"Extra expenses should be passed on, simple as that"

His truck has a very striking appearance. Every day, he drives with a load from Belgium to Spain or Portugal and then back to Belgium or the Netherlands. Ronny Willes of Ronnytrans decided to start his own business in 1996, and he does not regret it at all. “My customers know that they can count on me,” says he. “That is what it is all about in the transport sector.”

He has been working for loyal customers, mainly from the fresh produce sector. “We transport fresh as well as frozen produce. Our ‘fresh’ customers generally come from Sint-Katelijne-Waver and our ‘frozen’ customers have businesses all over West Flanders. Frozen produce is not solely transported to the south of Europe; enough volumes go the other way to Belgium.”

Driving just one truck is a very conscious decision. “For me, it only has benefits, the work is very agreeable. Especially the freedom it conveys, appeals to me. I can plan everything for myself, and I do not have to bother with any personnel. If I get an extra order that I cannot do myself, I will delegate it. It is just as easy.”

Ronny definitely notices the increasing costs of the logistical sector. “We notice this every year. For example, this year the kilometre tax was imposed in Belgium. I notice that some of my colleagues have trouble with this and their customers do not understand the extra expenses. For me it is very simple: the costs will be passed on. It cannot be any other way; otherwise, you will dig your own grave. Fortunately, my customers do understand this. We have had a good relationship for years and there is trust from both sides. They know that I am always on time and that everything goes as planned. There are not just words, but deeds at Ronnytrans.”