Maureen and Arjan are the owners of Zevenberg Transport in Nieuw Amsterdam. They operate six vehicles for NVO, carrying out refrigerated transport and, in winter, also using a curtain-sided lorry. As well as seven permanent drivers, they employ two ‘weekend grandads’ (retirees) and three domestic drivers. Arjan drives full-time in the Netherlands, and Maureen also drives when necessary.

Arjan handles the planning and Maureen takes care of the admin. NVO passes on the loads, and Zevenberg Transport provides the lorries and drivers. Zevenberg uses front-loaders, so the lorries can often continue on to Sweden the very same day with an international driver. “You really notice the benefit of this in terms of hours,” says Arjan. “Setting off fresh and well-rested is better for everyone.”

So Maureen also steps in to drive when necessary. But isn’t it really a bit of a male-dominated world? “It just depends on how you handle it yourself! You get a lot of attention, but you mustn’t think you can travel around like a little princess. We have to tighten wheel nuts just like anyone else. You just have to get stuck in and do the job!” So we asked Arjan whether women cause more damage to vehicles than men. “I can’t really say much about that. I can tell you, though, that the women’s paperwork is often a lot neater and better organised!”

That’s good to hear! Is there any other advice you’d like to give to new partners who also want to work with NVO? “You often find that transport companies only end up working for someone for a short time,” says Maureen. “The grass seems greener elsewhere for a while, so they leave straight away. But if, by the end of the journey, you realise you can meet your obligations and that the way you work together – and the turnover – are good, then you know you’ve found a reliable company. We have a really good working relationship with NVO,” adds Arjan. “It’s the same when you visit customers! I’m always given a warm welcome when I’m driving for NVO. The pay is good, but it is hard work. As I always say: hard work for little pay, but never grumpy!”