We spoke with Forwarding Teamleader Jordy Struijk about short communication lines, inland shipping, personal contact, and why he believes Braanker fits in the way Van Leeuwen collaborates.

What Braanker does for Van Leeuwen

The collaboration between Van Leeuwen and Braanker revolves around the incoming flow of goods for the company's inventory. "It involves containerized cargo from the Far East," explains Jordy. "A lot from China, Thailand and South Korea. Braanker handles the processing of those incoming flows for us."

The containers arrive at the Maasvlakte and are transported by inland waterway to the BCTN terminal in Alblasserdam. From there, Braanker handles the rest of the process. This also includes returning empty containers to the inland terminal.

In doing so, Braanker takes a practical part of the supply chain off their hands: transport, coordination, and ensuring the process keeps moving.

A logistics solution close to home

The expansion of the collaboration began with a concrete proposal. Van Leeuwen was intrigued by a message from Braanker regarding the transport of containers from the Maasvlakte to Alblasserdam. That solution fit well: Alblasserdam is nearby, and the handling was practical and attractive in terms of rates.

In addition, sustainability played a role: "We also agreed with the solution from an environmental perspective," explains Jordy. "Barge containers is half the job. After all, empty containers can then also be returned to an inland terminal."

For Van Leeuwen, inland shipping is therefore not only a logistical choice, but also a way to reduce the footprint without compromising on reliability.

One word is enough

What Van Leeuwen appreciates about Braanker is not only the logistics solution itself, but also the way of working together: "Short communication lines and a no-nonsense approach," summarises Jordy.

That is important to Van Leeuwen. "We try to work with companies that are personal," says Jordy. "A dedicated contact person is nice. No distance or unnecessary layers, but direct contact with someone who knows what is going on."

That makes the collaboration efficient. Questions are addressed quickly, and not everything needs to be explained over and over again. "Braanker understands with just a few words," confirms Jordy.  "That saves a lot of time."

Knowing what you mean to each other

Van Leeuwen and Braanker both have the character of a family business. At Van Leeuwen, the fourth generation is now working in the company, and at Braanker, the family is also closely involved in operations. "The atmosphere in a family business is different from that of listed companies," explains Jordy. "It's more personal. You know where you stand. What you see is what you get."

That trust is important in logistics. Daily work can change, so you want a partner who is accessible, thinks along, and does what he promises. For Jordy, that lies in concrete things: honouring agreements, responding quickly, and ensuring that the execution is correct.

Operationally, the collaboration is also running smoothly. There are compliments on how the trucks are loaded. Careful coordination, clear communication, and good execution mean less hassle and more peace of mind.

More than just transport

According to Jordy, Braanker is more than just a carrier. He sees Braanker as an all-round logistics service provider. "We know what Braanker is: a freight forwarder and carrier with its own equipment," he says. "Loading and transshipment of goods, air freight and sea freight."

That combination is important. Braanker can switch between various forms of transport and services, while remaining personal and approachable. Large enough to handle a lot, close enough to maintain short lines of communication. Van Leeuwen also sees its own equipment as an advantage. It makes Braanker flexible and provides greater control over execution.

Moving forward together

Although the collaboration regarding incoming containers is still relatively new, Jordy looks positively towards the future. The experiences have been good, and the correct procedures are being further refined together. "They honour agreements and respond quickly. Those are things that are important to us."

And perhaps that sums up the collaboration. No big words, but doing what has been agreed. With short communication lines, personal contact, and a practical view of what can be improved. Exactly how Van Leeuwen likes it.