"'Too much dishonest competition in the transport line of business"

Since 2010 SFM Logistics occupy new premises at the Holland Road in Bleiswijk. Wilco de Boer tells that at that stage they had to move, because of a shortage of space. "Especially more storage space was needed. The location at the Holand Road was ideal, but a lot still needed attention. The floor had to be renewed and office space built. A number of specific requirements, such as a shower and bedroom for drivers have delayed building. We moved during May 2011."

"The advantage of the move is the possibility of storage and transfer. And if required by the customer we will be able to build coldstores in the future. Our staff complement is slightly bigger and so is our turnover. SFM Logistics closed 2011 with almost one million turnover more than in 2010.

Increase of the fleet to 12 lorries

Also the fleet of the company has been increased during the last couple of years. "Our fleet has grown to 12 lorries within a period of 9 years. This could have been quicker. However, we are of the opinion that SFM also need charters. Charters which at the moment almost double the total fleet."

About the future of SFM Logistics Wilco de Boer is moderately optimistic. "The recession may stagnate the turnover, but lucrative deals for SFM are expected. In 2012. We want to work mainly on the standardization of our processes. We plan to implement processes in accordance with International Food Standard and ISO 9001. And to train our drivers in accordance with Code 95. Furthermore we are busy with a number of large prospects, which we will be allowed to serve in the beginning of 2013.

He expects the transport tariffs in the branch to remain terribly low. "Tariff increases are fundamentally wrong. The profit is the result of more efficient loading and in driving less kilometres. Futhermore we expect the supply of credit by banks to stagnate, so that development and investment are almost impossible."

Wilco is of the opinion that there is too much dishonest competition. "Tranport must be as cheap as possible. Dutch transporters regularly have orders offered, which they can fulfil with own material. But material and manpower are chartered abroad. Expenses could then well be half." Wilco mentions that SFM Logistics also experience this problem. "We regularly plan large transports of 50 to 100 lorries, when we (unfortunately) are inevitably required to use cheaper charters for certain destinations. Luckily many of our customers prefer their products to arrive at the client without defects."

For more information:

Wilco de Boer

SFM Logistics B.V.

2665 MT Bleiswijk

The Netherlands

tel: +31 (0) 10 511 90 40

fax: +31 (0) 10 511 90 49