Bob Broos was a transport manager at the Dutch logistics company, Van Oers United, for twelve years. This summer, he started as forwarding manager at Freight Forwarding Europe, which is also based in the Netherlands. Karina Zwankhuizen, an old hand in the logistic and supply chain, also joined the same company.
“It started with a friendly chat between Chris-Hans van der Hout (who owns Freight Line Europe) and me. We immediately clicked and so, decided to start a separate company", says Bob. "Freight Line Europe has proved itself as a specialist in conditioned transport in the United Kingdom."
"As a subsidiary, Freight Forwarding Europe is broadening that scope. We are mainly focused on Spain, Morocco, and Senegal. However, thanks to our large network and expertise, we can give our clients a broader service. This means we also, for example, provide transport to and from Italy and Slovenia“, he goes on to say.
Karina Zwankhuizen and Bob Broos
“We operate as a separate business entity and have to keep ourselves afloat. As a forwarder, we do, however, also make full use of the symbiotic benefits within the group", Bob continues. "There are many opportunities. These are in addition to the fixed lines from Spain to the United Kingdom."
"We can, of course, supply complete loads but a groupage is also possible. In our warehouse in De Lier, (the Netherlands,) we are already combining all the Dutch and Spanish shipments. These can be delivered to clients at the required time with fewer journeys", he says.
“In the fresh fruit and vegetable world, it is already common to load directly from the farms in Spain. However, by implementing smart operational processes, there is still money to be made. We have work experience with a large producer. The advantage of this is that we can contribute ideas from the entire supply chain. As a forwarder, we provide the best possible logistical solution - whether this be via sea, air, road, or a combination of these", explains Bob.
“We see ourselves, primarily as a ‘control tower’. Using our experience, we enjoy seeing how our clients' companies operate. We want to show companies that they can achieve value creation. They can so by using effective logistic processes and the correct combination of commercial and operational focus. This is the difference that we can make with Freight Forwarding Europe compared to other forwarders.“
“Anyone can transport a shipment from A to B. We go a step further. For the most part, I see ourselves as logistical brokers. We can make the right match between available freight and transportation modules", says Karina. “Bob and I know exactly what we have together. Our qualities complement each other perfectly. We are ready to expand the existing network further. We are looking for to Fruit Attraction in Madrid."
For more information:
Bob Broos
Freight Forwarding Europe
16 Jogchem van der Houtweg
2678 HA De Lier
Tel: + 31 (0) 174 254 170
Mob: +31 (0) 610 422 987
forwarding@ffe-nl.com
www.ffe-nl.com