Driven by a passion for transport and technology
This has been Van der Vlist’s hallmark ever since the company was founded in 1930. Driven by that passion, our family business has grown to become one of Europe’s market leaders in specialised transport and logistics.
As a logistics service provider, we are constantly seeking optimal and sustainable solutions for our customers. In doing so, we combine expertise with information and communication technology, always guided by integrity and transparency.
Through the generations
For almost 100 years, generations have been working on, and within, a business with a clear identity. The family business is currently led by the third generation, whilst the fourth generation is also stepping up to the plate. A new generation that embraces and carries forward our core values, mission and vision.
Van der Vlist consistently focuses on the long-term continuity of the business and sustainable relationships with customers, staff and partners.
Our Core Values
Our core values are at the heart of everything we do:
Commitment – doing what you say you will do, meeting the expectations set, and being prepared to take responsibility for the outcome.
Compassion – caring for one another and the world around you. We build lasting relationships based on respect, trust and a willingness to help one another move forward.
Perseverance – carrying on, especially when challenges arise. We keep looking for the best solution.
These core values are drawn from the Bible, a solid foundation upon which we continue to build.
Our Power to Care
In all the services we offer, regardless of the market in which they operate, we build on six pillars:
Safety
Stewardship
Quality
Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
Legislation and regulations
People
By investing in these pillars together every day, we create our Power to Care:
looking after the people around us;
looking after the world around us;
to provide our customers with optimal and sustainable solutions.
Our History
From a livestock lorry to the first flatbed lorry
In 1930, Dirk van der Vlist (1908–) registered his business with the Chamber of Commerce in Dordrecht. From the outset, his business was multi-purpose: plumber, electrician, bicycle repairer, and a taxi, garage and transport company. He had a number of bicycles and a six-cylinder Buick, which served as both a taxi and a lorry. The next purchase was a Chevrolet lorry. With these two lorries, Dirk van der Vlist and his brother-in-law, Jan Huisman, initially provided transport services exclusively for livestock and agricultural produce for farmers in the region. In 1950, Jaap van der Vlist (1936–2019) joined his father’s business. In the early years, he worked mainly as a co-driver and, in the years that followed, as a driver. In 1964, the first flatbed lorry was purchased. Three days a week, Van der Vlist transported Atlas earth-moving machinery for the firm Hans van Driel in Tiel.
Specialisation, expansion and internationalisation
Once the decision had been taken to operate low-loaders, Van der Vlist quickly established itself as a specialist in special and heavy haulage. Among other things, Van der Vlist focuses on the transport of luxury yachts. In addition, its activities in the field of special and heavy haulage for the construction industry continued to expand. The first expansion took place in 1976 with the establishment of Van der Vlist Rijssen B.V. In 1980, Cheron was acquired, which relocated to Zeebrugge in 2003. In 1984, Holtrop-Van der Vlist B.V. was established in Assen. In the 1980s, the brothers Dirk, Nico and John van der Vlist joined the company.
From freight carrier to logistics service provider
The market is increasingly demanding comprehensive logistics solutions. The so-called ‘door-to-door’ concept is gaining ground. Consequently, in 1991, European Transport Systems was founded – now known as Van der Vlist Technical Services B.V. and Van der Vlist Logistics B.V. This marked the beginning of the transition from a ‘traditional’ road haulage company to a modern logistics firm. Alongside transport, warehousing, handling and multimodal logistics became key activities.
Van der Vlist handles the complete logistics for Korean and Japanese manufacturers of, amongst other things, earth-moving machinery, bulldozers and dumpers. This ranges from transport by inland waterway vessel to a seaport through to storage in Groot-Ammers or Moerdijk, where Van der Vlist purchased several hectares of land at both locations in early 1992. At the same time, the company expanded internationally with branches in Barcelona (1993), Poland (1994), St Petersburg (1998) and Hull (2001). In 1996, Van der Vlist Projects was established to undertake large-scale turnkey projects.
Innovation
This period was characterised by innovation, knowledge development and automation. For example, Van der Vlist focused on developing lighter, multifunctional transport combinations. As earth-moving machinery was no longer shipped as a whole but in parts, assembly work increased. In addition, work was carried out on the automation and optimisation of internal processes, including through the implementation of a new ERP system. Due to the growth in heavy project cargo, such as wind turbines and trams, Van der Vlist Modular Transport was established in 2009. In 2010, Van der Vlist Logistics B.V. spun off from ETS to support customers in meeting the growing demand for multimodal transport, 4PL services and transport outside Western Europe. In 2014, Van der Vlist Germany was established to meet the growing demand for transport services, complete with the necessary permits, escort services and expertise in cabotage regulations.
Digitalisation and transparency
Digitalisation and collaboration within the logistics chain are playing an increasingly important role. Van der Vlist is introducing a customer portal and optimising planning and administrative processes. To facilitate further growth, the transport companies are relocating to new premises in Schelluinen. From 2020, Van der Vlist Projecten B.V. and Van der Vlist Logistics B.V. will be moving to new premises in Groot-Ammers with more indoor and outdoor storage space. In Moerdijk, too, the floor space is being expanded to meet the growing demand for storage and handling. In 2020, Van der Vlist France was established to serve customers in the French market even more effectively.