Netherlands-based road freight specialist accelerates operations for Dutch businesses

With consumer behaviour across the globe being driven by ‘The Amazon Effect’ – an expectation for same or next-day delivery options at a competitive price – faster delivery times are becoming less of a choice for consumers, and more of an expectation.

To meet changing expectations for efficient deliveries, Europa Road BV has developed its operation in the Netherlands to offer market-leading accompanied (shipping cargo accompanied by a driver) road freight at a competitive price to Dutch businesses.

The European road freight specialist of pioneering, UK-headquartered, independent operator Europa Worldwide Group has had a presence in the Netherlands since 2023, opening a site in Rotterdam to better serve Dutch businesses. The company is now offering an accompanied service, due to an increased demand for faster transit times.

Mat Jobson, Regional Manager for Europa Road’s sites across the Benelux region, said: “According to Statista, by 2027 global online marketplaces will reach a value of $49.24bn (USD). This growth, driven by consumer demand for time-sensitive goods, has had a huge impact on global supply chains.

“Since we acquired Continental Cargo Carriers (CCC) in Belgium in 2018, the landscape for road freight has changed significantly. We’ve experienced a huge shift in consumer expectation, driven by a boom in online shopping during the Pandemic, followed by supply chain volatility because of global conflicts. Therefore, it was a priority for us to meet these changing expectations and adapt to facilitate a faster, more seamless service.”

To meet these changing needs, Europa has developed its operation to facilitate faster transit times, shorter supply chains; all elements of which foster productivity for its customers and help them build their brands in a competitive market.

Mat continued: “Whether you are a Netherlands-based raw material supplier, manufacturer or retailer, you need to get across the Channel quickly to stay competitive within your overseas markets.

“This is easily achieved using accompanied road freight, which is a secure option for time-sensitive deliveries. Because the driver is permanently with the cargo, any issues and delays can be addressed efficiently, reducing the risk of prolonged hold ups.

“With Europa, goods within either Belgium or Netherlands will be collected and delivered to its destination in Great Britain within one day, and two days for Republic of Ireland.

This move marks the next step in Europa’s mission to constantly innovate to better support its customers with reduced transit times between the European Union (EU) and the UK and Ireland since Brexit.

Europa recently boosted efficiency and cost-savings for its Benelux-based customers through the launch of its market-leading Free Carrier (FCA) clearance process. FCA Flow allows for full-loads travelling into Belgium and Netherlands to be cleared at Calais, removing the cost of T-Forms and allowing goods to travel directly to their final destination point rather than diverting via a third-part clearance facility.

In addition to its service Europa Flow, a Delivery Duty Paid (DDP) product which takes care of customs administration on behalf of the exporter, Europa’s road freight operation capitalises on the existing operational, technological and customs infrastructures that the company has successfully put in place since Brexit. Europa Flow was launched for Dutch exporters in 2022.

The company is also one of the largest commercial users of high-speed Eurotunnel service, LeShuttle Freight, which offers a faster, more sustainable route to the UK and Ireland from Central Europe. Making 2,600 accompanied journeys through the tunnel every month – more than 30,000 annually.