“Did you know that ships are the largest moving objects on earth? People might see a picture in the newspaper or on TV, but it’s only when you’re standing here that you truly feel: this is something special. The cranes, the machines… Everything around you is just massive. When I was in primary school, I already knew I wanted to work in the port. Whenever we drove past the ECT in Pernis, I was amazed. All the movement, the complexity, the size of the ships; I could watch it for hours.
As a child, you don’t yet realize how important ports are. They’re essentially the engines of the economy. And now that I get to be a small part of that big engine, it’s really exciting. Many of my friends work in logistics too, but I always have the coolest photos. Just the other day, we got to load a Ferrari into a container. That’s obviously an awesome thing to do.
I’m a container guy through and through. That’s where I started and that’s where my passion lies. Moving boxes. I started 23 years ago at RST at the drivers’ desk and worked my way up to being commercially responsible for the terminal. A container is a square thing that looks the same everywhere in the world, but at Broekman, I entered a new world: breakbulk and project cargo. That was logistics in a way I hadn’t known before, so I really had to find my way. Try transporting a generator or steel plates… Luckily, I’ve got a good Rotterdam way of asking questions, and you’re well supported and guided here. When I joined Broekman six years ago, my wife had just passed away. My children were five and seven years old. The company gave me all the support and understanding I needed, and that’s never stopped. I love this organization; the trust you’re given is fantastic, and I feel right at home here. Wherever the organization needs me, that’s where I go. I started in sales six years ago and now I’m in charge of the customer service department. From the very first quote request to payment, I’m involved in the process with my colleagues. I work with shipping lines, handle some procurement, build new relationships, and come up with logistics solutions for our clients. And what I’m really proud of: I get to encourage the young people around me to grow. It’s amazing to make sure the next generation can enjoy working in the port.
My son is fourteen now, and he sometimes tags along with dad. He helps scan things and goes outside with my colleagues. He’s catching the port bug too. People often see working in the port and logistics as tough, but in reality, it’s just very exciting work. For me, it’s the best job there is.”
