Jacob Lee Ørnstrand, CEO of PNO

Can you briefly introduce yourself, your position, and your company? 

I’m the Refounder of PNO, a company my father started in the 1970s. Under my leadership, we’ve expanded from 2 to 7 European markets, doubled our fleet to 14,000 assets, and developed a cutting-edge tech platform to achieve top-tier performance with our team of 80 employees.

At PNO, we’re more than just a trailer rental company; we’re a family-owned business dedicated to leading the transition to sustainable freight. Established in Denmark, we provide competitive rental solutions and are proud to be the largest certified B Corporation in the Nordics.

During the IAA TRANSPORTATION, PNO, in cooperation with the IAA TRANSPORTATION partner myClimate, will have its own CO2 footprint balanced at IAA TRANSPORTATION. Read here what PNO is doing for sustainability.

Jacob Lee Ørnstrand
CEO of PNO

What does the IAA TRANSPORTATION slogan “People and Goods On The Move” mean to you?

For us at PNO, it aligns perfectly with our purpose: Leading the transition to sustainable freight.” It’s about moving goods in the most efficient and environmentally friendly way possible. This drives us to create solutions that not only meet the demands of our customers but also contribute positively to the world we live in.

What are your expectations for IAA TRANSPORTATION 2024?

I hope to see more openness towards innovative solutions to industry challenges. Road freight and logistics have been known for being traditionally conservative, but the winds of change are blowing, and that’s incredibly motivating. I am coming to IAA with great excitement.

What topic will you be presenting at IAA TRANSPORTATION 2024?

We’ll be focusing on flexibility for our customers. Inspired by the shared economy’s success in other sectors, we’re moving from fragmented, individual trailer usage to a smarter, connected capacity approach. By pooling trailer resources, we offer unmatched flexibility, efficiency, and sustainability, maximizing utilization, reducing costs, and minimizing environmental impact.

What crucial topic of the future gets too little attention from the public in your opinion?

The underutilization of trailer freight capacity. Addressing the 384 billion empty kilometers in European road freight could unlock massive cost and carbon savings. Eliminating these empty kilometers could save an estimated €914.92 billion and reduce CO2 emissions by 460.8 million tonnes. This is a substantial opportunity for cost and environmental benefits.

In which area of the transport and logistics sector do you see the greatest potential and where do you see the most room for improvement?

As mentioned earlier, the greatest potential lies in reducing empty kilometers. Utilizing these kilometers more effectively can lead to significant cost savings and a major reduction in carbon emissions.

IAA TRANSPORTATION is the leading global platform for commercial vehicles, transport, and logistics. It brings together innovators from all areas of mobility. Who do you want to network with this September and why?

I aim to connect with the entire ecosystem of our industry to address sustainability challenges comprehensively. For us at PNO, sustainability includes not only the Planet but also Profit and People. Collaboration across the sector is essential for driving meaningful change.

The shift in the transport and logistics sector towards sustainable solutions is significant. What is your vision for the sector in 20 years?

In 20 years, I envision an industry transformed by electrification, automation, and the success of shared resources. We will move from fragmented, individual trailer usage to a smarter, connected capacity approach. By pooling resources, we’ll achieve unparalleled flexibility and efficiency, reducing costs, and minimizing environmental impact. Moreover, having structured and reliable data, coupled with AI's capability to make it actionable, will be a game changer, driving informed decision-making and revolutionizing the entire industry.

During the IAA TRANSPORTATION, PNO, in collaboration with IAA TRANSPORTATION partner myClimate, will calculate their own carbon footprint for the event. Learn more about what PNO is doing for sustainability here.

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