Magazine - Gas erop! 2024 (ENG)

THE TRUCK TRADERS MAGAZINE

A FEW WORDS FROM THE CUSTOMER MRL TRADING AS A BRIDGE TO BOLIVIA

A FEW WORDS FROM THE CUSTOMER DO THINGS GO WRONG AT BUFFL? OF COURSE!

THE WOMEN OF VAEX GIRL POWER IN THE WORKPLACE

2024 | GB

BY VAEX THE TRUCK TRADERS, BUFFL CUSTOMIZERS AND GOVERSTONE

A FEW WORDS FROM PIM

Looking back and looking forward

From cattle dealership to thriving truck empire, with its own interior branch and plenty of new plans. One thing is certain: entrepreneurship is in Pim's blood. He is decisive, creative, alert and always willing to talk about his entrepreneurial journey so far.

50 years of Govers

“My father, Toon, and uncle Leo started the pig trading company Govers BV in 1971, eight years before I was born. I’ve known nothing else since I was a little boy than standing outside watching the trucks. From about the age of 7, several drivers would take me on their trips. One time, my mum thought she’d lost me. I ended up halfway to Luxembourg when I was actually supposed to be at school.

My dad had to arrange for me to be brought back as quick as lightning. I liked driving much more than school, and that’s actually always been the case.”

30 years of VAEX

“When my dad passed away, I took over his role in the company as a eighteen-year-old. That felt very logical to me. Together with Leo and my cousin, Dirk, I continued Govers BV. In 1992, we changed the company name to the more internationally oriented VAEX, from VArkens EXport. I had always been a trader at heart, but my passion for trucks grew ever more apparent. So besides the livestock business, I was increasingly involved in buying and selling trucks.”

10 years of The Truck Traders

“In 2014, I rented land in Ravenstein to start my own truck trading business: VAEX The Truck Traders It was small at first, operating from a site hut in a muddy car park, with about three colleagues. Later, we built our own office with a workshop and washing hall, which allowed mechanics to come to Ravenstein as well. Room enough, we thought. But in no time, we outgrew our space and we kept adding more and more land to our premises. Until the nearly 2 acres we have now, where there are always about 150 trucks in stock.”

5 years of BUFFL

“The plan for BUFFL came about because we needed interior parts quickly, but external companies were full. We never say, ‘No’. So, we organised our own production in Romania. Soon, we moved that to the production hall in Reek and step by step, we ventured further into the world of truck interiors. This resulted in our own brand BUFFL Customizers, in 2019. Since 2023, BUFFL has been located at VAEX The Truck Traders' premises in Ravenstein, doing both interior and superstructure work. This allows us to work efficiently and customers can benefit from everything for their truck under one roof.”

“At the wheel of a truck, that’s where I’m happiest.”

New: familiar colours

“Recently, VAEX The Truck Traders was given new colours: the yellow, green and red it started with in 1971. This is a tribute to times gone by, because I’m proud of the family history of my company and of my father's work. And as a powerful step into the future as it allows us to define ourselves even more clearly. The entire corporate identity has been changed, and the Scania in Govers’ colours is now the face of our company. Every time I see one of them driving around, I feel proud.”

“I love all trucks, but some just a little bit more.”

New: Goverstone

“Unique vehicles deserve just a bit more attention than the rest. With that in mind, we have a new line from 1 January 2024: Goverstone. In a luxury indoor showroom in Reek, you’ll find a collection of exclusive wheeled objects: trucks, cars, motorbikes and more. For sale, to view or to rent. The criteria for a Goverstone?

There are none. It's all about the exclusive character of a vehicle. Just a bit different from the rest. Because it’s a new big rig, an old type in original condition or a collector's item with a special superstructure or paintwork. A reflection of my own passion for all things automotive. And so, the circle is complete.”

Want to know more?

www.thetrucktraders.nl

www.goverstone.nl

www.buffl.nl

A FEW WORDS FROM THE CUSTOMER

MRL Trading as a bridge to Bolivia

Both are competing for the best deals. And at the same time, they allow each other some wins. The basis for an excellent collaboration between our salesman Bas and truck dealer Jacobus Nijhoff of MRL Trading. Their common goal? Trading and transporting European trucks to South America. Fast, efficient and hassle-free.

Delivered to the front door

MRL Trading has three branches: in the Netherlands, Bolivia and Chile. Jacobus works mainly from the Netherlands, while his business partner Evert Schipper lives in Bolivia. This presence in the country itself brings many advantages in terms of security, money flows and local contacts. In addition, Evert owns SDW Shipping, which allows MRL customers to benefit from reliable shipping to South America. Jacobus: “We deliver our trucks to the doorstep in Bolivia and Chile, complete with all the paperwork.”

Speed is our strength

MRL's working practices are similar to those of VAEX The Truck Traders. Bas: “We are also committed to fully supporting our customers after a deal is done. For MRL, that means delivering all the vehicles to the port so they can be loaded onto the boat as quickly as possible. Speed is our strength. Often, one of our buyers purchases a package of vehicles in Scandinavia at the beginning of the week. I put the ones on the app that I think are suitable for MRL. Jacobus looks at those cars, we discuss them, and we finalise the deal. So, the trucks are sold before they reach the Netherlands. And Jacobus can offer them directly in his Bolivian network.”

Mutual trust

Jacobus: “I really like the way that Bas and I negotiate. Firm but clear. And he is customerorientated: he looks for vehicles that really suit our customers and genuinely does his best to reach a good deal. Furthermore, he safeguards the relationship and won’t sell the vehicle to someone else for a little extra money. Bas: “Our collaboration feels pleasant and familiar. Bolivia is not the most stable country, so sometimes things don’t go as

Bas: “Of course, we both just want to keep making money too.”

expected. In those cases, Jacobus always provides a clear explanation. His word is his bond. I trust that.”

Making money together

Jacobus bought his first Volvo from VAEX The Truck Traders in 2017. Since then, the collaboration has expanded considerably, from 15 deals in 2018 to 90 in 2022. Will that continue? Jacobus: “I am committed to growth, despite the unpredictability of the Bolivian market. Recently, in addition to selling Volvo and Renault, we also became a DAF dealer, which opens up more opportunities. Bas: “My intention is definitely to continue our trading relationship. In our characteristic way: granting each other something from time to time, as long as there’s something left for both of us in the end. And that's all going well!”

Jacobus talks about VAEX The Truck Traders

“I think it’s an energetic and progressive company. There are always developments going on, from surprising activities for customers to an completely new brand like BUFFL. All of that doesn’t happen halfway, but rather 100% right. And they’re also visible, on social media, in magazines or in advertising trailers that pops up everywhere. I like that, and it’s unusual within our industry.”

Jacobus: “The negotiations are firm but clear. Exactly my style.”

Jacobus Nijhoff on the left, Bas Willems on the right.

“ Gas erop! ’t Komt goed.”

(Foot on the gas! Everything will be fine.)

What does that really say?

WELL: forward-thinking and progressive

‘Foot on the gas! Everything will be fine.’ For years, this has been the company’s motto. And the most frequently heard statement among our staff. Because we never say ‘No’. And waiting? That’s not in our dictionary at all. Fast deals, a high turnover rate, up-to-date reporting and a future-proof vision. At VAEX The Truck Traders, that’s what we believe in.

NOT: ill-considered and unstructured

‘Foot on the gas’ does not mean running around the office like a headless chicken, all working 80 hours a week or make ill-considered decisions. We achieve our goals through logical processes, a clear division of tasks and direct communication. For our customers and suppliers, as well as for our own employees. We move fast, monitor, evaluate and make adjustments. Even without our foot on the gas, if the situation calls for it.

THIS IS WHO WE ARE

We have summarised our corporate culture in a set of rules. Seven promises to customers and suppliers, as well as to ourselves. They describe what we do and who we are. And they make us a team.

Do you feel the match?

THE TRUCK TRADERS TEAM RULES

1.

WE’RE HERE FOR YOU

Not just to buy or sell a truck. But from the moment you walk through the door or contact us. With sincere attention, even for the postman.

2.

WE DON'T SELL, ‘NO’

What others deem impossible, we see as a challenge. Because we think a step further. We find a way!

4.

5.

6.

3. WE’RE ONLY HUMAN TOO

WE KNOW WHAT WE’RE TALKING ABOUT

You always speak with an expert. We draw on a huge mountain of knowledge and years of experience on the work floor, with our feet firmly on the ground. Sorry, between the trucks.

WE KEEP OUR FOOT ON THE GAS

Fear and doubt are unknown to us. Doing business, competing, persevering and dealing with things. Better a wrong decision than no decision at all. Foot on the gas!

WE DO WHAT WE SAY

We keep our agreements. Always. This is how we were raised and how we’ve grown. And as a result, we can look everyone in the eye.

TOGETHER, WE BECOME STRONGER

Asking a customer, colleague or competitor for their opinion or advice? We certainly do! Because together, you always get further.

7.

Without fancy tailored suits, complex words or slick sales pitches. Jeans, clear language and Brabantian humour: that suits us much better.

THE COLLABORATION BETWEEN THE BANK AND THE BUSINESS

“It helps if you try to understand each other”

Mutual understanding, to move forward together. For ABN AMRO's Jelle Schijvenaars, that is the success factor in his relationship with VAEX

The Truck Traders. Because fair is fair: the bank asks a lot of entrepreneurs nowadays. Then it helps if you can rely on each other.

Open and honest contact

From his role as relationship manager, Jelle works mainly with board member Marjolein and financial professionals Steffy and Frank. “The contact is built around approachability and transparency,” says Jelle. “We can easily reach each other, and employees honestly express what they’re struggling with. Then, I try to provide insight into potential solutions and facilitate them, possibly with other specialists from ABN Amro. VAEX The Truck Traders is a total customer for me: there are many financial areas involved. And we help each other move forward.”

Sharing knowledge

Frank recounts: “One financial issue within the trucking industry is foreign currency flow. We do a lot of trade in Norway. So, we have to deal with the Norwegian krone, whose rate changes daily. But if you now buy a truck before July 2024, you want a firm idea of what it will cost. Not that the same vehicle suddenly becomes much more expensive six months later, due to an unfavourable exchange rate. Jelle: “By having a clear picture of payment flows and comparing options, you can avoid that. But that’s complex stuff, which we

“We keep each other on our toes by actively asking questions.”

discuss together.” Frank: “This leads us to insights for new strategies, which we consider one by one.”

Proactive information sharing

It’s clear: Jelle's connecting role and the specialist knowledge of his colleagues are invaluable. Conversely, it’s positive that The Truck Traders have their financial matters in good order. Without backlogs or endlessly ongoing cases, with data delivered quickly, and proactively providing information. This is increasingly important in an industry that is being closely scrutinised due to the amount of cash involved and the relationships with high-risk countries. Jelle: “Since VAEX The Truck Traders’ data is always up to date, it meets the bank's infor mation requirements and in that sense, every transaction is explainable. In this way, we fulfil our duty to be easily inspected, business continues, and we build mutual trust. That makes it nicer for everyone!”

A positive vibe

What Jelle really finds typical of VAEX The Truck Traders is the positive vibe of the team, with Pim and Marjolein leading the way as role models. “Their drive appeals to me. They don't take either

being or remaining successful for granted. But they realise that to do so, you have to keep developing, even if that involves more documents for the bank or customs. Nowadays, that’s part of your business process, however annoying it may be. They understand that, ask themselves how they can best do it and go for it. In doing so, they avoid a lot of turmoil and negativity, and I like that.”

The path to sustainability

A tip for the future? Jelle: “I would advise every business - including you - to think about the transition to sustainability. Where do you want to go? What role will you take? And which partners do you need? In short, ensure you have a vision for sustainability because companies will increasingly be asked to report on this.” Frank nods in agreement. “With that in mind, we’re going to work on different areas. For instance, we can’t influence the number of electric trucks rolling off the assembly line in the coming years. But sustainability also involves being a good employer and employee job satisfaction, including through optimally organised work processes. And that’s our aim, now and in the future!”

From left to right: Jelle Schijvenaars, Frank Lamers and Marjolein Waals.

Do things go wrong at BUFFL? Of course!

We customise about five trucks a week at BUFFL, from an entire superstructure to a different bed plate ora completely new interior. Most of the time, it goes well. But sometimes a customer comes back to us with a problem. Like Vincent Spoolder, whose interior lights on his Mercedes trucks appeared to have stopped working.

A good start

Vincent owns the metal recycling company AM Alt Metall in Ochtrup, Germany. Earlier this year, he bought a new Mercedes Actros, which he wanted to have upholstered according to his own taste. An illuminated emblem with the vehicle's horsepower on the rear wall: that’s what he wanted. He searched the internet for the right party, and ended up at BUFFL in Ravenstein.

His first contact was with Renske, who immediately understood what he meant and had the design drawn up by designer Dustin. The result was exactly what Vincent had in mind, and his vehicle was scheduled in. Just a week later, Vincent drove away in his customised truck, fully satisfied.

Unexpected problems

The reactions to its new interior were very positive, and in no time two more trucks were brought to Ravenstein. Until the lights on the first Mercedes started playing up. Perhaps an error in the remote control? A hard reset seemed to be the solution, but after a few days, the lights failed again. Meanwhile, the second and third trucks had been completed, but those vehicles also struggled with the same problem a few days after delivery.

Each time, everything seemed to work again after a reset. Until Vincent and his employees started the three vehicles one Monday morning, and it remained dark in all three cabs. BUFFL called Tim on the phone, who investigated the matter thoroughly. In the end, it turned out that the lighting module didn’t match the voltage of this type of vehicle. Annoying, but easily solved by installing a new module in each vehicle.

Positive and satisfied

As Vincent had already driven back and forth to Ravenstein a couple of times, Tim volunteered to solve the problem on site at AM Alt Metall . As quickly as possible, of course. So two truck customisers headed east, and resolved the issue there and then. Since then, everything has worked perfectly, and Vincent is very satisfied.

Vincent: “The way they solved this at BUFFL, that's what we’re happy about. Mistakes can always happen, but you want to feel like they’re actively trying to find a solution. And that was definitely the case with BUFFL. Renske and Tim were always easy to reach and came up with concrete steps themselves. Ultimately, the result is excellent, and we’ll soon be taking our fourth Mercedes to BUFFL for a new interior!”

“Making a mistake is no big deal. It's about how you resolve it.”

THE WOMEN OF VAEX

GIRL POWER

in the workplace

“No nonsense, just do it!”

Nikki Ilse

Renske Steffy

Marjolein

Claudia

Lin Anje

The trucking industry is a real man's world. So customers are often surprised to find so many women at our company. This is a good reason to put these 'ladies' in the spotlight. Meet the women of VAEX!

“Hard work and a good time together.”

Smart, driven and committed “Eight different types, but a real group!” This is how Renske describes the women at VAEX The Truck Traders. And in a way, they’re also similar: all down-to-earth girls who know how to get things done. They can hold their own within the team and with the customers.

“We work extremely really hard towards the same goal and can have a laugh together,” explains Steffy. “That also applies to our male colleagues.” “Sometimes, it's nice to talk about real female things among ourselves,” Nikki adds. Marjolein: “We invest heavily in the quality of our organisation. And that certainly includes these smart women!”

“Everyone is genuinely involved with each other.”

New in town Goverstone by

VAEX The Truck Traders

Only the exceptionals Goverstone is our new line of exclusive vehicles. Unique trucks, vehicles and motorbikes that deserve just a bit more attention than the rest. Icons of the past and heroes of the present. Hard workers and tough powerhouses, far from retirement.

Every single one looks immaculate in our covered showroom in Reek. Each exceptional with its own story and all of them special. Ready to make an impression on the road, with you behind the wheel. How does it feel? There are no words. Because Goverstone is a feeling.

View all the exceptionals at www.goverstone.nl Or make an appointment by phone on +31 (0)486 725 110 or email at info@goverstone.nl

“Special vehicles deserve extra attention.”