Starting a Logistics Company in the Netherlands: What You Need to Know

At Intercompany Solutions, we know that every single entrepreneur has their own story. Some want to excel in trade, while others make business owners happy by providing trade with extra services such as marketing. So some create, and others mostly assist. That’s where we come in. We help entrepreneurs achieve goals by offering services that are tailored to your specific needs. Do you want to start a Dutch company? Then you better make sure you are ready for it. Because the Dutch do business professionally, and there’s plenty of competition. Doing business in the Netherlands means doing business in a very competitive environment.

But starting a Dutch business also means having many opportunities. It means you are able to own your dream. But there are a lot of administrative tasks involved as well, and that’s what we are for: making sure you make it and achieve success in one of the largest trade hubs in the world. We provide multiple services tailored for your specific needs. Want to expand? Sure thing. Want to start? Better be acquainted with the competition. The Dutch are highly innovative, and as such, they only accept real entrepreneurs who are truly self-sufficient. We all need to be more self-sufficient, in general. Being an entrepreneur means you give up security for being self-sustainable.

Want to know more about what we do? Then definitely give us a call. We will happily assist you with any question you might have.

What is logistics?

Logistics is basically all about getting things from one place to another in the smartest, fastest, and most cost-effective way. Think of it as the backbone of any business that moves goods. This can be anything, from things like food, clothes, or machinery. The items don’t really matter; it’s really about getting the products from A to B. It involves planning, organizing, and managing how products are stored, transported, and delivered to customers. In the Netherlands, logistics is a big deal because the country is and has always been a gateway to Europe. This includes major ports like Rotterdam and Schiphol Airport, which are handling millions of goods yearly. But its incredible infrastructure also plays a huge role. The Dutch roads, ports and railroads are some of the best in the entire world. For example, when you order a phone online, logistics makes sure it’s picked from a warehouse, then packed, shipped, and ultimately arrives at your door on time.

Nonetheless, there are different parts to logistics. So, there are multiple steps. Firstly, transport covers moving goods by truck, ship, plane, or train. Also, warehousing is about storing products safely until they’re needed. Additionally, inventory management ensures there’s just the right amount of stock. Not too much, not too little. And then there is customer service, which makes sure deliveries meet expectations, like almost unimaginable things like same-day shipping. Next to that, logistics also involves tracking shipments, handling customs for international trade, and keeping costs low while staying eco-friendly. That means logistics has many variables that need to work together seamlessly in order to work. In the Netherlands, companies use high-tech systems, like automated warehouses and green transport, just to stay competitive. Starting a logistics business here means tapping into a well-connected market, but you’ll need to understand these basics to succeed. Whether you’re shipping tulips or tech gadgets, logistics is what keeps the world moving!

How the Netherlands is a great choice for a logistics company

The Netherlands has been a world-renowned trading country for centuries, making it an ideal spot for your logistics company. Since the 16th century, the Dutch have excelled at trade, starting with the Dutch East India Company (VOC). This was actually the world’s first multinational corporation, even though their process of execution wasn’t exactly honest and didn’t carry integrity in the best way possible. Nonetheless, the Dutch built a global network by trading things like spices, textiles, and more, using their strategic location by the North Sea and rivers like the Rhine. Ports like Amsterdam and Rotterdam became hubs for goods moving to and from Europe, earning the Dutch a reputation as smart, innovative traders. 

This history laid the basis for today’s logistics expertise and knowledge. If you fast forward to now, the Netherlands is still considered a trade giant, even if it’s relatively small. Rotterdam’s port, which is Europe’s largest, handles over 450 million tons of cargo yearly. At the same time, Schiphol Airport is a top air freight hub. The country’s infrastructure, which has excellent quality roads, railways, and canals as previously mentioned, connects Europe seamlessly. Did you know that approximately 80% of the EU’s population is reachable within 24 hours from Holland? That’s quite a feat. 

Next to that, Dutch logistics companies use cutting-edge tech, like automated warehouses and eco-friendly transport, just to stay efficient and green. Green energy is one of the top goals on the list for the Dutch, and they show it via their trade routine. The Netherlands also offers a business-friendly environment, with low corporate taxes (15–25%), fast company setup (a few days), and special visa options like the DAFT treaty for US entrepreneurs, requiring just €4,500 to start. English is widely spoken (the Dutch are actually the first on the non-native English-speaking list), and the workforce is skilled, with 90% of logistics professionals trained in modern supply chain management. Plus, the Dutch are pros at customs and international trade, simplifying cross-border shipping. Whether you’re moving tulips or tech, the Netherlands’ trade legacy and modern infrastructure make it a logistics hotspot. Starting here means tapping into a network built on centuries of know-how, perfect for growing your business fast.

There are many possible logistics companies to establish

The Netherlands’ world-class ports, roads, and airports make it a perfect place to start a logistics company. But there are many types to choose from, each with its own focus. Whether you want to transport goods, store them, or manage complex supply chains, there’s always a logistics business to match your skills and goals. From moving fresh tulips to handling high-tech gadgets, the Dutch market offers opportunities for all kinds of logistics ventures. Here are five types of logistics companies you can establish, each taking advantage of the Netherlands’ trade history and top-notch infrastructure.

1. Freight transport company

One of the most logical steps when choosing a logistics company is actually getting things from A to B. A freight transport company moves goods by truck, ship, plane, or train. In the Netherlands, this is a popular choice due to the country’s location, with Rotterdam’s port and Schiphol Airport connecting Europe and beyond. You could focus on local deliveries, like food to supermarkets, or international shipping, such as electronics to Germany. You’ll need vehicles, drivers, and permits, plus knowledge of customs for cross-border trade. The Netherlands’ excellent roads and rail networks make deliveries fast, while green transport options, like electric trucks, are in demand. This type suits entrepreneurs who enjoy operations and want to tap into the EU’s massive market, reachable within 24 hours from Dutch hubs. 

2. Warehousing and storage company

This type of company stores goods in warehouses before they’re shipped or sold. In the Netherlands, warehousing is huge, thanks to ports like Rotterdam handling millions of tons of cargo yearly. You could store anything from clothing to frozen fish, offering climate-controlled or secure facilities. Services include inventory tracking, packing, and preparing goods for transport. Dutch warehouses often use automation, like robots, to save time and money. You’ll need a warehouse space, staff, and tech systems to manage stock. The Netherlands’ central location makes it ideal for distributing goods across Europe. This business is great for organized entrepreneurs who want to support e-commerce or international trade.

3. Third-party logistics (3PL) provider

A 3PL company handles logistics tasks for other businesses, like transport, warehousing, or order fulfillment. In the Netherlands, 3PLs are in demand because companies like webshops want to outsource logistics to focus on sales. You could manage a client’s entire supply chain, from storing products to delivering them to customers. The Netherlands’ infrastructure, like Schiphol’s air freight hub, makes 3PLs efficient for global brands. You’ll need strong planning skills, software for tracking, and partnerships with transport firms. This type suits entrepreneurs who love coordinating and solving problems, offering flexible services in a market where 80% of Europe is a day’s drive away. 

4. Cold chain logistics company

Cold chain logistics focuses on transporting and storing temperature-sensitive goods, like food, medicine, or flowers. The Netherlands, famous for its tulip exports and food trade, is a hotspot for this. You’d use refrigerated trucks or warehouses to keep products fresh, meeting strict EU rules on safety. For example, you could ship vaccines or fresh fish to Paris overnight. You’ll need specialized equipment, like cooling systems, and knowledge of regulations. Dutch tech, like real-time temperature tracking, gives you an edge. This business is ideal for detail-oriented entrepreneurs passionate about quality and serving industries like healthcare or agriculture. 

5. Last-mile delivery company

Last-mile delivery refers to getting goods from a warehouse to the customer’s door, like delivering packages for online shops. In the Netherlands, this is booming due to e-commerce growth and same-day delivery expectations. Cities like Amsterdam need nimble solutions, like bike couriers or electric vans, to navigate urban areas. You’ll need a fleet, drivers, and routing software to keep costs low. The Dutch love fast, eco-friendly deliveries, so green options are a plus. This type suits entrepreneurs who enjoy fast-paced operations and want to serve the growing online shopping market, with the Netherlands’ compact geography making quick deliveries easy.

Do you know what type of logistics company will suit you best?

So, starting a logistics company in the Netherlands is exciting, but success starts with knowing your strengths and matching them to the right business. The Netherlands’ trade-friendly hub, with ports like Rotterdam and top-notch roads, offers endless possibilities. But are you a planner who loves moving goods across the globe? Then a freight transport company could be your fit, organizing trucks or ships to deliver products like electronics from Amsterdam to Asia. Then again, if you’re detail-oriented and great at keeping things organized, a warehousing and storage company lets you fill an empty warehouse with goods, like storing tulips or tech gadgets for e-commerce giants. 

But maybe you have got a knack for coordinating complex tasks? A third-party logistics (3PL) provider role then might suit you best. This means managing supply chains for webshops, connecting their goods to customers across Europe. Furthermore, if you’re passionate about precision and quality, a cold chain logistics company is perfect. This approach ensures things like fresh food or medicines stay safe during transport, tapping into the Netherlands’ flower and pharma trade. 

Or, if you thrive in fast-paced settings and love solving urban challenges, a last-mile delivery company could be your calling. This is a company that uses bikes or electric vans to rush packages to Dutch doorsteps. Keep in mind that each type needs different skills: leadership for freight, tech-savvy systems for warehousing, problem-solving for 3PL, care for cold chain, or speed for last-mile. All in all, the Netherlands makes it easy to start any form of logistics business. With a fast company setup procedure (a few days when you choose Intercompany Solutions), low taxes (15–25%), and visas like DAFT for US entrepreneurs, it’s the best way to start up and go. Think foremost about what you love, whether it’s global trade, helping businesses, or filling warehouses, and align it with these options. Intercompany Solutions can guide you to turn your talents into a thriving logistics business in this trade hotspot!

What you’ll need to take care of when starting a logistics company

Starting a logistics company basically means you're getting into the business of moving goods from one place to another. To do this right, you have to think about a few important things. Firstly, you will need to decide what kind of service(s) you want to provide. Will you deliver packages to homes, ship items between cities, or store products in warehouses? Or do you want to try out a combination of these elements? This choice essentially affects everything else, so you will need to be sure about your ambitions and your capabilities to realize these. If you don’t have a lot of experience, we suggest you start small and build from there. Dropshipping is a great place to start, since it allows you to start with minimal resources but build a stable clientele over time.

Secondly, make sure your company is set up legally. You’ll need to incorporate your Dutch company and register it at the Chamber of Commerce. You will also need to obtain the right licenses and follow any rules for transportation, especially if you're using trucks. If you hire third parties or employees, you’ll also need to handle taxes and paperwork for employees. Money is a big part of getting started. You'll need a solid business plan showing how much it will cost to run the business and how you expect to make money. You might need to find some financing options to acquire money. Or find investors to help pay for things like vehicles, technology, insurance, and staff.

Nowadays, technology helps keep everything running smoothly. GPS, tracking systems, and inventory software can save time and make your customers happy. Building relationships with trusted suppliers and delivery partners is also super important, because it helps you to have confidence in your supply chain, and customers will definitely appreciate this. Finally, don’t forget about solid marketing. So choose a name that stands out, set up a good website or become an affiliate, and let people know why your services are better than others. This means that you will have to study the competition too. In short, starting a logistics company is about planning well, adhering to all applicable laws and regulations, managing money, using smart tools, and finding good people to work with. If you handle these things properly, then you’ll be off to a strong start.

We can help you to establish your Dutch logistics company in no time

Company establishment in a different country than your own can be tricky business. You might not know all the laws and regulations, which makes it hard to go through the process correctly. Thankfully, we are here to help you with all those things. Whether you are starting a logistics company, need advice about the best way to do business in the Netherlands, or just want to inform yourself about possibly owning a Dutch company, we are here. Our process is very straightforward and simple. It consists of a few easy steps. The first step is acquiring all the necessary documents. These are generally:

• The name(s) of all shareholders
• Valid IDs of all shareholders
• A valid registration address for your business
• A unique company name

Once we have this, we can go through the whole process without your presence here, even. If you provide us with power of attorney, we can do everything remotely. We will go to a notary public, make sure everything is legally taken care of, and eventually, register your newly found Dutch company in the Dutch Chamber of Commerce. And the best thing? This only takes up a few business days. So make sure you are prepared when you contact us, because you will be doing business before you know it.

The services that we can offer you

Intercompany Solutions has assisted hundreds of foreign entrepreneurs from over 50 different nationalities. Our clients range from small one-person startups to multinational corporations and everything in between. Our processes are aimed at foreign entrepreneurs, and, as such, we know the most practical ways to assist with your company registration. We can assist with the full package of company registration in the Netherlands, either ourselves or via trusted and professional partners we work closely with:

• Company establishment in the Netherlands
• Application for a VAT or EORI number
• Application for foreign VAT numbers
• Startup assistance
• Accounting services
• Administrative services
• Secretarial services
• Legal assistance
• Payroll administration
• Tax services
• OSS returns
• Intra-Community transactions declarations (ICP)
• Acquiring an Article 23 license
• Obtaining E-herkenning for your company
• Acquiring or closing G-accounts
• Transfer of shares
• Dutch company closures
• General business advice

We are constantly improving our quality standards to continually deliver impeccable services. 

Intercompany Solutions is here for all your Dutch business establishment needs

Starting a logistics company in the Netherlands is a smart move. The Dutch have access to the entire planet, have solid treaties in place everywhere, and the business climate here is simply thriving. If you are truly ready to start, contact us directly, and we will offer all the advice that you need. We will provide you with a clear quote that explains all the things we can do for you. After that, you are still not entirely on your own, as we can also assist with services that are beyond company establishment. We will happily hear from you soon!