In the course of time, a large amount of feedback has been gathered from daily operations. Internally, this feedback is continually being collected from Customer Services, Operations and directly from Drivers, in which structural issues are identified and tackled in order to create a safer and more efficient work environment. This benefits our employees, but also other stakeholders around us. We strive to ensure the best possible quality of the services provided, while maintaining a safe work environment.

In their role of safeguarding the quality, among other things, Dorota Malachowska from our International Transport QESH+S (Quality, Environment, Safety, Health and Sustainability) department is setting up a new training module for Drivers: “In the transport department the delivery of various types of goods is often associated with a high risk and for an international cargo or bulk driver protecting the load is one of the daily challenges. This is where the idea for a more practical Driver training was introduced. Operational tasks like sealing the trailer, correctly filling in UK border crossing documents, and dealing with illegal immigrants cannot be taught through theory or e-learning. Drivers need to practice these things with a trainer at the loading site, where they learn to properly secure different types of loads and how to act in challenging situations. Also, they get the opportunity to exchange experiences. In this way Drivers are able to protect themselves and our business as good as possible.”

DOROTA MALACHOWSKA, INTERNATIONAL TRANSPORT QESH+S

The training is supposed to raise awareness among Drivers, while at the same time teaching them what is expected from them in daily operations and how to handle more exceptional situations. The QESH+S department is the connecting link between actual daily operations and the ideal situation that we foresee for our Drivers and our customers. Trainings are available for drivers from Cargo and Bulk sector and are typically given by experienced former Drivers.

“The training will be tailored to bridge diversities between needed skills and the available personal skills. For example, some people are less tech savvy than others, but we want to give them the tools to change that. It may take a bit more time and effort, but from a quality point of view, we want to make sure that all Drivers are capable of the tasks that are required from them,” Dorota explains. “Using communication devices correctly and efficiently can for example form a challenge. In the near future, the training program will be expanded to include other important topics, such as First Aid. Each topic is looked at individually and it is then decided if it will be taught through e-learning, in the classroom or in practice.”

When it comes to e-learning, Sander van Grinsven, Corporate Insurance Manager at Vos Logistics, has great plans for setting up an e-learning pilot to make sure that Drivers obtain all the information needed. The idea is to differentiate between beginning and experienced Drivers, with topics such as filling in a claim form, how to handle the CMR and the use of the board computer to be part of the training. But also other elements like documentation, checking the truck before a trip on its safety and customer friendliness of the Driver are supposedly part of a future program.

Sander van Grinsven: “Over the past years, the use of a mobile phone behind the wheel has become a big problem and many accidents are caused by this behavior. In order to create awareness for this, we want to establish rules and regulations for Drivers and Fleet Managers that are using mobile communication in their work. For example, board computers are always on, which can be very distracting for the Driver. Our suggestion is to automatically have it locked as soon as the truck is driving and unlocked when it is parked. In case of an emergency, the Fleet Manager can call the Driver, who can answer the call hands-free. We would like for this process to have a prominent spot in the e-learning program.”

Creating awareness is one of the main goals of such a future program. At Home Delivery and Solutions, many short trips are conducted and a lot of maneuvering has to be done. The latter appears to be one of the main reasons for damage on trucks and third parties, but also at International Transport chances are relatively high to be involved in an accident within the first year of employment. “Investigations show that one accident can lower the revenue of a truck to zero and in case of more accidents, even negative revenue can be the result.”, Sander explains. “Of course we want to avoid that, but first and foremost, keep our Drivers and other road users safe.”

Blokker, a well-known Dutch retail chain, was looking for a logistics partner to outsource their transport to. And this is what happened…

When Dutch people hear the brand ‘Blokker’, there is probably no one that doesn’t know what it is. The large letters and colouring in orange, black and white come to everyone’s mind directly. Their broad product range causes people to visit the stores for many different reasons. In 2020, SNEL got the opportunity to participate in a tender when the retailer was seeking a logistics service provider.

Why outsource?

“Blokker stood at a cross-road as to whether to renew their outdated fleet at considerate costs or to outsource their transport as a whole. They knew that by having their logistics covered by an external and specialized party, this would yield many advantages for them. Advanced planning systems, a strong network, streamlined processes, capacity and in the near future electrification of the fleet, just to name a few.”, Roy van Tilburg, Integration Manager at SNEL / Vos Logistics explains.

“At the time of the tender, Blokker owned 427 stores throughout the Netherlands. Within our Solutions department, where SNEL has become part of, this was an attractive opportunity to reach national coverage in city/retail distribution.”, Roy continues.

Putting things into practice

With Blokker eventually becoming part of our network and also Big Bazar joining in July 2021, SNEL works closely together with Blokker and BigBazar with centralized operations teams operating together from the Blokker DC in Geldermalsen (NL). Both companies (Blokker and BigBazar) are part of the “Mirage Group”, giving the possibility to further optimize deliveries to the stores by transporting more goods with less movements.

Roy: “By doing so, we are able to deliver sustainable transport solutions because we combine flows of goods of different players in the market. Our strength lies in having the possibilitiy to simulate the ideal situation and to get the most out of our advanced planning tools.”

ROY VAN TILBURG, INTEGRATION MANAGER AT SNEL / VOS LOGISTICS

As for Blokker, SNEL has taken over both, the existing staff and the fleet. For Big Bazar, solely logistics has been outsourced. For SNEL and Vos Logistics, it was a strategic choice to start the collaboration due to the fact that we were aiming to make our roll container and pallet distribution network more dense from respectively Geldermalsen and from Woerden. This results in a national coverage in city distribution, forming a strong basis for more new clients. We will start renewing the Blokker fleet as of winter ’21 / ’22.

Operations are managed by a dedicated team from SNEL and Vos Logistics, located in Geldermalsen. Cees uit den Bosch, who is next to Richard Koster one of the key personnel dealing with this operation, finds things to be going well: “We have about 40 trips with about 30 to 35 trucks per day. During the lockdown, we were dealing with low volumes, but now there is much pressure on capacity. That results in busy working days and a strong focus on recruitment as to find new and motivated team members. However, we have a strong base: previous Blokker employees have become part of SNEL and the communication between all team members is going very well. We are all working under the motto of Vos Logistics ‘One team, One Vos’, solving challenges together all day, every day.”

… our office in Poland was renovated?

This summer, the complete remodelling of our Warsaw office was finished. With more and more people going back to work, we found it was time for a fresh-up. The office was closed for two months, resulting in a new look, more conference rooms, LED lighting and new appliances that are more ecological. We are proud of the result! Check out the before / after pictures :)

… we were awarded with a 2^nd and 3^rd Lean & Green Star at once?

As a member of the Lean & Green program since 2010, Vos Logistics managed to gain the 1st Star in 2014. In the aim to earn a 2nd Star, performance was beyond expectations, resulting in also receiving a 3rd Lean & Green Star. Dirk van der Lee, Project Manager at Lean & Green: “Within our 5-Star program the 2nd Star is awarded to organizations who reduce at least 10% of CO₂ emissions per unit volume (ton) in three years. For the 3rd Star another 5% is required within two years. Besides the reduction, these companies have to present a set of measures and projects which contribute to the reduction of their CO₂-footprint, such as collaboration, optimization and fuel saving measures. The program itself is also continuously in development in collaboration with its participants. The 4th Star is currently a pilot from that collaboration and will target the 2030 EU reduction goal of 55% reduction per unit. The 5th Star is yet to be defined but will most likely target zero-emission transport before 2050.”

DIRK VAN DER LEE, PROJECT MANAGER AT LEAN & GREEN

Van der Lee adds: “Participants like Vos Logistics show us how sustainability and competitiveness can coexist within a logistic service provider. They help pave the way for other companies towards a ‘Lean & Green’ future. Achieving these two Stars at once is an exceptional achievement, one the entire company can be proud of!”

… the IT Integration SNEL Shared Logistics is in the starting blocks?

As of January 1^st 2022, the integration of SNEL Shared Logistics into the IT landscape of Vos Logistics will commence. Almost all IT products and systems will be replaced by our current standard to facilitate a better collaboration between the entities. That way, a further optimization of processes can take place.

… we have plans for extending our Driver facilities in Oss?

The rotation-point in Oss (Waalkade) is a well-known and important base for our driver-colleagues from Cargo and Bulk where they typically go for a stop-over, receive training by MQT, loading or unloading, coupling a trailer, a repair in the local workshop or a cleaning at the cleaning station. But also this is the place to be right before they return to their families and drop off their truck on the parking. The local fleet managers team supports our colleagues in any way possible and takes care of the local facilities. Regarding these facilities, we continuously strive to improve the service level towards our driver-colleagues and in the near future we plan to convert one sanitary group for ladies only and to install a kitchenette in the lounge for public use. Furthermore, cleaning equipment for trucks like vacuum cleaners and materials for wet cleaning are available at the fleet managers’ desk and part of the lockers in the container is due to be replaced / upgraded. Also the safe-parking at Waalkade has been cleaned up and will be used mainly for full trailers, whereas trucks will be parked close to the Driver facilities, next to the cleaning. Our team is looking forward to meet you in Oss. Please contact your own fleet manager, or report at the Driver lounge in Oss in case of any questions or remarks regarding the Driver facilities.

… we will be moving offices soon?

Our new DC in Oss has been officially finished on October 7^th. At this stage, preparations for moving offices are being made, which is planned for the first week of November. The new DC will form an essential link in expanding our operations, facilitating a better infrastructure and the ability to serve our clients even better.