Europe’s Leading Logistics Location
Consistently ranking in the top of the World Bank Logistics Performance Index, the Netherlands is a leading logistics hotspot in Europe. Home to the world’s most efficient seaports and the highest quality of air transport in the EU, the Netherlands’ logistics infrastructure provides unparalleled access to Europe. The Dutch are also developing new technologies and digital connections to create a smarter, more sustainable logistics network. These innovations are powered by 942,000 Dutch logistics specialists who comprise more than 10% of the country’s workforce. Offering advanced distribution capabilities and a robust supply chain, the Netherlands allows businesses to reach customers in Europe and beyond.
Whole of European continent within a 24-hour reach
For companies with an eye on the European market, the Netherlands is the ideal choice. Major European economies, including Germany, the United Kingdom and France, are all within a day’s reach of the Netherlands. Draw a 500km (300 mile) radius around the Netherlands, and you can access 170 million consumers. Expand it to a 1000km (600 mile) radius, and 244 million consumers are within reach.
Gateway to Europe
Strategically located at Europe’s front door, the Netherlands’ world-class logistics hubs facilitate trade and transport for global markets. Providing direct access to 333 destinations worldwide, Schiphol Airport is the world’s No. 2 best-connected airport and the No. 4 largest cargo airport in Europe. The Port of Rotterdam, Europe’s largest seaport, is another major gateway to the continent. The Netherlands’ high-speed rail, road and waterways open up the rest of Europe for multimodal transport and distribution.
The Netherlands is Europe’s No. 2 largest import destination and No. 2 largest exporter. International companies are attracted to the Netherlands’ favorable business climate, which makes importing and exporting easy. For example, the Dutch VAT system is designed to ensure efficiency: VAT compliance takes the least time and cost, and there is no pre-payment of VAT upon import. Thanks to advantages like these, more than 1,000 American and Asian companies have centralized their European distribution activities in the Netherlands.
Sustainable innovation to future proof logistics
Driven by a highly skilled workforce, the Netherlands’ logistics sector is at the forefront of innovation. Sustainable developments provide endless opportunities for pursuing new, future-proof logistics solutions from the Netherlands. The country is a pioneer in environmentally sustainable logistics and ‘silent’ logistics to reduce noise pollution. The Netherlands also makes extensive use of IT to optimize supply chain solutions in time-critical areas like food and cut flowers. From entry to delivery, you can do it all in the Netherlands – and in record time.
