Traditional & Impressive
HISTORY
The history of Van der Heijden Transport reflects a legacy of entrepreneurship, resilience and innovation. Since 1927, we have been on the road, while preparing the next generation for the future.
From horse and cart to today’s modern container transport
In 1927, 25-year-old Gerhardus van der Heijden founded his own transport company at the Kralingseweg in Rotterdam. Using a horse and cart and a Ford Model A, he transported vegetables, manure, coal and soil for local market gardeners during the early years. He had previously gained experience in his father’s dairy transport business.
The years of economic crisis and war were difficult. In 1944, the company’s only vehicle — the Ford Model A — was confiscated by the German forces. Nevertheless, Gerhardus continued transporting goods as best he could, using a pull wagon fitted with pneumatic tyres.
A new chapter after the war
After the war, son Gerhard joined the company. Driving a surplus Ford truck, he served an expanding customer base — not only market gardeners, but also landscapers and contractors. By the late 1950s, the fleet had grown to seven trucks.
In the early 1960s, new work had to be found. Many market gardeners were expropriated, resulting in a decline in assignments. Van der Heijden therefore shifted its focus to port transport and, in 1964, welcomed Heineken as a client. The brewery’s ships and cafés were supplied with beer. In 1969, son Gerhard officially took over the company, and container transport was introduced — an activity that remains at the core of the business to this day.
A new generation, a new direction
In 1988, brothers Gerard and Bert van der Heijden took over the company from their father. One year later, the business relocated to Ridderkerk, where there was more room for expansion. From that moment on, the transport company fully focused on container transport throughout Europe.
Today, Van der Heijden Transport is known as a reliable family business with a modern fleet and a close-knit team.
Read more about our organisation and the people behind the company.
Nearly a century of forward thinking
History as a foundation for the future
Nearly 100 years of experience form the foundation for the future. Sustainability and innovation are now just as important as entrepreneurship was in the early days. That is why Van der Heijden Transport invests in electric trucks and alternative fuels.
Discover how we put this into practice on our Sustainability & Quality page.
Growth through generations
Strong in container transport today
While we once started with local transport of vegetables and coal, today we provide complete logistics solutions for container transport throughout Europe.
Discover our services and what we stand for today.