Working out a settlement in a transport company
We ended a dispute between transport partners in 7 weeks. We developed a profit-sharing mechanism that was acceptable to both parties. The conflict was resolved without court participation.
Diplomat Consulting Solutions undertook mediation in a dispute between two partners managing Trans-Cargo Silesia. The goal was to work out a lasting financial agreement that would maintain the operational continuity of 47 heavy trucks.
The challenge
In November 2024, the company faced an impasse regarding the division of profits from long-term contracts. The partners could not agree on maintenance costs for the fleet, which caused a blockage of dividend payments for 5 months. The tense atmosphere affected the decision-making of department managers, which caused staff turnover in the logistics department to rise to 14%.
Our approach
Our team at Diplomat Consulting Solutions conducted a series of mediation meetings at the client's headquarters in Katowice. We focused on the analysis of facts, not emotions. A team composed of two mediators audited 18 transport contracts to objectively establish the profitability of individual routes. We know how to talk in stalemate situations, so the key was a transparent presentation of financial data.
The solution
We prepared a new billing protocol that automates profit division based on an established margin efficiency ratio. We introduced a mechanism for constant insight into fuel and service costs, which eliminated the field for misunderstandings. We build the company's operational peace, so the new procedure was signed by both partners in the presence of a legal advisor in January 2025.
Results
The conflict was entirely settled without entering the court path, which saved the company from long-term financial decision-making paralysis.
Timeline
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November 2024Preliminary conversations with each partner separately
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December 2024Analysis of contract profitability and mediation sessions
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January 2025Signing the settlement protocol and implementing new rules
"I was skeptical about external help, but the numbers did not lie. Without the participation of mediators, the matter would have ended up in court and probably lasted for years. Now we are back to normal work."