Gosselin transports instruments for the world’s oldest orchestra

When the world’s oldest orchestra, the American President’s own private orchestra, goes on a European tour for the first time in 20 years, their regular moving company, Interstate, decided to join forces with Gosselin. After all, transporting the instruments has to be done at lightning speed to keep up with the musicians’ tight schedule. They were coming to Europe for only three days to take part in the World Music Contest in Kerkrade (Netherlands).

“The President’s Own” is the nickname of this United States band that got its start in 1798. This makes it the oldest professional orchestra in the world. Although they rarely perform outside of the United States, they’re travelling to Europe this year to perform in Czechia, Austria and the Netherlands. The American logistics and moving company Interstate is their regular transport company on the home front during their tours, but they always count on Gosselin for their international needs.

“We have had a great working relationship with Interstate for years,” according to Tim Noppen, Director of Government Logistics. “They’re one of our biggest customers in the military moves segment, so they know that Gosselin is a reliable partner. This applies all the more to precision projects like this one, where the deadlines are tight and a lot of advance preparations and paperwork are involved. The musical instruments couldn’t experience delays at customs; otherwise the musicians would get stuck empty-handed on stage.”

On July 27, the United States Band gave its very first performance at the World Music Contest in the Rodahal in Kerkrade, after which Gosselin picked up the instruments again. “Everything has to be loaded on pallets and packed in exactly the same way for the return to America where the band will be giving a performance on Monday.” This assignment was right up Gosselin’s alley, and the airfreight employees at Brucargo did an outstanding job.

“It was a pleasure for us to work for ‘The President’s Own’ US Marine Band. The predetermined tight schedule allowed us to get the right materials and the right people to the right place, making this transport a real success. Thanks to the well-oiled cooperation between our air freight division in Brussels, our in-house customs department and a dedicated tractor-trailer, everything went smoothly. This didn’t go unnoticed by a satisfied Maj Douglas R. Burian (Executive Assistant to the Director for the US Marine Band) who doled out compliments as the group left Kerkrade. Days later, they were able to get on their flight to go home, reassured that everything was in good hands,” according to Ronny Michiels of Gosselin Logistics/Events.  “These activities fit perfectly within the event logistics branch of our industrial projects team, and we have ambitions to further expand this niche branch.”

Simultaneously with its work for “The President’s Own,” Gosselin also moved the US Field Army’s instruments via London to Edinburgh, thanks to yet another request from Interstate.

About Gosselin Logistics

Gosselin Logistics is a leading provider of logistics services. With activities ranging from shipping, forwarding and warehouse storage to customs formalities Gosselin Logistics can offer its customers a constant supply chain. Heavy-Gosselin is a division of Gosselin Logistics specialized in industrial projects. 

Gosselin Logistics is a division of the Gosselin Group that has its headquarters in Antwerp, Belgium. The company was founded in 1930 and employs a staff of 800 that generates more than 270 million Euros in sales.