In the chaotic and fast-changing world of logistics, speed and precision are important, but the real difference is made by the people who do the work. Kooiker Logistiek in Deventer is a perfect example. Here, drivers, planners and job coaches work together every day to ensure that orders are delivered on time, safely and with attention to the customer.
This cooperation is reinforced by Euro Planit, a reliable partner for recruitment and guidance of international employees. In this story, we meet three people who play an important role in this: Robert, manager at Kooiker Logistiek, Sebastian, a recently placed driver, and Liliana, job coach at Euro Planit.
"We don't just drive goods around, we build relationships"
Robert Brusse, transport planner and coordinator, knows every aspect of the logistics process at Kooiker. Early in the morning, even before most people are awake, the first load leaves for customers. "Until 22:00 in the evening, customers can order, and during the night we make sure everything is ready," he explains.
Working with partner Bolk and client Sligro requires tight coordination. But Robert stresses that at Kooiker it's not just about efficiency: "Our drivers drive fixed routes and have a personal connection with customers. That makes the work not only more pleasant, but also better. A well-known driver who knows where to be is worth his weight in gold."
In a tight labour market, finding good people is not a given. "That's why we work closely with Euro Planit. Thanks to them, we have a stable team - and if something comes up, we can switch quickly."
"I was given an opportunity without experience, and feel really welcome here"
For Sebastian, a young driver from Poland, his job at Kooiker Logistics marked a new beginning. "I had no experience as a driver before, so I was really surprised to be hired," he says. "But everyone here is helpful. They take the time to explain things and I feel I am taken seriously."
That was not always a given at Kooiker. In the beginning, there was some reluctance to hire international drivers. "There was some doubt: do they work properly, do they communicate well, how does it work in practice?" says Robert. "But now we know better: it works extremely well. International colleagues like Sebastian are a huge reinforcement for the team."
Through Euro Planit, he not only got an explanation of the work, but accommodation was also arranged close to where he works. "That's important," he says. "We sometimes work days of 12 to 13 hours. Then you don't want to have to drive home for another hour."
Every day is different for Sebastian. He starts with coffee, loads the truck and drives along several customers in the region with a co-driver. "It's hard work, but also fun. You meet a lot of people, and if something goes wrong, you learn from it. That's part of the job."
With his work at Kooiker, Sebastiaan keeps a good work-life balance. In consultation with his employer, it is possible to alternate periods of work with time in Poland. "If I want, I can work for a fortnight and then go home. We always coordinate that together. I really appreciate that flexibility. My family is happy, I am happy: it works perfectly for me."
"My work is all about people: that's what makes it valuable!"
Liliana, job coach at Euro Planit, is the connecting link between Kooiker Logistiek and the international employees she coaches. After years in another sector, she consciously chose logistics. "It's never boring. There is always movement, challenges, and you work with people from all over Europe."
She cites Kooiker as one of her favourite customers. "The cooperation with Robert and Leroy (Transport Supervisor at Kooiker) is pleasant. We have short lines of communication and solve problems together. That just works."
Liliana is not only committed to a good match, but also to the well-being of her people. "I have arranged housing in Deventer and Bathmen so that drivers can stay close to their work. Good rest is essential to perform well."
With other Polish colleagues at Euro Planit, she actively recruits new drivers through various channels, including OLX and Facebook. "It is not easy, especially for physically demanding work such as distribution driver. But with the right guidance and a warm welcome, we can help many people get a nice job."
The common thread: trust, communication and commitment
What makes this story of Kooiker Logistics, Euro Planit and its people special is the mutual commitment. Whether it's planning trips, inducting a new driver or arranging living quarters: everyone does their bit.
Robert sums it up nicely: "We make sure the work gets done, but that starts with people feeling valued."
And Sebastian? Who thinks exactly the same: "I don't feel like a number here, but part of the team."