to be resolved sustainably. For Schmid, it is not theory, but the measurable practical benefit, that counts.
Book details
Jetzt im HUSS-Shop erhältlich.
- Bibliographic information:
- Author: Christian Schmid
- Vom Leider zum Leiter
- © 1st edition October 2025
- HUSS-VERLAG GmbH, Munich,
- 128 pp., Paperback,
- Format: 170 x 240 mm
- Order no. 220010
- € 24.90 plus VAT and
