This month, Gerard Kempen celebrates 60 years as director of Kempen Transport in Venlo. It's the perfect time to reflect with the enthusiastic transport entrepreneur who has 135 trucks on the road daily, along with 20 chartered vehicles, transporting fruit and vegetables across Germany—a market he knows like the back of his hand.
The history of Kempen Transport stretches back even further. The company was founded in 1928 by Graad Kempen, who used a horse and cart to transport goods between the clay industry and iron foundries from Tegelen to Maastricht. Gerard joined the family business in 1958. "I had two older brothers, but one passed away at the age of 27, and the other went to work for his father-in-law. My younger brother and I ran the business together for 25 years until he retired in 1984."
At 17, Gerard completed his vocational training and joined his father, who operated three trucks. By the time he was 18 years and four months old, Gerard was driving solo to Italy. Looking back, he recalls those as the best years of his career. "When I was 20, anything was possible. These days, there are rules for everything. Back then, no one minded if you drove 10 minutes too long. Now I have to install new tachographs in trucks that are only a year and a half old. It's hard to imagine."
From Tegelen to Grubbenvorst
"Since 1970, our transport activities have focused entirely on fruit and vegetables. Before that, we transported plastic granules alongside fresh produce. These days, we only transport fresh produce during the Dutch season, but there has been a significant shift from Dutch produce to imports. Now, we load much more from Rotterdam, Antwerp, and Zeebrugge," says Gerard. After his younger brother left, Gerard moved the business from Tegelen to the auction grounds in Grubbenvorst. "At that time, it wasn't common for a transport company to have a branch there, but I recognized that the trade was happening there and gained the support of the auction director."
Today, 90% of Kempen Transport's activities are focused on Germany. The company also operates fixed routes to Belgium and the Westland. "We cover the entire German market, from east to west and north to south. Over the years, supermarkets have taken over the bulk of the trade, but we still serve many independent traders. We deliver to around 300 customers daily, with orders ranging from one to 100 pallets. That variety is part of the charm because even a retailer in Munich ordering through the web clock can rely on us. We excel in cross-docking partial loads. No matter the order size, customers can place their orders by 2 PM, and they'll receive them the next day. Large customers enter their orders directly into our portal and can track their shipments in real-time."
Personal connections between customers and drivers
Over his 60 years as director, Gerard has seen many transport companies come and go. When asked what has ensured Kempen Transport's longevity, he points to flexibility. "We used to drive six days a week, but when supermarkets took over the trade, we started unloading on Sundays. Many transport companies hesitated to send someone to Munich on a Friday evening, but we always did—and we always found drivers willing to do it.
"Our customers also develop strong bonds with our drivers, who often have direct contact with them. Especially our more experienced drivers—they know everyone personally. That connection is vital and something we've built over the years. Relationships with fellow transporters have also improved significantly. The days of cutthroat competition are behind us, and I've never liked conflict anyway. These days, there's a mutual understanding that we can achieve more by helping each other. We have excellent relationships with colleagues like Transtolk and BosDaalen."
Return cargo
Reflecting on the highs and lows, Gerard—who was awarded the Order of Orange-Nassau in 2020—notes that he has experienced few lows. "Once, things were tense when a major customer went bankrupt, but they were eventually taken over by another client," he says. The introduction of the tachograph during Wim Kok's tenure was a significant milestone.
"These days, we have a dedicated team of four managing return loads. Driving empty is no longer an option because it doubles the cost of Maut (road tolls). With 100 trucks on German roads daily, that could add up to €2.5 million annually. So, trucks must return fully loaded, often with general cargo or paper."
Despite turning 84 next week, Gerard remains deeply involved in the business. "I play golf occasionally, but I can't sit at home all day. I still manage the fleet and handle challenging cases when needed. Some of our older clients also like to stay in touch with me. The daily management, however, is now in the capable hands of my daughter Nancy, the third generation of our family in the business. I'm especially proud that my grandson Julian, the fourth generation, is already working in the company. I hope they can keep the business thriving for many years to come. If I could do it all over again, I'd choose transport in a heartbeat, though I'd make an effort to learn more languages and gain computer skills."
Managing the fleet remains one of Gerard's key responsibilities. "The trucks must look good, clean inside and out," says the jubilant director, who considers himself a loyal Scania man, though Volvo trucks have also joined the fleet. As for electrification, Gerard believes it's not yet feasible. "Here at the auction site, it will take a few years to install enough charging points. Plus, the infrastructure just isn't ready. When driving to East Germany, we need to keep moving during mandatory rest periods to ensure on-time deliveries. Customers still expect punctuality—that hasn't changed in 60 years."
Finally, Gerard takes a moment to thank his staff. "Without our drivers, receptionists, planners, technicians, and the administrative and financial teams, Kempen Transport wouldn't exist. They are the key to the success of our wonderful transport company!"
Want to congratulate Gerard on his anniversary? Then send an email to [email protected]