"From the moment I could walk, I knew I wanted to be 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 an early age, he knew he wanted to be a driver. Riding along with his neighbor during school vacations and having a father who was a truck driver, it's in his DNA.
At the age of 19, Kurt enthusiastically got into the truck. He drove for his father as a self-employed driver for seven years, after which he started his own business, Kurt van Gijsel, in 1999. Since then, he has continued to do business and build. From his own yard, where the office is still located, he built everything at a rapid pace.
Kurt is direct, honest, and friendly, with a great deal of perseverance 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-operator to entrepreneur
After 16 years as a truck driver, Kurt was given the opportunity in 2008 to start working as a self-employed planner for a transport company. This was an important milestone and marked the beginning of his collaboration with RMI. We have now been working together happily for 17 years. That same year, he hired his first driver at KVG Trans.
After three years as a planner, Kurt decided to quit, which gave him the opportunity to grow as an entrepreneur. In the years that followed, he expanded his business from a single truck to an entire fleet. Between 2011 and 2015, the company grew to 16 trucks, 25 charters, and 60 trailers. The rapid growth demanded a lot from him, so he eventually took a step back and sold 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 opportunity to build their own company again. Originally, the idea was to stay small, with a maximum of five trucks.
However, due to circumstances, SL Logistics immediately grew to eleven trucks in 2020, and from that moment on, things moved quickly again. Today, SL Logistics has 22 of its own trucks and around 60 charters, with two parking lots and its own garage in Antwerp. This success is partly due to a team that works extremely hard every day. Devlin plays an important role in administration and invoicing, while Sofie focuses on human resources and supports 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 transporting, loading, and unloading tank containers. They are also GDP-certified for transporting medicines in reefer containers, with or without a genset on the chassis. They continuously invest in modern equipment: well-maintained trucks, chassis with tire pressure monitoring systems, and equipment that attracts drivers and inspires customer confidence. Service is an important pillar in this regard. The team always tries to offer customers a suitable solution, even though this is becoming increasingly challenging due to congestion, waiting times, and regulations.
SL Logistics is also known for its attention to detail. This is reflected not only in the quality of its work, but even in the license plates of its trucks: subtle references to liquids, such as Liquidi, Liquid, or Liquida. It's typical Kurt: a perfectionist with a passion for his profession.
A long-term collaboration
How it all began
In 2008, Kurt came into contact with RMI through his role as a planner. Since then, not only has a working relationship been established, but also a close friendship. "We've had a lot of fun together," says Kurt.
How we complement each other
The collaboration has been going well for years. Communication is open and there is room for discussion, which only strengthens the partnership. Because both planning teams know exactly what to expect from each other, we can support each other well in our daily work and in challenging situations. This allows us to function as one team to provide our customers with the best service.
Special projects
Over the years, we have worked on various special projects. One example that stands out is the project involving Acetic Anhydride Drug Precursors, from Vopak Antwerp to Arnhem. When a tank container was stolen, the customer joined Marco Broersen to check the security of the parking lot in Antwerp, with positive results. This confirmed the safety, reliability, and cooperation for all parties involved.
We also work closely together on test solutions for heated products. RMI staff are present to ensure that 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 still expensive at this point. Nevertheless, SL Logistics continues to invest: this year, they purchased 11 new trucks and 8 chassis to keep their fleet modern.
Innovation remains a priority. For example, they are switching to the Qargo TMS system to improve processes and further digitize operations.
The years of growth were rewarded with the Gazelle 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 will be 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 offer customers the best service. What binds us together is the same mindset: getting things done, thinking along with the customer, and always going the extra mile.
Together, we will continue to move forward, grow, and build a strong future in tank transport.
