H.Z. Logistics moved into its new building in the Netherlands two months ago. "That and construction went smoothly. Most importantly, our customers didn't notice a thing," begins director Barry Zuiderwijk. This Dutch logistics service provider now has a 12,000 m2 cross-dock center with access to 32 docks. It also has a modern garage with a 2,000 m2 car wash to service and maintain its vehicle fleet. Fellow transporters are welcome to use the car wash.
Realizing this new building was a pretty long time coming. "We'd moved to a new site in 2014 but grew so fast that by 2016 that location was quickly becoming too small. The number of companies was also growing rapidly in that same area. We acquired our current site's land in 2017." Sustainability was central to the new facility's construction. For example, the new site was built to BREEAM Excellence standards. "The cross-dock center sports 1,600 solar panels with another 700 on the garage next to it," Barry says.
H.Z. Logistics's fleet consists of 450 of its own trucks and 150 charter trucks with 700 refrigerated trailers. "There's one main reason for our expansion."
"That's our existing fruit and vegetable and ornamental plant cultivation sector client base's organic growth. In over 35 years, we've become a logistics specialist," explains Barry.
"We work throughout Europe, focusing on the U.K. and Central and Southern Europe. From international and intermodal fruit and vegetable and ornamental Horticulture (groupage) transport to shipping supplies and warehousing, we unburden our customers of all their possible logistics worries every day."
Attracting staff remains challenging, but it is not as hard as a few years ago, says this transport company director. "We spend plenty of time and attention on training young Dutch drivers. But that market has noticeably cooled down in our overseas branches in Poland, Romania, and England, too," he says.
"There's more personnel supply than in recent years." Brexit did not cause transport volumes to drop. The United Kingdom has become a specialization market, leading to parties dropping out. We're not transporting less volume there, though," Barry adds.
H.Z. Logistics has been doing intermodal transport for many years, including rail transport to Italy. Three years ago, the transport company invested in some 30 Volvo FH LNG trucks. "That financial picture changed dramatically with last year's sharply increased gas prices. That made us more cautious."
"But those costs have now stabilized," Zuiderwijk says. He keeps a close eye on developments regarding hydrogen-powered freight transport. "That's definitely the future. The infrastructure just isn't ready for this yet. That introduction will, thus, take some time. "
According to Barry, his company's size and the flexibility it offers customers are what distinguishes it. "But, no matter how big we are, direct client contact and good service are our top priority. In the end, that often comes down to keeping the agreements made and delivering the trade on time," he concludes.
For more information:
Barry Zuiderwijk
HZ Logistics
1093 Honderdland, 2676 LV
Maasdijk, the Netherlands
Tel.: +31 (0) 174 525 596
Email: [email protected]
www.hzlogistics.eu
www.truckwashwestland.nl