About the department

Transport and logistics: core expertise of the Netherlands as a distribution country

The Netherlands is a distribution country par excellence. For instance, Rotterdam is one of the largest seaports in the world, Schiphol one of the largest airports, and Dutch logistics companies can be found almost anywhere in the world. This is not only because of its ideal location by the sea in the economic heart of Western Europe and its fiscal advantages as a transit country, but also because of the mostly Dutch-developed technical knowledge and skills in Transport and Logistics.

The Transport and Logistics Department of KIVI is dedicated to the development of this technical knowledge and expertise, and also focuses on topics that enable better control of the flow of goods. This department provides activities throughout the year for its approximately 350 members and other interested parties.

Behind the scenes at leading transport and logistics companies

Transport Science and Logistics organises excursions to companies where developments in transport and/or logistics are under discussion. Generally, in addition to a company presentation and guided tour, a lecture by an expert in a field related to the core activity of the visited company takes place.

Past examples include container handling at ECT, baggage handling at Schiphol Airport, distribution centres of Wehkamp, Hema and Albert Heijn. Heavy mechanical engineering is also part of the field: manufacturers of heavy equipment, cranes, gantries, spreaders, winches, etc. are regularly visited. These included visits to the large coal and ore terminals in the Port of Rotterdam and to the world's largest crane ship, Heerema Marine Contractors' Thialf.

KIVI Transport Science and Logistics' excursions take you to places you would never enter in many cases.

Company visits: when and what time?

Company visits take place 6 times a year on weekdays usually from 5pm to 8pm. Late enough not to disrupt the normal working day. Early enough to be home on time if you want.

The best way to keep up

There is no better way to keep up to date in Transport Science and Logistics than to see, hear, and participate in what is happening in this field. Not only the excursion and lectures, but also a chat or discussion with a fellow professional during the drinks will keep you on your toes and increase your insight, network and value.

Interested? Sign up!

The company visits are of interest to KIVI members working (or interested in working) in transport engineering and/or goods flow control (logistics or supply chain management), or working in the fields that enable these functions, such as mechanical engineering, civil engineering, electrical engineering, information technology, operations research, business administration and the like.