50 years of Vorex Logistics: a history that keeps moving

The history of Vorex Logistics began on September 29, 1976. Fifty years later, operating from Dordrecht, we arrange daily shipments for domestic and international clients, utilizing a fleet of over 100 of our own trailers and a service offering that has steadily expanded over the years. Behind this evolution lies a story of entrepreneurship, relocations, and strategic decisions that repeatedly steered the company in new directions.

It started with VOBEX and fruit juices

Founders Voogt and Berkman founded the company under the name VOBEX. This name was a combination of their surnames and the word *expeditie* (freight forwarding). Operating from Barendrecht, the company initially focused primarily on the customs clearance, storage, and transport of fruit juices.

When Voogt decided to continue independently in 1980, the name VOREX was adopted. This name also reflects the company's background: ‘Vo’ refers to Voogt, ‘R’ to Rotterdam, and ‘Ex’ to *expeditie* (freight forwarding).

After the initial years in Barendrecht, the company relocated to Strevelsweg in Rotterdam. Freight forwarding formed the core of the business at that time; Vorex organized the transport and handling of goods but did not yet own its own trailers.

A new phase in Zwijndrecht

Around 2000, Vorex moved to Scheepmakerstraat in Zwijndrecht. During this period, Michel de Lange and Jack Luijckx joined the company. They worked on Vorex’s further development and became joint owners in 2002.

As the demand for transport grew, so did the need for the company's own fleet. In 2001, Vorex purchased its first trailers. It was a significant step that gave transport a more prominent role alongside existing freight forwarding activities.

The United Kingdom and Ireland became key destinations. At the same time, the service portfolio expanded to include sea and air freight. Warehousing and customs clearance remained part of the operations, ensuring customers could rely on Vorex for every stage of the transport process.

Based in Dordrecht since 2009

Continued growth called for more space. Consequently, in 2009, Vorex relocated to 'De Robijn' at the Dordtse Kil business park in Dordrecht. This remains the base from which we coordinate our transport operations.

The company's first trailers, acquired in 2001, were soon joined by many others. Today, the fleet comprises over 100 company-owned trailers, and we arrange daily shipments for a diverse range of domestic and international clients. Our international network and our capabilities for road, sea, and air transport have expanded in tandem.

A new chapter in our anniversary year

On September 29, 2026, Vorex Logistics officially marked its 50th anniversary. This milestone year also saw the transfer of ownership to Dennis Holstein and Mikai Vroom, the current owners, marking the start of a new chapter in the company's history.

Looking back reveals just how much has changed over half a century. Locations, destinations, equipment, and services look very different today than they did in 1976. What has remained constant, however, is the work involved in every shipment: organizing transport, handling customs formalities, and ensuring goods reach their destination.

This work is carried out by the people at Vorex and the partners with whom we collaborate. With this anniversary, we therefore take a moment to acknowledge everyone who has contributed to these 50 years—colleagues, clients, and partners who are part of our history and the work that continues today.

50 years of Vorex Logistics: key milestones

• 1976 – Officially founded on September 29 by Messrs. Voogt and Berkman under the name VOBEX. The first location was in Barendrecht.
• 1980 – Voogt continues independently, and the name VOREX is created, derived from Voogt, Rotterdam, and Expediton.
• 1989–2000 – Vorex is based on Strevelsweg in Rotterdam.
• 2000 – Relocation to Scheepmakerstraat in Zwijndrecht.
• 2001 – Acquisition of the first company-owned trailers.
• 2002 – Michel de Lange and Jack Luijckx become joint owners.
• 2009 – Relocation to 'De Robijn' at the Dordtse Kil business park in Dordrecht.
• Subsequent years – Continued growth of the company fleet and expansion of international services.
• 2026 – Vorex Logistics marks its 50th anniversary. This anniversary year also sees the transfer of ownership to the current owners, Dennis Holstein and Mikai Vroom.