“From the moment I could walk, I knew that I wanted to become a truck driver.”
Some entrepreneurs are driven by numbers, others by opportunities. But for Kurt van Gijsel it all started with one thing: a great passion for trucks. From a young age he knew that he wanted to become a driver. Driving with his neighbor on school holidays and a father who was a truck driver is in his DNA.
At the age of 19, Kurt enthusiastically got into the truck. For seven years he worked as an independent contractor for his father, after which he started his one-man business Kurt van Gijsel in 1999. Since then, he has continued to do business and build. From his own property, where the office still stands, he built everything at a rapid pace.
Kurt is direct, honest and kind, with great determination that has helped him through all phases of entrepreneurship. According to him, his wife Sofie deserves “a statue” for everything she makes possible behind the scenes. He also looks up to his son Devlin with great admiration. They are, as Kurt himself says, his greatest sources of inspiration.
From owner-driver to entrepreneur
After 16 years as a truck driver, Kurt got the opportunity in 2008 to start working as an independent planner for a transport company. An important milestone and the moment when the collaboration with RMI began. In the meantime, we have been working together with great pleasure for 17 years. That same year, he hired his first driver at KVG Trans.
After three years as a planner, Kurt decided to quit, giving him the opportunity to grow as an entrepreneur. In the years that followed, he further expanded his company, from one truck to a complete fleet. Between 2011 and 2015, the company grew to 16 trucks, 25 charters, and 60 trailers. The rapid growth required a lot from him, which eventually led him to take a step back and sell a large part of the company.
The start of SL Logistics
In 2018 a new chapter began: SL Logistics. Kurt and Sofie were given the space to build a new company from scratch. Originally the idea was to remain small, with a maximum of five trucks.
However, due to circumstances, SL Logistics immediately grew to eleven trucks in 2020 and things started moving quickly from then on. Today, SL Logistics has 22 own trucks and around 60 charters, with two parking areas and its own garage in Antwerp. The success is partly due to a team that works hard every day. Devlin plays an important role in the administration and billing, while Sofie focuses on personnel matters and supports the planning where necessary.
“We always want to find a solution, but it’s becoming increasingly difficult these days.”
Specialist in tank transport
SL Logistics specializes in the transportation, loading and unloading of tank containers. In addition, they are GDP-certified for the transport of medicines in refrigerated containers, with or without a generator on the chassis. They continuously invest in modern equipment: well-maintained trucks, chassis with tire pressure system, and equipment that attracts drivers and gives customers confidence. Service is an important pillar. The team always tries to offer customers the appropriate solution, although this becomes increasingly challenging due to congestion, waiting times, and regulations.
SL Logistics is also known for its attention to detail. You can see this not only in the quality of the work, but even in the license plates of the trucks: subtle references to liquids such as Liquidi, Liquid or Liquida. It’s typical of Kurt; a perfectionist with a passion for his profession.
A long-term collaboration
How it all started
In 2008, Kurt came into contact with RMI through his role as a planner. Since then, not only has there been cooperation, but also a close working relationship has been established. “We have already had a lot of fun together,” says Kurt.
How we complement each other
The collaboration has been going smoothly for years. There is open communication and room for discussion, which only makes the partnership stronger. Because both planning teams know exactly what they expect from each other, we can support each other well in daily work and in challenging situations. This is how we function as one team to provide the best service to our customers.
Special projects
Over the years, we have worked on several special projects. One example that stands out is the project with Acetic Anhydride Drug Precursors, from Vopak Antwerp to Arnhem. When a tank container was stolen, the customer, together with Marco Broersen, inspected the security of the parking lot in Antwerp, with positive results. This was a confirmation of the safety, reliability, and cooperation for all parties.
We also work closely together when testing solutions for heated products. RMI staff are present to ensure everything runs smoothly and we keep each other informed at all times. This works well for both parties.
Looking ahead: challenges and ambitions
The transport sector is under pressure. The chemical industry is shifting to Asia, and sustainable alternatives are currently still expensive. Yet SL Logistics continues to invest: this year they purchased 11 new trucks and 8 chassis to keep their fleet modern.
Innovation remains a key focus. For example, they are switching to the Qargo TMS system to improve processes and further digitize them.
The years of growth were rewarded with the Gazellen award: in 2024 for the fastest growing medium-sized transport company and in 2025 for all medium-sized companies in Antwerp and Flanders. In the coming years, the focus is on stability and maintaining quality.
Moving forward together
The collaboration between SL Logistics and RMI is built on trust, clear communication and a shared drive to provide customers with the best service. What binds us is the same mentality: taking on challenges, collaborating and always taking that extra step.
Together, we will continue to move forward, grow, and build a strong future in tank transport.
