A year ago, Bergeijk Logistics saw the light of day. A new name, but for many people in the flower and fresh produce sector a familiar face. Frans van Bergeijk, for instance, has almost 30 years of experience in logistics to and from Austria and knows every hairpin curve there like the back of his hand. “I have always kept connected with the country and the business there.”

Specialism is therefore what Frans stands for. “We are a true Austria specialist with a focus on conditioned groupage transport of flowers and plants, vegetables and fruit. Our focus is on Austria, because there we can provide exactly the service that customers know and expect from us. We handle trade that requires speed, but of course, we are also happy to handle slower trade. I believe in specialism. If you do what everyone else does, you don’t stand out, and you have a tough time in our sector.”

Added value services
By now, Bergeijk Logistics drives from the Netherlands towards distribution centers, wholesale markets, garden centers, and also directly to flower shops in Austria. “Because our trucks have their own tailboards, we can deliver directly to wholesalers, garden centers, and other customers who do not have a loading dock,” Frans says. The return transport is filled with Austrian wine and general goods, in addition to existing packaging. “Our experience is that packaging is sometimes a neglected child. That is where we distinguish ourselves and we make our customers’ packaging our concern. With our added value services, we are therefore much more than just a transporter. We are a logistics service provider and happen to have cars to do part of the job.”

In addition, Bergeijk Logistics has access to two logistics hubs in Vienna and Wels in Austria. “There is no storage and transshipment because the trade we transport should be delivered quickly. From these cross-dock centers, we can deliver the goods with smaller trucks and also group and collect the packaging. Thus, we also provide our services in Austria. Ideally, I would like to drive Longer and heavier combination trucks to our depots and then use electric cars to cover the ‘last mile’ to the shops, which is the challenge of the future. Everyone would like to move to zero-emission, but if this means looking at the rates differently, there is little enthusiasm. Thereby, European countries look at electrification differently anyway. Austria is a fairly stable, conservative market, and they are certainly not at the forefront when it comes to changes.”

The first year of Bergeijk Logistics has been positive for the logistics entrepreneur. “Challenges abound, but that’s our business. For instance, costs have risen enormously in recent years. For a round trip to Vienna, for instance, you have to pay tolls which is usually not considered, but you have to take that into account. Attracting good quality drivers is also a challenge. Nevertheless, in one year we have expanded and built up a thriving line. I am confident that we can continue this growth so that we can strengthen our position even further in the Austrian market.”

For more information:
Frans van Bergeijk
Bergeijk Logistics
Bloemenveiling Flora Holland
Legmeerdijk 313, location 240-49
1431 GB Aalsmeer, the Netherlands
Tel: +31 (0) 297 303 250
Mob: +31 (0) 643 193 063
[email protected]
www.bergeijk.eu