Behind the scenes at Manager Airfreight Rob van der Werve

27 November 2025

From his office on the Fokkerweg—overlooking the area where his childhood home once stood—Manager Airfreight Rob van der Werve reflects with us on almost 50 years in transport. His enthusiasm for the profession has not changed over the years. Only a few grey hairs, the fact that he still remembers the Telex and some ageing photographs featuring airlines with whom you can no longer book a ticket or freight, give away that Rob has indeed been in the business for quite some time… 

Introducing Rob

Rob is a proud father of a son and daughter, both now in their thirties. More recently, he has, with great joy, taken on the role of grandfather. Together with “his girl” Saskia, he forms the solid foundation of this warm family. When Rob is not working, he enjoys a long walk in nature or a fine Trappist beer on a sunny terrace.

The view from his office on the Fokkerweg is quite remarkable. Not only does it look out over Schiphol’s runway and the many newly built data and distribution centres, but it is also the place where, once among the sugar beet fields, stood the farm where Rob was born and raised.

He comes from a true aviation family. Because his father worked for Martinair, the company turned a blind eye and allowed Rob to start in the industry at the age of seventeen—a sector he would never leave. His father-in-law, too, was no stranger to the trade. As the then director of Seaboard, the two men spent a great deal of time together, and Rob learned many of the tricks of the trade from him.

Rob van der Werve in the Oude Meer office

50 Years of Airfreight (in Far Too Short a Summary)

You begin your career in 1976, and before you know it, nearly 50 years have passed. When Rob talks about those early days, you cannot help but listen intently. He oversaw the transport of a Rolls-Royce for the Shah of Persia, personally accompanied goods on charters to Saudi Arabia, and ensured that a rhinoceros was safely transported to Berlin Zoo. Set out like this, it reads almost like a chapter from a boys’ adventure story.

He never did end up becoming a loadmaster after finishing technical college, something he had once envisioned for himself at the start of his career. Instead, he joined the major freight forwarder Van Gend & Loos Airfreight (later relaunched as DHL). For the past 18 years, he has been a source of knowledge and a sounding board for both his team and his clients.

Does everything always run smoothly? Of course not. There is still a great deal of additional work surrounding the relocation of DNATA. To keep operations workable, long-standing carrier R. Nagel Transport has managed to create a workaround. This speeds up the process of securing releases and helps reduce drivers’ waiting times. Through close cooperation, Rob and his team maintain control over shipments and ensure they are delivered on time.

Rob: “Digitalisation is a gift, but stay alert. I am a strong advocate of automation, but let’s also remain hands-on. Short lines of communication and extra attention must lead the way. That is precisely where our strength lies. “

“Think of automation as your toolbox. In the end, you are the craftsman.”

Some pictures from Rob

“The romance may have faded slightly over the years, but in this profession, cooperation and common sense remain essential.”.

Why Ritra

Rob may come from the era of the Telex, but he is well acquainted with today’s EDI processes—and who knows, he may even be “paperless” by the time he retires. Over the years, he has trained and worked with many people.

He values the strong cooperation within the team. Naturally, he works closely with his direct colleagues—John, Jordi, Jessey, Karina, and Mike. There is also frequent contact with Marjo and Petra, who always stay on top of the financial settlement of files, as well as with Randy’s customs team, who handle the majority of import and export declarations at Schiphol.

Rob: “There is a strong sense of loyalty at Ritra; there is genuine commitment to the profession and the product. There is always room for conversation, and great importance is placed on a healthy balance between work and private life. Everyone pitches in, and together we strive for the best customer experience.”

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Our thanks to Rob for his candour, and to colleague Mike for the countless cups of hot, strong coffee on the chilly Monday morning when this interview was conducted.

If you’re curious about other personal stories from Team Ritra, check out our News page, Who are we? or our Team page.