From washing trucks to driving heavy haulage – Jeroen’s journey

"If customers and colleagues are happy and the warehouse is tidy, then my day’s been a success."

What started with washing trucks turned into an impressive career in heavy transport – and beyond. Jeroen Kok began his journey at Jan van Dam Transport twenty years ago as a young apprentice with ambition. Today, he knows the company inside out and works in the warehouse with the same dedication he had when he cleaned his first truck. In this interview, Jeroen looks back on his career, shares some memorable projects, and offers a glimpse into his current role.

Who are you and how did you end up at Jan van Dam?

I am Jeroen Kok, 36 years old and have been working at Jan van Dam for 20 years this year.

I was looking for a company where I could work and learn during my Truck Driver study. Jan van Dam seemed like a great company for that, not too big and, what I didn't know at the time, a real family business.

What experiences have you gained within the company?

In 2005 I started as a washer. I soon started the Truck Driver study, which lasted 2 years. During these 2 years I went to school 1 day a week and worked 4 days at Jan van Dam.

After the training I was allowed to drive the trucks by myself and I was permanently employed by Jan van Dam. I drove the crane truck at the time. In 2009 I started driving the heavy transport truck, with which I was able to do many beautiful transports. And experience  a large part of Europe. From 2019 I became a warehouse employee.

You are currently working in the warehouse. What does this job involve?

The warehouse is the storage and transhipment location for machines. It is my task to load and unload containers that are pickup from the port. And I make sure that the machines are stored in the right way and in the right place. As soon as the customer indicates that the machine can be delivered, I make sure that the machine is loaded from storage onto a truck that takes it to its final destination.

What knowledge do you need to have?

Well, quite a few things actually, but it is especially important to know about the machines. How they should be treated during transport, fortunately I have a lot of experience with that over the years. But I still learn every day.

When is a working day successful for you?

When the assignments of that day have been processed properly, customers and colleagues are satisfied and the warehouse is tidy.

Which project or assignment brings back good memories?

In 2012 I removed a large ball mill from a cement factory. That was a drum of 9m long and 3m wide, weighing 54 tons, which had to be brought outside via a dock shelter. After 15 hours and a lot of struggle, we managed to get the machine outside. It is still a great feeling to finish a job well.

What do you think about working at a family business?

That is very nice. We all have the same goal, which makes us all together a great team. And everything is negotiable.