Hauliers want to work in Holland
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by Sally Nash • Large numbers of owner-drivers are turning their backs on the UK to take up jobs in the Netherlands where pay and conditions are significantly better, according to a leading Dutch container firm.
Rotterdam-based Kieserling Benelux Forwarding, which is involved in container and heavy haulage, has been inundated with requests for work from UK drivers since it advertised for owner-drivers several months ago. Kieserling finance director Frits Mens says he has received "piles" of letters of interest from UK drivers desperate for a better working life.
"They are all leaving England." says Mens. "We've now signed about 15 drivers with more to come."
He says drivers are particularly pleased with the support offered by Kieserling, which incorporates help with finance including setting up a bank account, insurance, access to cheaper diesel and the supply of a container chassis.
Rates are set at 1.63 Dutch guilders per km (about 50p) and Kieserling attempts to give hauliers between 130,000 and 150,000 kilometres per year.
"Many drivers have told me that the rates are better here than in the UK," says Mens. "But not only that, they have said there is no work there, an anti-truck policy and poor working conditions."
Mens claims that with the strength of the Dutch economy the company will continue to grow, leading to even greater opportunities for UK drivers.
One owner-driver in the UK who has already signed up and is about to move "lock, stock and barrel" to Rotterdam is Alex Belokon, trading as Abel Transport.
Belokon, of Lincolnshire, who plans to move out to Holland with his wife before Christmas, says he was in financial difficulties and "about to sink" earlier this year.
Although he is now back on his feet he won't be sorry to leave England.
"There's a lack of work here but it's more to do with the way people treat you," says Belokon. "But with Kieserling it's like a family and the working conditions are good."
The company has about 450 customers in its portfolio including Dutch giant Kuhne & Nagel. Kieserling, although based in Holland, is owned by a German..