Two years ago, Daily Logistics Group (DLG) opened a renovated office and a new 5,500+m² crossdock center in the Netherlands. With another branch in that country and three locations in England, this Dutch logistics service provider is well-equipped to supply the United Kingdom with fruit and vegetables every day.
© DailyFresh Logistics
This year marks 100 years since Adrianus Visbeen founded Visbeen Transport, DLG's predecessor. A century underway is more than enough reason for an interview with Adrie and Joost Visbeen, Adrianus's grandson and great-grandson, who, together with Nicole Visbeen, own DLG.
How long have you been active in the transport sector?
Adrie: "I'm 72 now and have spent virtually my whole life in this sector. I started driving trucks when I was 16, illegally at first. Then I moved into planning."
What has changed?
Adrie: "The driver culture is completely different. There are few Dutch drivers, but luckily our overseas colleagues speak good English. It used to be harder work, loading everything by hand, no luxuries. But that had its charm."
Joost: "Each period has its charm. We went from telex to fax to email, and from border controls to free trade, even though Brexit has changed that."
© DailyFresh LogisticsAdrie Visbeen
What do you appreciate about the current company?
Adrie: "The technology ensures efficiency. Large companies coordinate hundreds of shipments per day. But there's somewhat less personal contact. I find that unfortunate."
What have been the highlights?
Adrie: "My marriage and our children. And that Nicole and Joost are continuing the business."
Joost: "Many family businesses are disappearing. We keep investing, despite competition and consolidation. Family businesses are struggling, but we're keeping at it."
What value does DLG add?
Joost: "Brexit has made exporting to the UK trickier. We offer our clients a one-stop shop for fresh produce, from customs clearance to quality control. That's what makes us special."
Is the United Kingdom still your top market?
Adrie: "Definitely. DLG Dailyfresh Logistics has provided fresh transport to the UK since 1998. We're also active in Europe and with sea freight."
Joost: "Also, before, 70% was accompanied, now that's a mere five percent. Unaccompanied transport has become standard."
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Is the UK not becoming more self-sufficient in greenhouse vegetables?
Joost: "They'll always import. That country still lacks the capacity, know-how, and space to become entirely self-sufficient."
Are your vehicles electric yet?
Joost: "We got our first electric truck late last year. We already have electric coolers and plans for a charging pole. An entire electric fleet, however, is currently unrealistic. The infrastructure is lacking."
What about environmental taxes?
Joost: "A CO₂ tax is coming to the Netherlands. They don't have that in the UK yet, but they do have a heavy goods vehicle levy. Ultimately, consumers pay those costs."
Is 'the new way of driving' now standard?
Joost: "Absolutely. Not just regarding the driving style; modern diesel engines help, too. On the downside, some new technologies' reliability still leaves something to be desired."
Are you digitizing much?
Adrie: "Yes, but some customers prefer a phone call. Others arrange everything online. We tailor our service accordingly."
© DailyFresh LogisticsJoost and Nicole Visbeen
Is digitization also a result of staff shortages?
Joost: "It is. Automation is partly due to a lack of good workers. We're doing more with fewer people. Specialization, such as our focus on UK transport, makes us stronger and harder to copy."
Does the company still employ people whom you hired, Adrie?
Adrie: "There are indeed. More than 16 employees are celebrating anniversaries this year. Some have retired but still come in to help, often just because they love it."
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Do you still get behind the wheel, Adrie?
Adrie: "Yes, on our terrain. I prefer the old mirrors over the new digital ones. Our museum houses four classic trucks that we frequently use at events."
What are your main business concerns?
Joost: "The labor market is tight; millennials have different expectations. Geopolitics is a factor, too. World leaders make decisions that directly impact us. Sustainability is important, but the unpredictable market makes companies less willing to invest."
And in ten years?
Joost: "I hope we'd have expanded enough to compete in the market, but remain small enough to retain our charm. We could grow via acquisitions, too, but it's vital to preserve our identity as a family business."
Voor meer informatie:Daily Logistics Group
www.dlg-logistics.com