Doubling Capacity, Cutting Costs: Zeeman and Emons Cargo Maximizing Efficiency

An Interview with Ferdi van As, Zeeman’s Transport Team Leader

Of course. Maybe you don’t know that this is a 100% family-owned company. It started in 1967 with one shop for household textiles and basic pieces of clothing. It’s also interesting to know that the distribution centre in Alphen aan den Rijn is the sole distribution centre from which we send our products to more than 1,300 Zeeman stores across Europe.

At Zeeman, we’ve been using double-deck trailers since 2006. We’ve seen firsthand the benefits they bring in terms of efficiency and cost savings, which is essential in our industry. With the high volume we handle, double-deck trailers are perfect for making fewer trips with larger loads, and that efficiency translates directly into cost savings – something we’re very mindful of. You know, Zeeman is a low-hand retail. We provide the best value for the lowest possible price and if we want to make a profit, we need to be careful. So, double-deck trailers have become central to our operations and a great asset in meeting our financial goals and volume demands.

We’re happy with our double-deck fleet, but during peak times, like the end-of-year rush, we need extra capacity. About ten years ago, we started using 2WIN trailers to meet that demand. 2WINs are similar to ours in design and load capacity. Very similar, indeed, most of them are produced by the same manufacturer. Implementation with 2WIN was as smooth as silk. It was a perfect fit – a true ‘win-win.’ Maybe I should say a ‘2WIN situation’, or I would say it if it wasn’t too obvious a joke!

We were looking for extra capacity for our stores in the south of France. Emons Cargo had the same type of trailers, exactly what we needed. And, most importantly, Emons Cargo is the only company offering a transport service with these trailers. Usually, companies – very few of them, if truth be told – have their own double decks like us. But what do you do when you need more of them? Investing in new trailers that will be used only in certain periods is not a good idea. That’s where Emons Cargo and its 2WINs come in handy.

Our team is highly experienced in handling double decks. We were well-prepared for 2WINs from the start. Initially, Emons Cargo drivers were ready to handle the loading. At warehouses, they usually are the only ones trained to operate the tail lift and the electric pallet truck (EPT). However, our warehouse team was already familiar with the equipment since we’ve been using double decks for years. In the end, this setup worked in everyone’s favour. Emons Cargo drivers and warehouse employees can work together and this maximizes efficiency and cooperation between teams.

Occasionally, yes. Double decks are large trailers, so we’re limited as to stores we can reach directly. For example, trailers won’t fit in certain city centres, or the docking setups aren’t ideal. In those cases, we either use standard trailers or deliver to a hub, where products are transferred to smaller trucks for last-mile delivery. We prioritize communication with our clients so they know what to expect and can make any adjustments in advance. In Barcelona, for example, the customer even built a ramp specifically to make docking easier for our trailers. A bit of flexibility and planning go a long way.

Double decks play a major role in our sustainability program. By moving more volume in fewer trips, we save on fuel and reduce emissions, which aligns with our commitment to sustainability. Each year, we publish a sustainability report and double decks consistently make a positive impact. Emons Cargo’s 2WINs also help us meet our goals when we need extra capacity.

Our partnership has been great. While we have our fleet of double decks, 2WINs have become essential during our busiest periods. The 2WIN team is always available when we need them, and they’re consistently on time, which is critical in keeping our distribution running smoothly. Their support enhances our safety standards, as their drivers are trained to assist with loading and unloading, benefiting our hubs and the overall process. And it is better for safety.

We’ll continue with the strategy that works: using our own double decks year-round and partnering with 2WIN for additional capacity as needed. Currently, we’re not planning to expand our fleet unless there’s a substantial increase in demand, so having 2WIN trailers as a reliable backup is ideal.

Double decks have allowed us to achieve great efficiency, reduce costs, and support sustainability – all while maintaining the reliable service that our stores expect. With Emons Cargo, we know we can count on 2WINs and drivers to help keep us on schedule, especially when timing is everything.