Forwarding is a well-established activity within the Steinweg Group, but for Steinweg Netherlands, headquartered in Rotterdam, it’s a relatively new service. Still, it doesn’t feel new. In fact, in practice it is already happening. Forwarding is all about logistics coordination: Steinweg arranges transport, documentation, and customs clearance without the cargo ever passing through our terminals. It requires a different mindset, but for a global logistics provider with over 135 locations worldwide, it’s a natural step.
From standard service to out-of-the-box thinking
Jeffrey Grummels, who is building the forwarding service in the Netherlands, knows Steinweg inside and out. “I’ve been with Steinweg for 15 years and have worked across many parts of the company”, he says. “What I enjoy about forwarding is that it forces you to think outside the box. The cargo doesn’t touch our terminal, but we take care of everything: transport, customs, documentation. It can involve anything from heavy machinery and exhibition shipments to consumer goods.”
Historically, forwarding happened on an ad-hoc basis. “One container here, a shipment there – it was the exception. Now we’re offering it as a full-fledged service, not just an add-on.”
A global network as key advantage
Peter Pesselse, Chief Executive Officer of Steinweg Netherlands, sees forwarding as a strategic opportunity. “Globally, forwarding is already a proven model within the Steinweg Group. We’ve built strong operations in places like South Africa and South America. However, in Rotterdam, the focus has remained on our assets, terminals and warehouses. That makes sense, of course, as they come with fixed costs, but it has also meant we have missed opportunities. For example, if a shipment needed to go directly from Germany to South Africa, we wouldn’t do it, because it didn’t touch our terminal.”
That mindset is changing. “We have a fantastic global network. Why not use it more actively for forwarding? It takes initiative, agility, and entrepreneurship and that’s exactly what Jeffrey brings.”
A different customer, a different kind of service
Forwarding also means working with a different type of client. “We’re now also working with flows of goods from existing customers which previously weren’t in the picture”, says Jeffrey. “From ship’s propellers to exhibition furniture, you deal with completely different cargo flows, and that’s what makes it exciting.” One clear example? “A large machine in Belgium couldn’t be delivered because a third party failed to secure the permits. Within 24 hours, we arranged the entire shipment, including permits and planning. That was forwarding at its best. And the whole route was outside the Netherlands.”
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A matter of mindset
Forwarding isn’t a replacement of our core services, but an important extension. Peter states: “It requires a different way of thinking. You’re the coordinator of the supply chain, not the terminal operator or warehouse keeper. That’s a mind shift, but it’s also essential. The market is evolving and Steinweg has what it takes: deep expertise, decades of experience and, most importantly, a global network we’re activating in smarter ways.”
From pilot to permanent pillar
The first months have been promising. “We’re seeing growth, building a solid track record, and more people, inside and outside the company, now see Steinweg as a reliable forwarding partner”, says Jeffrey. “The next step is bringing more structure, choosing where to focus, and scaling up intelligently. We’re doing it our way: professionally, efficiently and always in a customer oriented manner.”
Forwarding fits Steinweg. It’s not a leap into the unknown, it’s a logical expansion of a proven strength, or as Peter puts it: “We’re doing what we’ve always done: delivering excellent logistics. Just without the warehouse this time.”
Want to know more? Contact Jeffrey at J.Grummels@nl.steinweg.com