Board View - Peter Vinke

Director Transport, Peter Vinke, looks back on the first half of the year 2024 regarding our Transport department. What went well and what have we learned about the past six months? And, what will the future have in store for Neele-Vat Transport?

Peter, the first half of the year 2024 has passed. How do you look back on the performance regarding the Neele-Vat Transport department in the past six months?

'I look back with a fairly satisfied feeling about the developments in the first half of the year. Of course, there’s always room for improvement, and we are never 100% satisfied, but the statistics show that transport volumes within the Netherlands decreased by about 7% in 2023, and internationally, there was a negative trend of 1%. At Neele-Vat, transport volumes in 2023 were also slightly lower than in 2022, but fortunately, this has been compensated in 2024.

We do observe that traditional markets like Germany and the Benelux are facing more challenges in terms of growth compared to, for example, Spain or Scandinavia, where volumes are increasing significantly in percentage terms.'

"The first electric trucks have been purchased."

What was the most important takeaway from the last six months?

'For me, that has been the increased demand for visibility and transparency. It’s important that we respond to this quickly, and we are certainly doing so.'

Text continues below the picture

The transport department has undergone an SQAS assessment for the first time. How do you reflect on this?

'I look back on this with a positive feeling. Within our logistics business line, we already had SQAS in place, but not yet in transport. The process involves a lot of paperwork and demands a great deal from the project owners. In the end, the focus always leads to a process improvement, which we have fully embraced. Most importantly, as Neele-Vat, we came through it excellently.'

"We will achieve CO2 reduction by deploying both electric trucks and trucks running on HVO100."

Sustainability is a major part of the future. How does Neele-Vat view this, and what steps will be taken?

'Within Neele-Vat, as with many companies in our industry, this is a key focus for the near future. In terms of transportation, I can say that we are ready. The first electric trucks have been purchased. Additionally, we can measure the CO2 emissions for every customer, shipment, and distance, and work with the customer to find the desired sustainability solution. We will achieve CO2 reduction by deploying both electric trucks and trucks running on HVO100. In dialogue with the customer, we assess the desired situation.'

Text continues below the picture

How will we ensure that the next half-year will be better than the last?

'I don’t have a magic wand, and we must realize that we remain dependent on economic developments. Neele-Vat Transport handles a lot of work that comes through the Port of Rotterdam, so if Rotterdam does well, we can benefit from that. Additionally, we continuously strive to improve our service to customers, and various optimization projects are in progress.'

"The transport market has been characterized by relatively low margins for years, and I’m concerned that small carriers won’t have sufficient capital reserves to undergo the energy transition."

Are there any plans for investments to improve the Transport Service within Neele-Vat?

'Yes, absolutely. Neele-Vat is constantly working on improving services. This can be done through IT investments, including things like visibility and track and trace. We are also always looking for potential acquisitions that align with our existing European services. Volume consolidation remains the name of the game in transport.'

Text continues below the picture

How do you expect the transport sector to develop in the coming years?

'That’s a very good question. In my opinion, significant changes are on the horizon. Specifically, the investment demand for electric vehicles may be a step too far for many small companies. The transport market has been characterized by relatively low margins for years, and I’m concerned that small carriers won’t have sufficient capital reserves to undergo the energy transition. I think there will be a wave of consolidation, similar to what we’ve seen in the retail market before.

For years, we’ve also been concerned about the recruitment of new drivers, and that remains a point of attention. I now see that even in Eastern European countries, there is a decline in the number of new drivers, which hasn’t been the case for a long time. Eventually, market forces will cause transport rates to rise significantly.'

Peter Vinke, about the past and the future of our Transport department. For more information about our transport services, please visit our website, via this link:

Transport Solutions | Neele-Vat will help you every step of the way. (neelevat.com)