Van Bergen Sports: "A great partnership built on mutual understanding"

Van Bergen Sports is a family-owned business with over four decades of experience in importing and exporting outdoor and winter sports equipment. Based in the Netherlands, the company exports to 23 countries worldwide. What started as a small operation founded by the father of the current management has grown into an internationally active business led by two brothers, including Peter. We spoke with him and Ellen, who supports the company's purchasing department. 

From frustration to smooth logistics

Most of Van Bergen Sports' goods are imported from the Far East, making a reliable logistics partner essential. "We found that partner in Berkman Forwarding around 15 years ago," Peter explains. "Before that, we'd been working with several other providers, but were constantly running into poor communication and lack of engagement. Partnering with Berkman was a breath of fresh air."

Logistics you rarely have to think about

It was actually a sales rep who had gone to work at Berkman who pointed Peter in their direction. "He knew we were looking for a new logistics partner and recommended Berkman. He said, 'With them, you won't run into communication issues. You'll always know where you stand.' That convinced us to start the conversation."

Since then, Berkman has taken over the entire logistics process - and it goed far beyond just shipping containers. "Once they have all the necessary information from us, they take the lead," says Peter.

"From contacting our suppliers in China to handling groupage shipments, customs clearance, container scheduling - even temporary storage. They're also reliable and efficient when it comes to air freight. We can confidently hand everything over to Berkman's team."

Ellen adds: "A few years ago, when we experienced a peak in deliveries, they proactively suggested temporary storage at a depot in Utrecht - just 20 minutes from us. That kind of solution saves us time, money and a lot of stress."

Personal contact comes first

"It's also reassuring that Berkman has its own office and staff in the country where our goods originate," Ellen notes. "Because our collaboration with their Dutch team runs so smoothly, we know their colleagues in China are just as dependable. We barely have to follow up on anything - communication is clear, and they always deliver on their promises."

What makes the partnership even more valuable, according to Peter, is their reliability, industry expertise and - above all - the human touch. "You can just call them. No long wait times, no endless email chains. That's becoming rare these days. You get someone on the phone right away."

A no-nonsense match

On a cultural level, too, there's a strong fit. "We're both family businesses," Peter explains. "That means shared values and a hands-on mindset. No-nonsense, just do what you say you'll do and don't make promises you can't keep. It works. And that's why I choose to stay with Berkman - no matter what their competitors are offering in terms of pricing."

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