As the third generation of the family business Mestebeld Trucks, which has been active since 1937, Richard enthusiastically talks about the collaboration with Akomar. That partnership now spans over 20 years. “We started out in Zwolle and now operate from Lemelerveld. My cousin and I run the company, and I’m responsible for sales and daily operations.”
The first introduction to Akomar came through Hennie and Thaida, and since then, the company has remained loyal to the partnership. Richard says: “We’ve been working with them for so long, I honestly don’t know any different. The collaboration was immediately a good fit. What I appreciate most are the short lines of communication. You have a dedicated contact for every request, whether it’s a container shipment or RoRo. You can always call, email, or send a message – and if something goes wrong, it’s resolved right away.”
Relief and flexibility
Mestebeld Trucks sells used trucks and parts, mainly for export, with Ghana as the main destination. All logistics outside Europe, including RoRo and container shipments, are handled by Akomar. “The most important thing is that the paperwork is in order. Whether we’re exporting a truck or shipping parts, Akomar takes care of it all,” Richard explains. “And if something ever goes wrong, they’re immediately ready to fix it. That really gives us peace of mind.”
A reliable partner in a changing market
The logistics market Richard operates in is constantly evolving. “One year we might be shipping complete trucks, the next it could shift to more parts due to price increases or changing regulations in different countries,” says Richard. “Akomar ensures the shipments go smoothly. They even helped us when a shipment was stolen from the port – even though it wasn’t their fault.”
Looking ahead together
After more than two decades of working together, Richard is convinced that Akomar remains the right partner. “There are always cheaper alternatives, but for us, it’s all about reliability and trust. If something comes up, we know Akomar will handle it quickly and efficiently. That’s what matters most to us.”