When discussing challenges in the transport world, Peter van Velden can list several. Peter owns D. Zonneveld Transport in the Netherlands. "You have to be on your toes nowadays. What with the current fuel prices and raw material shortages. Not to mention wage increases and inflation," he begins.
"For example, truck purchase prices have already been increased twice this year. And you have to wait almost a year for them. Inflation is also rising faster than the market can raise its prices. So - challenges enough to protect your profits while guaranteeing quality for customers. And keeping your staff happy."
Communication
For D. Zonneveld Transport, guaranteeing quality to the client is paramount. "We distinguish ourselves by meeting the expected unloading times. We genuinely deliver on time," says Peter. This involves checking when goods are ready at suppliers and when buyers want them delivered. "Meeting customers' needs sometimes means driving with a single pallet or using a courier." He believes communication is an important aspect of this.
The company has, therefore, invested in hard and software. "We know where our trucks are every minute of the day. So, we can give clients correct information. If someone wants a certain time slot and we know we can't make it, we offer an alternative. We don't accept a trip if we know we can't deliver the goods on time. Then we prefer to be honest and not do it." This breeds loyalty and maintains long-term relationships. "For us, relationships of 25 or 30 years are commonplace. Some even go back as far as the 1960s."
Drivers
This family business has been active in the fruit and vegetable sector for 80 years. Peter took over in 2006." We have a fantastic team, but every bit of growth is challenging. New motivated drivers are scarce these days," he continues. D. Zonneveld Transport deals single pallet to full load consignments. These are mainly within the Netherlands, with a few trips throughout Europe. Peter would like to see this specialized workforce expand.
Up to date
This carrier strives to keep up to date. Corporate social responsibility and sustainability play a role in this. The entire business process has been digitized as much as possible. And the whole fleet complies with Euronorm 6. In recent years, the new trucks have been fitted with stand air conditioning. And they're as luxurious as possible for drivers. The company's building has also been entirely re-insulated. It has the maximum number of solar panels too. They're also BRC certificated for several years and recently received QS certification too. That's aimed at the German market.
"Some German supermarkets require the entire chain, from producer to retailer, to be certified. That also applies to transport." Peter considers it routine to devote time and attention to this. "It's vital to move with the times. By doing so, you're fulfilling buyers' needs. Our customers know we always have the right certification and use our trucks correctly. That's in addition to taking care of their products. In short, we unburden clients when it comes to transportation," Peter concludes.
Peter van Velden
peter@dzonneveldtransport.nl
D. Zonneveld Transport B.V.
Bandijkweg 46a
2676 LJ Maasdijk
Tel: +31(0)174-512470
Fax: +31(0)174-540769
info@dzonneveldtransport.nl