Volkswagen importer
"Koopman thinks along with you for smart solutions
If you've been in business together for more than 45 years, you become partners rather than a client and a service provider. The cooperation between Koopman and the Netherlands' largest car importer therefore goes much further than the transport of cars (Automotive) and components (Cargo) to dealers throughout the Netherlands. The Head of Transport is delighted to continue the cooperation with Koopman: "We recently entered into our next, long-term contract with Koopman. Of course you need to justify such a lengthy contract, but that is certainly the case. Generally speaking, the price is foremost in a tender procedure. In our case, the CO2-neutral target was one of the criteria. Key terms for the entire process were quality, reliability, sustainability, flexibility, competitiveness and continuity. Koopman scores excellently on all fronts.
CO2-neutral
Koopman contributes greatly to achieving our target of working in a CO2-neutral manner in 2020. It is an extremely ambitious target on which we started consulting back in 2017. Koopman took an extremely proactive attitude in the process and has installed an HVO station in Nijkerk, so that we can fuel up with HVO. That allowed us to reduce our CO2 emissions by 8% in 2018, by 15% in 2019 and by 22% in 2020. The remaining CO2 emissions are compensated via the Commonlands foundation. HVO is a more expensive fuel to use, and we need to compensate that by implementing efficiency measures. In order to do so, we formulated a Supply Chain Optimisation Plan (SCOP). The aim is to compensate the higher costs of more expensive fuel by driving less kilometres, therefore driving more efficiently.
"Fuelling with bio diesel reduces the CO2 emissions per litre by approximately 90%.
Dynamic costing model
Together with Koopman, we have developed a new, dynamic calculation model to enable us to charge on any changes in deliveries. If there is a one-off consignment of many cars to a certain region or dealer for example, there is the option of checking whether there are possibilities to reduce transport times. The calculation model calculates the number of kilometres, the costs and the CO2 emissions. We benefit financially and directly from any improvements in the supply chain. We pay for precisely the service we receive and can simply implement any changes. If anything goes wrong in the process or a complaint is received from a dealer, Koopman takes serious action. The problem is solved and feedback given. While Koopman is not always the cheapest, their reliability, quality and continuity are of great value to us."
"It is important that we not only meet our CO2 target but also that we can transport goods at the lowest possible costs. The transport process is responsible for much of the emissions, and it therefore needs to be rendered as efficient as possible.
The Business Unit Manager Cars
Insight in the chain
We have been part of a pilot for blockchain technology. That means full digitalisation of the transport of cars, from storage location to dealer. As the entire process is contained within a block chain environment, the data is optimally protected and cannot be altered. By registering all data of the vehicle throughout the logistics chain, we have added insight into the chain, allowing us to optimise our processes.
Dealers benefit from the system because they can see exactly where the cars are and when they will be delivered. As an importer, the transport route between the factory and our premises is more interesting. We are discussing that with the developer of the system – Vinturas – and Koopman.
"Whatever challenges we face, Koopman enjoys finding smart solutions.
The cooperation with Koopman runs smoothly at all levels. Communication lines are short, which is particularly satisfying for operational staff in the planning office. However hectic and busy it may sometimes be, Koopman will always strive to meet agreements. Whatever challenges we face, Koopman enjoys consulting with you and finding smart solutions.
Dedicated transport of components
Every night, 24 large Koopman Cargo trailers transport components for five large car manufacturers to approximately 400 delivery addresses in the Netherlands. The Business Unit Manager of Logistics has great respect for the night drivers: "Out on the road every night to unload your cargo, sometimes at very remote industrial sites. That's quite a challenge. We enjoy close cooperation with Koopman. If there is 'hassle' with the customer, we can discuss it together. A component might be damaged on arrival, for example. We need to find out why and how we can prevent that in the future. Maybe the driver was at fault, but we can reduce the risk of damage by packaging the component differently. This approach has resulted in a great reduction in the number of claims and therefore damages. The quality of the delivery is improved and that results in satisfied customers."
"This approach has resulted in a great reduction in the number of claims and therefore damages. The quality of the delivery is improved and that results in satisfied customers.
Physical burden
Together with Koopman Cargo, we look for ways of making life easier for drivers and reducing the physical burden on them. An example: If a VW van needs a new roof, it is supplied as a single component. It is then packaged in a large wooden box. That makes it hard work if the driver is required to deliver it alone at night. For some time now, we have changed our system to deliver such large packages in daytime only. There is always someone around to lend a hand.
"The people at Koopman are very much like ourselves. That makes for a good relationship; you know what to expect from each other and you have worked together for long enough to keep each other alert.
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