NDQ Logistics aims to double volumes with new cross docking warehouse at port of Zeebrugge

With the submission of a permit application for the construction of a new cross docking warehouse in the port of Zeebrugge, Belgian logistics player NDQ Logistics is taking another important step in its growth process. Through the new warehouse, NDQ hopes to centralize goods from 240 trucks - coming from all over Europe - on a daily basis to then ship them quickly and efficiently to the United Kingdom and Ireland. That would represent a 140 percent increase over the current capacity of 100 trucks. "The design of the cross docking warehouse is an innovative piece of architecture, unique in Belgium," CEO Nicolas Dehaemers said proudly. "By working in two floors, we make optimal use of the space and can tranship much larger volumes of goods quickly and efficiently. So nothing but benefits for our customers." The capacity expansion will also bring additional employment opportunities. NDQ hopes to hire 20 additional port workers and 10 additional white-collar workers.

Family-owned NDQ Logistics specializes in exporting goods to the United Kingdom and Ireland. The West Flanders trailer operator centralizes goods from trucks - coming from all corners of Europe - in its warehouse, then ships them unaccompanied across the Channel in trailers. NDQ also takes care of all the administrative handling, as there is much more administration involved in trading with the United Kingdom since the Brexit. Thus, the company offers its customers a "one-stop-shop" approach.

Innovative feat of architecture

NDQ Logistics currently ships over 100 trailers a day across The Channel. In recent years, the company invested 15 million euros to respond to the ever-growing export demand from across Europe. The company developed an innovative IT system and purchased 200 new trailers, bringing its trailer fleet to 600. In 2023, NDQ opened a 12 000 m² warehouse directly connected to the rail network.

In order to further expand its site in the port of Zeebrugge, NDQ recently submitted a permit application for the expansion of the cross docking warehouse, the construction of a garage for the maintenance of its own trailers and an additional trailer parking area. In the cross docking warehouse, goods arriving via trucks are transferred to trailers in one movement, for subsequent shipment across the North Sea. A highly efficient and sustainable process. With this new capacity, the company would handle 240 ''Full Truck Loads' (FTL) can process, up from 100 today.

For the design, NDQ engaged architectural and engineering firm DBG of Kortrijk, because of its great expertise in logistics warehouses.

"DBG truly delivered an innovative piece of architecture, unique in Belgium." Nicolas Dehaemers tells. "The warehouse is built in two levels, so we can load products from our rail-connected stock warehouse in addition to goods from trucks. By working double-deck, we are making the best use of the available space. An absolute asset for this port area, which is already struggling with lack of space."

In addition to efficient use of space, the two levels also save a great deal of time during handling. These are done with electric forklifts, among other things, charged by the company's own solar panels.

Additional employment

Once the cross docking warehouse is up and running, this will also create additional jobs in the port area: about 20 port workers and 10 extra office workers. NDQ is also currently looking for committed profiles who want to contribute to the sustainable logistics story: logistics clerks, 'assistant planners', 'customer service employees' or 'shipping and declaration employees' are welcome to apply. NDQ is also looking for extra mechanics to maintain its own trailer fleet.