In 1930, Joep van de Kamp made his dream come true. With his own T-Ford, he drives his very first trucks, full of straw and baskets.
What started as a sideline to farming grew into a life's work. Farmer by day, transporter by night. He drove to markets in Den Bosch, Utrecht and later even Rotterdam. The loading and unloading work was done by hand, the planning with the head. No digital tools, but vision and perseverance More than 90 years later, we drive a high-tech fleet across Europe. But it started with one man, one truck and a heart for logistics
In June 1938, our warehouse on the Raadhuisdijk was hit by a devastating fire. The space, including the municipality's margarine, burns down completely.
For Joep van de Kamp, this could have been the end. But he chose differently. With determination and perseverance, he continued to build.
What he lost in goods, he gained back in trust. From customers, neighbours and fellow entrepreneurs. A difficult page in our history, but also one that shows our character. We keep going, just when things go wrong
In 1956, we purchased our first Volvo. A truck with a livestock bin and a straw that symbolized the next phase: from separate trips to structural transport.
With this purchase, the expansion of a professional fleet began. The trips to livestock markets became more frequent, the routes expanded inside and outside the Netherlands.
The strength lay in the combination: craftsmanship, reliability and the courage to invest in the future. That first Volvo meant more than just steel on wheels. It was the start of something big.
In 1958, a fire broke out in the neighborhood. The flames spread and our trucks and stables were in danger.
Thanks to quick and decisive action, Van de Kamp was spared. But it wasn't just a year of threat. 1958 was also the year of our first international rides.
We bought our second Volvo and set sail for Belgium, Germany and Luxembourg. This started a new chapter in our history.
Sometimes growth comes from fire. Literally and figuratively
At a time when female entrepreneurs were still rare, Gerda — Gijs's partner — obtained her diplomas for national and international professional transport.
Not because it had to be done, but because it was necessary. Thanks to her efforts, Van de Kamp was able to officially offer international transport.
She did much more than just administration. She opened doors, provided structure and ensured that we could continue to grow.
Gerda stayed with us for over 50 years. Always in the background, but invaluable.
In 1965, Van de Kamp said goodbye to founder Joep van de Kamp. At 58, his life comes to an end, but not his work.
What he has built up with vision and craftsmanship is continued by his wife Hanneke, son Gijs, daughter-in-law Gerda and later son Hans.
Together, they ensure that the company not only continues to exist, but continues to grow. Supported by the same values that Joep once started with: reliability, commitment and love for the job.
Still felt in everything we do to this day.
In the 80s, Van de Kamp grew out of his coat. The center of Maasbommel, with its narrow streets and limited storage options, no longer meets the company's ambitions.
The choice falls on a new location in Druten, at the Westerhout business park. There will be space for storage, transhipment and inventory management.
An important step in the professionalization of our services. Not only literally more meters, but also figuratively more options.
A new chapter, but with the same familiar mentality.
In 2005, Van de Kamp will celebrate its 75th anniversary. Together with the entire team, we look back on three generations of craftsmanship, entrepreneurship and growth.
But it's not just a moment of looking back. In this anniversary year, Gijs, Gerda, Hans and Bets will hand over to Joep jr. and Hans-Jurgen.
The third generation is ready. With new ideas and the same heart for logistics.
A family business with strong roots and fresh energy.
In 2007, we say goodbye to Gijs van de Kamp. Son of founder Joep, brother, husband, entrepreneur and one of the driving forces within our company for years.
Together with his wife Gerda and brother Hans, he developed Van de Kamp into a modern, international logistics player.
With a keen sense of people and quality, he set out lines that can still be felt today.
Gijs lives on in our mentality. In how we keep investing, listening and delivering.
As the fourth generation, he continues the family tradition. Like Joep and Hans-Jurgen, he started washing trucks on Saturdays.
Every day, we provide general cargo transport to and from Italy, with smart logistics and personal service. We are proud to say that our specialties are much broader these days, from furniture logistics to even conditioned transport.
What started with one truck is now a modern family business with more than 90 years of experience, a strong team and a clear promise: do what we promise.
