DSV: “Customs Support Safety is an important part of our safety policy.”

DSV has been working closely with Customs Support Safety in the Venlo and Maastricht area since 2019, processing thousands of containers a year. We asked the logistic service provider’s QHSE supervisor, Daniël Vroemen, to comment on the relationship and its role in their operation: ‘Every day, we ensure that we comply with and, where possible, exceed the laws and regulations surrounding quality, safety and health. The service provided by Customs Support Safety is an important part of this.’ 

Originally from Denmark, DSV has spread its wings in recent decades. It is now a global player in the industry, moving large volumes of containers every day. ‘The company processes thousands of containers a year in and around Venlo and Maastricht’, says Vroemen. ‘Some of these have to be measured because they may contain unhealthy or harmful substances. This accounts for around 20 to 30 percent of the total. Customs Support Safety carries out measurements on these containers.’ 

Dealing with container risks through gas measurements and degassing 

The selection process for determining which containers undergo gas measurements is based on:  

• The product. 
• The country of origin and specific factory. 
• The experience of both parties.

‘We know very well which goods are high-risk. Shoes, for example, because they contain glue. The volume in an entire container can pose a hazard, and Customs Support Safety knows exactly how to deal with it.’ explains Vroemen. 

To ensure ongoing diligence, quarterly meetings are a fixed part of the collaboration. During these reviews, changes in legislation and regulations, operational adjustments and the client’s needs are discussed. By working together and consulting in this precise manner, both companies ensure that their processes remain aligned. ‘Every quarter, I have a meeting with Rob Gielen from Customs Support Safety. Fortunately, the laws and regulations do not undergo major changes very often, but both companies are well prepared for them. These are all topics that we put on the table, such as health and safety legislation.’
 

Support with customer queries to DSV 

Vroemen considers it important that Customs Support Safety not only helps DSV with measurements, but also provides support in answering customer queries: ‘Customers often have questions about risks and measurements, or they want to see the data. Fortunately, we can call on Customs Support Safety as our expert partner. They provide us with both administrative and substantive support, enabling us to respond quickly, accurately and professionally to our customers. In that respect, they are truly part of our organisation.’ 

As already mentioned, DSV has grown significantly in recent years – and they are not done yet. As they continue to evolve, Vroemen sees the need for this collaboration growing: ‘Since the start of our collaboration, we have already built five new sites and DSV wants to grow further in the future. Customs Support Safety always thinks along with us and hires extra people when necessary to continue to serve us.’ 

Insightful gas measurement reports 

With the knowledge of Customs Support Safety and at the request of the DSV management, Vroemen conducted a comparative service survey with another party in the market some time ago. It confirmed that Customs Support Safety’s service is the best choice: ‘For us, it is important that there is chemistry, good communication and transparency in the collaboration.’  

Vroemen also knows that Customs Support Safety is ahead of the game when it comes to reporting and providing access to data through their client portal, which benefits both his team and their clients: 

‘Their gas-measurement portal is a great added value for us. We can independently request information, download reports and filter data per customer and location. These are all time-saving features that increase our insight. It contributes to our operational strength.’ 

According to Vroemen, the relationship will only become closer in the future: ‘The rules in the Netherlands are stricter than in other countries, which means we can use the Dutch model as an example for our other locations in Europe. Customs Support Safety also regularly assists us in other countries, although their primary focus is on the Dutch market. When you work for big brands, you want quality, safety and health to be in order.’ 

Interested in discovering how Customs Support Safety can benefit your company? Contact us for an introductory meeting.