Westerman Multimodal Logistics: Connecting Europe and the world with sustainable transport solutions

With nearly 150 years of development, Westerman Multimodal Logistics has established itself as a leading multimodal logistics company in Europe. It is renowned for its enduring history and comprehensive services, including transport, warehousing, and value-added logistics.

By partnering with the FIATA World Congress 2025 (FWC), held from October 6-10 at the National Convention Center (NCC) in Hanoi, Westerman is not just showcasing a legacy of almost a century and a half of innovation. It is also sending a powerful message about connectivity, sustainable development, and a commitment to working with the global logistics community toward a greener future.

Nearly 150 Years of Building European Logistics Strength

Westerman’s journey began in 1880 in Nieuwleusen, the Netherlands, when Jan Westerman used a simple horse-drawn cart to transport baskets of eggs and dairy products to Zwolle. From this humble beginning, the company has built a legacy of nearly a century and a half in European logistics. Even during wartime, when motorized transport was halted, the company maintained its supply chain using bicycles—a testament to its core philosophy: always finding a solution to serve customers, no matter the circumstances.

A major turning point came in the 1950s when Westerman became a transport partner for bicycle manufacturer Union. The company quickly established itself as a logistics expert in the bicycle sector, not only handling transport but also expanding into storage, assembly, and door-to-door delivery. Earning the trust of many major brands, Westerman grew its continental presence, extending its network to Germany, France, Italy, and the Nordic countries.

Since the generational transfer to the Van Dieren family in the 2000s, Westerman has transformed into a comprehensive logistics service provider, integrating distribution, warehousing, and multimodal transport. The company has since reached a series of impressive milestones: a logistics center in Nieuwleusen (2007), the Hasselt container terminal on the Zwarte Water River (2015), a 34,000 m² facility in Nieuwleusen (2021), a 17,000 m² warehouse in Malmö, Sweden (2022) with its own rail link, and most recently, a 30,000 m² center in Verona, Italy (2025) directly connected to the European rail network.

Beyond its expansion, Westerman has made its mark with a strong focus on sustainable development. The "Green Wagon Corridor" initiative and a strategy that prioritizes rail and water transport demonstrate the company's ability to optimize costs while significantly reducing CO₂ emissions. Furthermore, its deep expertise in bicycle logistics—a field where Westerman is known as the number one in Europe—has made the company a strategic partner for many major brands.

Today, Westerman Multimodal Logistics has grown from a century-old family business into a reputable international brand. With modern warehousing facilities across the Netherlands, Sweden, and Italy, and a multimodal transport network connecting Antwerp, Rotterdam, and the entire European continent, Westerman stands not only as a symbol of endurance but also as a testament to the continuous innovation of the European logistics industry.

In addition to its rich history, Westerman sets itself apart with several key strengths. First, its multimodal transport system (road, rail, and water) helps optimize costs, shorten transit times, and reduce CO₂ emissions, especially for connections to Northern Europe, which the company considers its "second home." Second, its specialized bike logistics has become a brand in itself, with over 70 years of experience serving the bicycle industry, from production to the end consumer. Third, its modern warehousing system, spanning tens of thousands of square meters in the Netherlands, Sweden, and Italy, is equipped with advanced management technology, enabling a range of value-added services such as assembly, quality inspection, labeling, and order fulfillment. Finally, one of its core values is sustainable development. The "Green Wagon Corridor" initiative exemplifies Westerman's commitment to building a green supply chain, which benefits not only the company but the entire global community.

Over nearly 150 years, Westerman has proven its remarkable adaptability. From a horse-drawn cart for dairy to logistics centers spanning tens of thousands of square meters, and from bicycle trips across the Benelux region to a multimodal network covering all of Europe, this journey has forged a strong, innovative Westerman, ready for the future.

Partnering with the FIATA World Congress 2025

In 2025, the global logistics industry faces new challenges and opportunities. Trends like cross-border e-commerce, green logistics, flexible supply chains, new-generation transport, and stricter ESG standards are reshaping the entire market. In this context, Westerman Multimodal Logistics becoming a Silver Sponsor of the FIATA World Congress 2025 in Hanoi holds special significance.

The FIATA World Congress 2025 is expected to attract over 1,000 delegates from more than 150 countries, including leaders of logistics associations, multinational transport corporations, investors, policy experts, and government representatives. The event is a unique opportunity for leading companies to affirm their vision, share experiences, and foster cross-continental collaboration. For Westerman, this presence is not just a sponsorship role but a strategic move to expand its connections from Europe to Asia, one of the most dynamic and potential markets today.

With its nearly 150-year foundation, Westerman will bring practical case studies from its own journey to FWC 2025, including how a family business became a global logistics partner, how it applies multimodal transport to optimize costs and protect the environment, and how it transformed bike logistics into a specialized service sector. These valuable lessons can inspire many Vietnamese businesses currently in the process of transforming to participate more deeply in the global supply chain.

Moreover, the event in Hanoi opens opportunities for Westerman to seek new partners, particularly in the fields of multimodal and green logistics. Vietnam, with its strategic geographic location and extensive network of ports and waterways, has significant potential for developing integrated road-rail-water transport. This is a field where Westerman has decades of experience and can contribute innovative ideas and solutions.

The message Westerman brings to FWC 2025 is encapsulated in its motto: “Logistics, that matter.” They don't just transport goods; they partner with customers and the community to build a more sustainable logistics ecosystem for today and the future.

As a Silver Sponsor, Westerman Multimodal Logistics is not just partnering with the FIATA World Congress 2025; it is affirming its commitment to the entire global logistics industry. The company's 150-year journey demonstrates a timeless vision: always innovating to adapt, always connecting to grow, and always steadfast in its mission to create an efficient, green, and sustainable logistics future.