About van Bentum
For nearly 60 years, H.J. van Bentum has specialised in international packed goods and dry bulk transport, connecting mainland Europe with the United Kingdom and Ireland. As an independent family-owned business, we combine extensive market knowledge, experienced people and modern equipment with the flexibility and personal commitment to deliver on our promises. Every day, every load.
With decades of experience in international transport, we know our markets inside out. Our in-depth knowledge of routes, regulations and local conditions, particularly in the UK and Ireland, enables us to anticipate challenges, respond quickly and deliver reliable transport solutions.
Behind every successful delivery are people who take pride in what they do. At H.J. van Bentum, we believe in personal responsibility, teamwork and going the extra mile. Our family business is built on mutual trust, direct communication and a shared commitment to doing things properly, for our customers and for each other.
We believe lasting partnerships are built on trust, reliability and consistently delivering on our promises. Whether it starts with a single shipment or a long-term contract, we approach every assignment with the same commitment. Combining experienced people, reliable equipment and direct communication, we provide the quality, safety and continuity our customers depend on.
Fleet & drivers
Successful transport starts with skilled people and dependable equipment. With experienced drivers, a well-maintained fleet and a strong focus on safety, we remain in control of every journey. Every day, you can count on the quality and reliability you expect from us.
Our experienced drivers and trusted transport partners share the same commitment to safety, quality and reliability. Through continuous training, clear standards and a strong sense of responsibility, we ensure every delivery meets the high standards our customers expect.
Reliable transport starts with reliable equipment. Our trucks are covered by fixed maintenance contracts, while all trailer maintenance, repairs and cleaning are handled in-house. This gives us direct control over quality, flexibility and operational continuity, keeping downtime to a minimum.
Our experienced planning team manages international transport operations from our headquarters in Woudenberg. Combining direct communication, extensive market knowledge and a hands-on approach with increasingly AI-supported processes, we work smarter and more efficiently while maintaining control throughout every journey, from initial planning to final delivery.
At H.J. van Bentum, quality and safety are more than a commitment; they are embedded in our daily operations. From highly trained people and strict procedures to proactive maintenance and rigorous inspections, we consistently aim beyond statutory requirements. Our outstanding SQAS performance, commitment to Responsible Care, and adherence to ISO and GMP+ standards demonstrate our dedication to operational excellence.
As part of our commitment to responsible logistics, H.J. van Bentum actively participates in Operation Clean Sweep (OCS), an international initiative to prevent plastic pellet loss into the environment. Across our transport, cleaning, storage and transshipment operations, we apply strict procedures and preventive measures to minimise product loss, supported by trained employees and a strong focus on environmental responsibility.
Our history
After several years working as a driver for his father, Hendrik Jan van Bentum establishes his own transport company in Woudenberg with his wife, Janny. Hendrik Jan takes the wheel, while Janny looks after the administration.
By now, the fleet numbers around fifteen trucks. Van Bentum begins ferry transport to England, laying the foundations for the specialism the company will continue to develop over the decades that follow.
H.J. Van Bentum Trailer Service is established and begins operating independently, providing unaccompanied ferry transport to and from England.
Van Bentum relocates to the industrial estate in Woudenberg. The new premises provides space for offices and storage, as well as an in-house workshop and cleaning station.
Van Bentum becomes one of the first transport companies to achieve an ISO quality certification, formally embedding quality and safety within the organisation.
Van Bentum develops several innovative trailers to improve efficiency and increase payload capacity. The storage and transshipment facilities in Woudenberg are also expanded.
Henk van Bentum and his wife, Cindy, take over the family business from his parents. A new generation continues Van Bentum’s development.
Van Bentum celebrates the fiftieth anniversary of H.J. van Bentum. The business has grown from a single vehicle into an international transport company with a strong specialism in the United Kingdom and Ireland.
Two fully equipped Scania 770 S trucks are given a special place in the fleet. The “HJ Editions” pay tribute to founder H.J. van Bentum, who passed away on 12 May 2024, and are driven by two long-serving drivers celebrating employment milestones.
Generations of entrepreneurship have shaped Van Bentum into the international transport company it is today. With the same focus on people, equipment, quality and innovation, we continue to look ahead and invest in reliable transport for the future.
