"The global pandemic did us no harm. We grew 20% last year," says Remco van der Spruit. He, and the Angvik family, set up the Dutch branch of the Norwegian transport company Angvik Auto. That was in 2012. "That growth seems to be only continuing." The company's customer base has expanded considerably. Angvik Auto Holland operates 40 trucks, 25 of which are its own trailers. They transport mainly fruit and vegetables from the Benelux and Southern Europe to Norway.
"There are only a few months of the year when Norway can produce its own fruit and vegetables. So, it depends on imports," is how Remco explains the focus on foodstuffs. "We bring mostly fish back from Norway." Remco likes working with Norwegians, calling them reliable. That leads to long-term, stable relationships, which makes him optimistic about the future. "We have a permanent, reliable, stable group of clients. They form our base."
Unburdening
Norway isn't a European Union member but is part of the European Economic Area. That means customs formalities and phytosanitary inspections apply. "Customs is what makes our trips to Norway unusual. We have our own customs department in the Netherlands. And a customs office in Norway that takes care of the import process. We unburden our customers; they can count on us from A to Z," explains Remco.
The transport company primarily does groupage transport. "The challenge is always to get the goods to the clients on time and at the right temperature. To keep the products fresh, transit times have to be as short as possible. That requires some organization." Angvik Auto Holland ensures short lines and enough drivers to drive non-stop. That's why they have cross-docking conditioned facilities but limited storage options at their Dutch site.
"We don't have much storage. There are some peaks, but generally, the goods are collected in the Netherlands in the afternoon for end-of-day departure." Remco says the trip from Maasdijk in the Netherlands to Oslo in Norway takes about 30 hours. Sweden's favorable traffic conditions help. It also ensures that Angvik Auto Holland has sufficient drivers. "They're quite eager. The roads are much quieter there, and it's a beautiful country," he says. The drivers drive to Norway, and in Norway, on the weekly Oslo-Harstad route.
Vehicles
"The long, harsh Norwegian winter does make unique demands on the vehicles." For example, the company's drivers drive specially equipped vehicles that can withstand the snowy, winter conditions. "Our trucks have winter tires, snow chains, and special axles so they don't get stuck." The equipment always gets a lot of attention. For instance, the trucks aren't more than four years old. They also meet Euronorm 6 for the lowest possible emissions. "That's in line with the latest developments to put the most economical trucks on the road."
Angvik Auto Holland considered using hydrogen or LNG as fuel. But, the company concluded that the Norwegian fuel supply infrastructure isn't yet set up for that. Attempts to use LHV (longer vehicle) trucks to reduce emissions were foiled too. They don't meet German regulations that disallow these. That's due to the vehicles' weight. "These things aren't yet possible, but that will likely change in future," concludes Remco.
Remco van der Spruit
Angvik Auto Holland BV
Tel:+31 174 510050
Remco@angvikauto.nl
www.Angvikauto.nl