LCG: "With Berkman, you always know where you stand"

Logistics Center Gorinchem (LCG) is an intermodal logistics provider located directly on open water near the Merwede Bridge in Gorinchem. With a strategically placed terminal for container transport, LCG serves as a key link between seaports and inland destinations. Bas Koninkx, who has worked at LCG for over 3.5 years and has been active in container logistics since 1999, shares insights on the company's close relationship with Berkman Forwarding. "With Berkman, you always know where you stand. They do what they say - and that aligns perfectly with the way we operate," Bas says. 

Connected from the very beginning

LCG was founded in 2004, but Bas' personal collaboration with Berkman dates back much further. "Ever since I started in container logistics, I've worked with them. Berkman is a family business, and you can feel that in everything they do. We serve clients in a way that feels big, yet always remains personal."

With a parent company (HTS) that operates 30 vessels and multiple terminals in Germany and Belgium, LCG plays a vital role in the transport and storage of containers across Europe. Its partnership with Berkman Forwarding has become a steady fixture in that ecosystem.

Working together daily for peak costumer performance

The collaboration between LCG and Berkman is ongoing and intensive. Whether serving large or small clients, the goal is always high performance: delivering containers on time and in full, without compromising on quality.

"We operate at a high-performance level. The only way to maintain that is through complete transparency and proactive collaboration," Bas explains. "It's really like a good marriage."

When Berkman handles a sea freight shipment, LCG takes care of the pre- or post-transport - depending on whether it's import or export. Thanks to their intermodal setup, LCG can often offer faster and more sustainable solutions than road transport alone. "We align on customer requirements and design the logistics process together. That's how we ensure clients get exactly what they need - with the speed and reliability they expect."

Trust and direct communication: the core of this partnership

For Bas, trust is the cornerstone of the relationship with Berkman. "We know what to expect from each other. I don't have to follow up on my shipments - they just take care of it, exactly as agreed. They provide updates, keep their word, and think along with us. Berkman clearly values long-term partnerships."

The personal contact also plays a big role. "When I walk into Berkman's office, I know 90% of the people there. It feels familiar. I've known Mark and Arie since I first started in the industry. That long-standing connection makes everything easier and more enjoyable."

Stronger together - even when things change

As with any long-term partnership, changes happen. Sometimes a customer relocates to a site that's no longer ideal for LCG's operations. "Those are tough moments, but we always work through them together. The relationship never breaks. In fact, we often see clients return after a few years because they miss the quality we delivered together with Berkman."

Personal service as a key differentiator

Bas is clear about why LCG and Berkman make such a strong team: personal service, direct communication, and a no-nonsense approach. "We both believe in the 'pick up the phone' principle. You get answers right away and can act quickly. Email's convenient, but sometimes it lacks nuance. With Berkman, communication is always direct and honest."

That personal approach extends beyond just contact - it's embedded in how they operate. "Berkman delivers real service. If something needs to change - whether it's planning or pricing - they'll work with us to find the right solution. That's what sets them apart."

Say what you do, do what you say

When asked why he would recommend Berkman, Bas doesn't hesitate: "Because they say what they do, and do what they say. They're reliable, service-minded and always ready to find solutions together. In a market where many freight forwarders chase low prices and high margins, Berkman focuses on sustainable relationships and real quality."

"With them, you still feel the personal commitment that's needed to serve clients properly. And that's no longer a given these days."

Putting the customer first - and always going the extra mile

LCG and Berkman have spent years building a resilient logistics chain together. That partnership continues to evolve, but it's foundation - trust, involvement and personal contact - remains unchanged. 

Bas: "We keep choosing each other because we share the same goal: putting the customer first and always going that extra mile. That's what it's all about in the end."

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