"We're growing tremendously," says Tom Steenmeijer, Farm Trans' sales manager. This Dutch company focuses on transporting both bulk and conditioned foodstuffs. They do so by road, water, and rail. "We do the whole supply chain, from field to store. We're one of the few transporters that have knowledge of inbound and outbound logistics. And we can take care of it."
Further growth is a key objective for this logistics provider. The young team wants to expand even more. "We want to move forward, and we can. Because we're leaders in the areas of sustainability, data, and logistics management. These are things that clients want, and in which we try to be progressive."
Rising raw material prices make scaling up attractive too. "The bigger you get, the more purchasing power you have." Farm Trans uses a diesel surcharge to counteract fluctuating diesel prices. "That's the most transparent way to do it. If the diesel price drops, the customer benefits. But if it climbs, so does the transport price. That's how you keep the interaction clear," Tom explains.
Brexit seen as an opportunity
This carrier focuses on the Benelux, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Eastern Europe. Tom hasn't experienced any problems around Brexit. Instead, he considers it an opportunity. "Transport to the UK has become highly specialized, and we're fully equipped for that. We can unburden clients. And there's actually tremendous growth in the UK. That's because buyers like working with a professional business." Farm Trans has a branch in the UK and is growing its fleet and bulk operations there.
The logistics provider is also expanding in Germany. "Farm Trans is becoming better known there because we can offer such a broad scope. We're also expanding our services in that country." That's led to a shift in transport flows. The logistics provider is increasingly transporting products directly from Germany or Eastern Europe to the UK. Recently, they reviewed and optimized their German foodservice and retail delivery schedules. "We've upped the turnover rate and can now deliver A to B or A to C throughout Germany," says Tom.
Looking ahead
"We want to be a sustainable partner for our customers. We want to try and help them with their strategic emission-reduction projects. Farm Trans is, for instance, positioning itself as a forerunner in the field of renewable energy. It uses HVO diesel (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oils, a renewable diesel based on residual streams) on certain routes.
But for Farm Trans, sustainability extends beyond the environment; it includes being a good employer. "We're a sustainable business that invests in its people too." A Sustainable Working Group monitors all projects in this area. "Sustainability is the future, and that's what we're aiming for," concludes Tom.
Voor meer informatie:
Tom Steenmeijer
tsteenmeijer@farmtrans.com
Farm Trans
+31 (0)6 19 05 15 00
www.farmtrans.com