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Foresight, Transformation, and Values

What others call history is our living identity: a legacy spanning over 100 years, rooted in a bold decision and continued today with determination, innovation, and a strong sense of family unity.
Am Zehnhoff-Söns has always stood for reliability and pioneering spirit in the logistics industry. From its founding in 1907 to today’s international logistics group with hundreds of employees, our story is shaped by challenges, growth, and entrepreneurial responsibility.

August
am Zehnhoff

*1879 – †1945

Anna
am Zehnhoff

*1884 – †1961

Louise
Am Zehnhoff-Söns

*1925 – †2015

Wilhelm
Söns

*1924

Gregor
Söns

*1956

Alfons
Am Zehnhoff-Söns

*1959

A Tradition of Entrepreneurship – Now in Its Third Generation

Since the company’s founding by August am Zehnhoff in 1907, it has been guided by a strong family—defined by courage, responsibility, and vision.
After August’s death in 1945, his wife Anna led the company through the difficult post-war years. Their daughter Louise Am Zehnhoff-Söns later took over, expanding the business with the support of her husband Wilhelm Söns, who assumed management in 1958. Their sons Gregor Söns and Alfons Am Zehnhoff-Söns later joined the management, evolving the freight business into a global logistics group—continuing the family legacy with innovation and responsibility.

The Founding Generation

  • 1907
    At just 28 years old, August am Zehnhoff establishes a company for “freight forwarding, shipping, and storage” in Bonn. The office and warehouse are located on Römerstraße; shipping is carried out via the company’s own harbor facility near today’s Beethovenhalle—a visionary move at a time when logistics was still considered a trade.
  • 1910
    Through the acquisition of key shipping agency contracts, August develops a freight network covering the Rhine corridor from Rotterdam to Basel—an early example of strategic network expansion.
  • 1924
    With the purchase of land in Bonn-Graurheindorf and the construction of a warehouse, August lays the foundation for a new harbor operation—a milestone in the development of the future port forwarding business.

Upheaval and New Beginnings

  • 1945
    World War II leaves deep scars: bombings destroy much of the company’s infrastructure. The greatest tragedy: August am Zehnhoff is abducted by the Gestapo and goes missing shortly before the war ends. His wife Anna takes over and begins rebuilding during this turbulent time.
  • 1958
    A severe business crisis threatens the company’s existence. Wilhelm Söns, Anna’s son-in-law, is brought in from Hanover. He takes over management at a crucial moment—out of duty and family loyalty.
  • 1961
    After Anna’s death, daughter Louise Am Zehnhoff-Söns is recognized as the rightful owner following a lengthy inheritance dispute. She brings new energy to the company and leads it into a new era.

Growth, Change, and Vision

  • 1970–1984
    The vehicle fleet is expanded. In 1979, the port forwarding company Halm and Richrath is acquired and integrated. In 1984, the company moves into a modern office building at the Port of Bonn—a clear commitment to the location.
  • 1993–2002
    New subsidiaries, Container GmbH and Verkehrs GmbH, are founded in response to changing market demands. The next generation steps in: Gregor and Alfons Söns become authorized officers. In 2002, the companies merge into today’s Am Zehnhoff-Söns GmbH International Logistic Services, jointly led by the brothers.
  • 2003–2006
    The operational business is being transferred to the new GmbH (limited liability company), while the sole proprietorship is being converted into a general partnership (OHG). Am Zehnhoff-Söns enters the operational port business as part of a public-private partnership and expands through a cooperation in China – a clear signal of global ambitions.

Modern Infrastructure, New Locations

  • 2007–2012
    The 100th company anniversary is celebrated with broad recognition. Over €16 million is invested in the expansion of Bonn’s port, including new container areas, modern cranes, and a high-performance Rhine terminal. Ludger Söns, known for his hands-on technical approach, joins the company. Alfons Söns officially becomes Alfons Am Zehnhoff-Söns—symbolizing the living family tradition.
  • 2015
    A year of transition and farewell: Louise Am Zehnhoff-Söns passes away at age 89. Her entrepreneurial legacy lives on. AZS launches its multimodal terminal in Trier, connecting the Moselle region with international seaports. A new air cargo office at Cologne/Bonn Airport and a branch in Hamburg significantly expand the service portfolio.
  • 2017
    The “Moselexpress,” an innovative rail connection between Rotterdam and Trier, launches. Due to high demand, a second weekly service is added the same year—evidence of the growing importance of multimodal logistics solutions.
  • 2019–2021
    The management team is strategically expanded: in addition to Gregor and Alfons Am Zehnhoff-Söns, new authorized officers take on leadership roles. In Bornheim, a modern logistics center is established, combining administration and central warehousing on future-proof premises.