There was a need for a practical solution for the driver check-out process on site. Not a complex system that takes months to implement, but a direct solution that works for both staff and drivers. “With this step, we’ve tackled at least 80 percent of our challenges,” says owner Rob van Doorn.

Full-service container company with a personal approach

Van Doorn has been a trusted presence in the Port of Rotterdam since 1980. What once started with container repairs has grown into an all-round player in container services, managing everything in-house. Rob van Doorn, second generation and at the helm for over twenty years, is gradually handing over the reins to his son, the third generation. “We may not be the biggest, but we always try to offer just that little bit of extra service. Customer focus is central to everything we do,” says Van Doorn.

From challenge to innovation

More than ten years ago, Van Doorn already took a step towards digitization with the implementation of an automatic check-in counter with CargoCard support for visitor registration. It was a major step forward in professionalism, saved time, and reduced pressure on staff, as manual registration was no longer needed. “Back then, we deliberately chose the CargoCard to make the check-in process faster, easier and safer,” Van Doorn explains. 

But one bottleneck remained: the check-out process for drivers on the exit side of the site. There was simply no infrastructure in place, so drivers either walked back on foot to check out, or skipped it altogether. Not ideal for safety or operations. “It just didn’t feel right,” Van Doorn says. “People walking back across the site – that’s not what you want. It had to be safer, and easier.”

Together with Secure Logistics, SoftPak and their own IT department, an innovative and wireless solution was developed: a solar-powered check-out pillar, equipped with a 5G connection and CargoCard reader. Thanks to the smart link between these components, a complete and seamless visitor registration was created. “Now drivers simply use their CargoCard when leaving the site. No detours. Everything runs smoothly, safely, and automatically,” Van Doorn explains. “It also saves our staff a lot of extra work.”

“Everything went smoothly, and if anything came up, it was resolved quickly. They are professional, approachable, and a pleasure to work with.”

Reliable collaboration

What does Van Doorn value most in working with Secure Logistics? The short lines and clear communication. “Secure Logistics documented the entire process clearly. Everything went smoothly, and if anything came up, it was quickly resolved. They are professional, accessible, and great to work with.” For Van Doorn, the strength of Secure Logistics lies not just in the access solutions themselves, but especially in the way they work together. “What really sets Secure Logistics apart for me is that they truly think along with you. If I had to describe them in three words: professional attitude, short lines, and great communication,” says Van Doorn.

From optimization to growth

Van Doorn continues to invest in digitalization to streamline processes and make daily site operations as efficient as possible. The collaboration with Secure Logistics was a great step in that direction. “With this step, we’ve tackled at least 80 percent of our challenges,” Rob van Doorn concludes. “The process has become so much faster. Drivers no longer have to go to the reception desk, and there’s less manual work. It’s ideal for bookings. The process is now faster, more transparent, and safer and that helps us continue to grow, step by step.”