In a sector where every minute counts, GCA has been using the CargoCard since the late 1990s to give drivers faster and smarter access to terminals. In other words: less waiting, more driving!
As a logistics service provider with a strong focus on liquid bulk transport, GCA knows better than anyone how crucial speed and reliability are. With many trucks on the road across Europe every day, the company is constantly looking for ways to make processes more efficient. “Losing time at the gate is a waste,” says Ludo Verkaart, Road Transport Manager at GCA Netherlands. “That’s why we are so pleased with the CargoCard. It speeds up the registration process and prevents unnecessary waiting times at terminals. You really notice the difference in daily operations.”
European expert in liquid logistics
GCA (Groupe Charles André) is a French family-owned company with a strong European presence. With around 9,000 employees, GCA transports liquid chemicals and foodstuffs daily by road, rail, inland waterways and shortsea. What sets GCA apart is its full logistics support: from customs clearance and documentation to compliance and information management. “We don’t just want to transport goods; we want to be an extension of our customer,” says Maarten den Brinker, Managing Director of GCA Netherlands. “That’s why we look for partners who embrace digitalisation and efficiency. Secure Logistics is a great example of this.”
Time savings start at access
In road transport, speed is essential. By using the CargoCard, GCA accelerates the driver registration process and drastically reduces waiting times at terminals.
“The registration process is smoother and faster. That has turned out to be a really unexpected benefit. You're actually forced to arrange everything properly in advance. That may seem like extra work, but it saves a lot of time and prevents mistakes.
Through the integration with other external systems, drivers gain seamless digital access. Processes align, queues are avoided, and daily planning becomes more reliable.
“When everything is in place, it runs perfectly. The CargoCard really reduces our waiting times,” says Verkaart. At the same time, he emphasizes how important it is to tackle congestion together:
“Ensuring smooth logistics flows in the Port of Rotterdam remains a shared challenge. With the current traffic and increasing congestion, it is essential that all parties involved continue to work closely together to minimize waiting times and ensure efficient handling.”
Partners in progress
What GCA values in its partnership with Secure Logistics is the shared focus on innovation, safety and practical solutions. According to GCA, this is essential in today’s market.
“For us, digitalisation is not a choice, but a prerequisite. Secure Logistics understands that and helps us move forward in a practical way. No complicated projects, but simply: it works. They think along and deliver speed. That fits with how we want to work with both customers and partners,” says Den Brinker.
Uniformity within the Netherlands and Europe
GCA has a clear ambition: to make logistics safer, more sustainable and smarter. Investments in biofuels, zero-emission transport and digitalisation go hand in hand. An important wish for the future? Uniformity in access procedures across Europe. GCA therefore sees great potential in a broader, international use of the CargoCard.
“The CargoCard works excellently in the Netherlands. If the same standard were applied at other European terminals, it would give us even more speed, safety and control.''
“For us, safety remains the starting point — everything begins there. We want to continue growing as a reliable logistics service provider with a focus on safety, expertise and quality. Uniformity in access systems also supports us in achieving that,” concludes Den Brinker.
