Mera Trans was founded in 2006 and has since become a major player in specialized groupage transport to Denmark and Sweden. It manages its 51 tractor units and 60-trailer fleet from its office in the Netherlands. The present management has over 25 years of experience in transport to those two countries. In this interview, Paul Helderman talks about this fruit and vegetable transport specialism.
"Full loads are, obviously, no problem," he begins. "Groupage transport is where we want to shine. Fruit and vegetable exporters and importers move with the market. Supply and demand differ from day to day, even from hour to hour. That's where we want to play a major role. Clients can often order cargo space until the afternoon. We try to deliver their goods, on time, the next day. If it's farther away, in two days."
© Mera Trans
Order, collect, deliver
Is there a discernible trend away from full to mixed loads? "We think groupage transport will keep increasing," Paul answers. "Unburdening buyers is becoming increasingly important. They don't want to do what we do - planning full trucks - and we don't want their job, either. Order, collect, and deliver: that's our strength. We say what we do and do what we say. We carefully deliver specified (partial) loads, at the agreed time, to Danish and Swedish customers. That can be done directly from the client's location or via our Dutch warehouse or hub."
"We have a fleet but also use fixed charters to accommodate seasonal influences. Our fleet consists exclusively of Scania tractors and Schmitz trailers. This is very new equipment, which ensures quality and avoids breakdowns," Paul continues. Although drivers are scarce, the transporter manages to retain staff well. "Of course, appropriate remuneration is part of this, but we also provide excellent vehicles equipped with all the luxuries."
"Drivers are, thus, assured of an excellent traveling workplace. Besides two English colleagues, our drivers are all Dutch with great international experience," Helderman explains. "They're very knowledgeable and understand what's at stake. We get plenty of positive feedback from our buyers about our drivers' flexible attitude and service. That's great because, ultimately, they're the face of our company."
"We work in a critical market regarding our footprint. By choosing new equipment with the cleanest engines, we're currently leaving the smallest achievable one. As soon as there are alternatives, like, say, hydrogen, we'll certainly consider them. We've already contacted Shell and Scania about that," Paul concludes.
For more information:
Paul Helderman
Mera Trans
22 Exportweg
2742 RC, Waddinxveen, NL
Tel: +31 (0) 180 630 620
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.meratrans.nl
