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Our history
From taxi company to international logistics service provider
In almost 100 years, Van der Wal has grown from a regional Utrecht-based transport company into an all-round, international logistics service provider with branches in eight countries.
Scroll on to read more about its history.
1924
Van der Wal was founded
Van der Wal was founded in 1924 as a taxi company by Toon van der Wal. The story goes that Toon couldn't handle complaining customers well, and the taxi was soon converted into a truck.
1960
Start international transport
Van der Wal started international transport in the 60s. In the 70s, the East Bloc became known territory under the leadership of the third-generation Van der Wal.
1990
Expansion in the former Soviet Union and Middle East
The 90s were characterized by a stormy development in transport to the former Soviet Union and the Middle East. Van der Wal was also one of the first logistics organizations to open branches in Poland (Gniezno), Romania (Brasov), Russia (Saratov), Azerbaijan (Baku) and Kazakhstan (Atyrau). There we have offices, workshops, storage and parking facilities.
2002
Substantial growth through acquisitions
Through various acquisitions of, among others, Wesco Trans, Mur Transport B.V. and Middelkoop Roermond B.V. at the start of the new millennium, the number of employees has grown strongly, and significant revenue growth has been achieved.
2008
Winner Lean & Green Award: deployment of LHVs
In 2008, Van der Wal's sustainability initiatives were rewarded with a Lean & Green Award. We were the first transport company to enter a cross-sectoral partnership with a shipper. Together with Rockwool, we received the award for using long, heavy vehicles (LHVs).
2008
Start SmartWay Logistics
In 2008, Van der Wal started 4PL brand SmartWay Logistics (SWL) to take over the complete management of your logistics activities for you and to optimize your logistics processes. In 2009 we started SWL activities in Poland (Gniezno) and in 2013 also in the UK (Brighton). Since then, we have been based in Brighton.
2010
Signing ILT compliance agreement
In 2010, Van der Wal concluded an compliance agreement with the Inspectie van Leefwater en Transport (ILT), the supervisor of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management. We were found by the government to be of such quality that we are allowed to check ourselves for compliance with laws and regulations.
2014
Achieving first Lean & Green Star: 20% CO2 reduction
In May 2014, Van der Wal received her first Lean & Green Star from the Connekt program Lean & Green Logistics. The Lean & Green Star is awarded to organizations that achieve a minimum CO2 reduction of 20% within a maximum period of five years.
2015
Obtaining OHSAS certification
Van der Wal obtained the OHSAS 18001 certificate in June 2015. We owe this international standard for occupational health and safety management to our safety program for employees and equipment.
2018
Achieving second Lean & Green Star: registration of empty kms
Van der Wal received a second Lean & Green star in May 2018. We have earned the second star by investing in various innovative promotions, including fleet renewal, smarter transport solutions and providing insight into the number of empty kilometres driven.
2018
Acquisition of Nico Witlox Transport
In October 2018, Van der Wal took over the activities of Nico Witlox Transport. This transport company was part of the family company Decor Son, a wholesaler and producer for major players in the Do-It-Yourself market in the Benelux. With the acquisition of Nico Witlox Transport, we expanded the distribution of goods to hardware stores, which we started in 2016.