Rooted in tradition, designed for continuity
E&W Heemskerk, formerly Heemskerk Slootweg, is a true family business located in the famous Dutch bulb growing region (Bollenstreek). The company was founded by the grandfather of the current owners, brothers Edwin (51) and Willemjan (48) Heemskerk, in 1929. What started as a local flower bulb grower has evolved into a company that is are currently active across Europe, with a focus on the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, France and Denmark. With the third generation at the helm, the company has transformed into a modern manure transport and trading company with a powerful fleet ready to take on any challenge.
E&W Heemskerk operates an impressively versatile fleet that consists of 28 trucks, combined with container trailers, tippers, a low loader, refrigerated trailer, tanker and a tautliner. They also have 14 moving floor trailers, the majority of which are Knapen Trailers.
This broad spectrum enables Heemskerk to transport virtually everything that is related to waste processing: from compost, manure and biodegradable waste to household waste, wood chips, plastic, sawdust, pallets, peat, incineration scrap and even aluminium. They offer a solution for every challenge, so flexible availability of their Knapen moving floor trailers is indispensable.
It’s no coincidence that E&W Heemskerk has relied on Knapen for the past 22 years. "Knapen simply builds the strongest moving floor trailers in the market". Reliability is a priority at E&W Heemskerk. That's why they consciously choose robust trailers that can take a knock and deliver a perfect performance under all conditions.
Partnership that extends beyond delivery
The service levels provided by the Knapen Group also make a world of difference. Their relationship has been built on trust and smooth cooperation for many years. "We are on excellent terms with our contacts at Knapen."
Maintenance is performed by the mechanics at the E&W Heemskerk garage which is precisely where the outstanding Knapen quality proves its value again. The logical trailer configuration means maintenance is easy and efficient.
"Knapen simply builds the strongest moving floor trailers in the market"
The average operational life of a Knapen moving floor trailer at E&W Heemskerk is 15 to 16 years. While the actual lifespan naturally depends on the number of trips each day, careful maintenance maximises the use of their trailers. To keep the trailers in peak condition, they are serviced every six to seven weeks. This maintenance schedule enables them to get the maximum lifespan out of their trailers.
The oldest Knapen trailers in the current fleet are around eight years old. Recently fitted with new floors, these trailers are expected to have at least another eight years of reliable use ahead . Where possible, E&W Heemskerk also assigns the same driver to the same trailer. This means that each driver feels more responsible for their own vehicle which encourages careful handling and noticeably boosts the lifespan of the equipment.
One of the Knapen trailers features a hydraulic tailgate and a hydraulic folding roof for short hauls in Amsterdam. This system is a huge time saver on the eight to ten short trips a day that involve plenty of loading and unloading. They use two steered trailers for manure transport as they are far easier to manoeuvre in the restricted space of farmyards.
Practical details make the difference
Every trailer is equipped with smart, user-friendly solutions that increase the safety and efficiency of the work. Work lights and cameras are installed on practically all the trailers, which is ideal in daily use. And for the same safety and efficiency reasons, nearly all the trailers feature an automatic PowerSheet® sheeting system and a platform at the headboard of the trailer.
The trailers also have wear plates and a side wall protection sheet for added durability. Controls and valves are built into the additional toolboxes to protect them against wear caused by, for example, manure. And the trailers are always equipped with aluminium ALCOA rims to reduce the weight but still look stylish. The load weight monitoring system of the trailer is linked to the Wabco SmartBoard.
The trailers are thoroughly cleaned after each load change, which is vital to ensure safe and hygienic transport of the various waste streams. E&W Heemskerk has its own truck wash facility so the trailers are ready to get back on the road quickly. And extra cleaning is occasionally necessary sooner than planned. Once on the very first trip of a driver with a new moving floor trailer, the entire load of pressed pulp ended up in front of the movable bulkhead. The driver had forgotten to slide the moveable bulkhead against the headboard before loading. He then transferred the entire load, shovel by shovel, over the movable bulkhead, instead of underneath it. Fortunately everyone could see the funny side of it afterwards. And one thing is sure: he never forgot to slide it to the front again.
Kees Wassenaar (56) has been a driver for 30 years, including 21 years at E&W Heemskerk. As a young boy, he admired the trucks and trailers of E&W Heemskerk driving through the region. And today he is behind the wheel himself. Kees enjoys the variety of short and long trips with summer being his favourite season when manure collection is in full swing. He visits many farms and regularly fills the trailer with the loader himself.
"After all these years, I’m still amazed at what you can do with a moving floor trailer."
He is very proud of his current truck and trailer: fully configured to his wishes and equipped with all he needs. "It’s an ideal combination, I have never discovered any drawbacks of working with a Knapen trailer. Though there’s always room for a few extra lights, " adds Kees with a smile. “The more, the better.”
The combination driven by Kees was voted Trailer of the Year by Knapen Trailers followers on social media!
Worthy recognition for E&W Heemskerk. Congratulations on this honorary title!
