Farm Trans & Sustainability: Interview with Tom Steenmeijer – Sales Director

Five years ago, Tom Steenmeijer started with an empty sales department. By building a strong foundation, the team has since grown to nine colleagues and Farm Trans has soared to new heights. With a fresh perspective on the future, the possibilities for the company and its customers seem limitless.

What is your role at Farm Trans?

“I am responsible for growth at Farm Trans through acquiring new customers, managing relationships, and expanding existing customer accounts. Additionally, I explore opportunities for further development. What new services can we offer? Where should we look for growth in the future? The answers to these questions help us continue to build the company. We are growing rapidly, and I love being part of that. Our expansion feels very natural, but it certainly doesn’t happen effortlessly. We must work hard and ensure our strategy is sound. When everyone at Farm Trans does their job well, my work in sales becomes easier.”

How do customers benefit from Farm Trans’ growth?

“We have transformed from a transporter to a logistics service provider by offering more 4PL services, such as warehousing, value-added logistics, and air freight. For example, in December, we ensure that strawberries from Egypt reach UK supermarkets within 36 hours. Looking back at the progress we’ve made and seeing how we operate now, I wouldn’t want it any other way. By attracting customers who share our ambitions and growth perspective, we grow alongside them, strengthening each other. The customer should be able to focus entirely on what they do best, while we do the same: logistics and supply chain management. This way, we become an asset, instead of an expense!”

What is your team’s perspective on a sustainable future?

“From a sales perspective, we are focused on reducing Farm Trans’ ecological footprint. Providing sustainable services is becoming the norm. For instance, we are setting up an electric shuttle for one of our clients that will continuously run fixed routes on their premises. The new cross-docking facility in Lommel also serves as a blueprint for hubs we can establish throughout Europe. These are just two of the many ideas we are implementing. Customers do not want to be associated with companies that do not comply with regulations. Working towards a sustainable future is a collaborative effort with the customer. It is not something a company can achieve alone. I’m noticing that our contact is becoming closer, evolving into genuine partnerships. In the future, we will offer alternative, sustainable options. The choice will still be up to the customer, but we will advise on the sustainable steps they can take. By setting strategic goals and making agreements, we will achieve these objectives together with our partners.”