Fiftieth Scania and four new LNG trucks for Roelofs Transport

Roelofs Transport, based in Wijchen, recently took delivery of its third Scania on LNG. This brings the Scania share of the Italy specialist's 30-unit fleet to 27. The fourth, also the 50^e Scania that Roelofs ordered will follow later this year. Hans Roelofs: "Looking to the future, we want to gain experience with LNG. Completely emission-free over long distances I'm not going to get anywhere with it, but that something has to happen is one thing that is certain."

Hans Roelofs decided to start his own transportation company thirty years ago and at 25 bought^e his first truck. That this car, in which he himself got behind the wheel, became a Scania, was a matter of course for him. As was the country he wanted to drive in. "I have a love for Italy, but definitely for Scania. It is a very good car, the best of the best if you ask me, but the big difference with other brands is still the favorable fuel consumption." 

Cheaper fuel 

To modernize its fleet, the Gelderland family business decided to invest in LNG. Not only the German Maut advantage, but also fuel consumption, played a part in this decision. Roelofs: "An LNG truck is more expensive to buy, but the fuel is cheaper, so in the long run you can recoup the purchase. And the technology is good." 

The latest Scania is the third LNG truck to enter service. A fourth will follow later this year, as will three new S-series diesel trucks. The transport company's drivers enjoy driving the LNG trucks. "Refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, everything is in there. The only difference with our diesel trucks is the engine tunnel, which an S-cab does not have," Roelofs said. 

Family business 

When he employed six men, Roelofs stepped off the truck to concentrate on managing the company, but he still tries to drive a trip himself at least once a year. Meanwhile, Roelofs Transport has grown into an established name in transport to and from Italy, transporting a wide variety of goods, all the way to Sicily. "Everything that fits in a tarpaulin truck or refrigerated trailer we take," says the smiling entrepreneur. "But we mainly take the trips that are not standard. Because we drive Berger's super lightweight trailers, we can take more or just heavier loads." The Wijchen branch, where his wife Lucia and one of his four daughters also work, has a total of 40 employees. A second branch in Lithuania employs another 20 employees and operates 8 cars. And griffin is also well represented here, and with four more Scania's on order, this fleet is also growing."

Never any problems 

Roelofs has been a customer of the Scania dealership in Wijchen for 30 years. "The previous branch manager and I were good friends. He was there for us day and night and provided the extra gravy so to speak. Unfortunately, he passed away last year." After such a long-term personal relationship, it always takes some getting used to, but still Roelofs is satisfied and remains loyal to the brand. "My brand is and always will be Scania. We never have any problems, you see and feel by everything that it is top class."