VRD, based in Temse, is celebrating its 40th anniversary. The company was founded in 1986 by Raoul Van Raemdonck and his wife. What began with a single lorry has, over time, grown into a well-established SME with a fleet of more than 170 vehicles. VRD is therefore a trusted name in transport and logistics. Today, the second generation – Liesbeth and Matthias Van Raemdonck – are at the helm.
Our new distribution centre in Bornem serves as the hub of our 24-hour distribution network
The family business remains ambitious. A brand new distribution centre was opened this spring. Liesbeth Van Raemdonck: “Our new distribution centre in Bornem is a cross-dock warehouse with 18,000 m² of space and 52 loading bays. It serves as the hub of our 24-hour distribution network, ensuring that goods are dispatched as quickly as possible upon arrival. In this way, we serve retail customers in the DIY sector, amongst others.”
"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"Systematic greening of the fleet"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"In addition, VRD is also investing in making its fleet greener. In 2010, it purchased its first hybrid truck, and electric truck have since been added to the fleet. “We bought our first electric truck six years ago, and our experience with it has been positive. We now have four of them, and we have another seven on order. We now also have our own charging stations. Given the current driving range and our operations in the Benelux, electric driving is no longer a problem in practice,” says Liesbeth.
An electric vehicle still costs more than twice as much as a diesel truck.
Nevertheless, every truck remains a significant investment. “An electric vehicle still costs more than twice as much as a diesel truck. Calculating the total cost is very complex. Changes to the Flemish kilometre charge and high diesel prices are, however, helping to narrow the price gap. We believe that electric driving is the future and will continue to invest in it,” concludes Liesbeth Van Raemdonck.
"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"Geopolitics is raising more questions about electrification"},{"alignedImage":{"position":"right","extension":"jpg","original":"https://assets.ing.com/asset/9427fcfd-0ab8-4841-8585-c6accaa6a5ad/Lawrence-Vanhove.jpg","transformBaseUrl":"https://assets.ing.com/transform/9427fcfd-0ab8-4841-8585-c6accaa6a5ad/Lawrence-Vanhove"},"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"Lawrence Vanhove, Head of Transport & Logistics, notes that the conflict in the Middle East is prompting more and more companies to consider investing in electrification as well: “Since mid-March, we have been receiving significantly more enquiries about financing electric trucks. However, the calculation goes beyond the purchase price of the vehicle. Charging stations, grid capacity and the total cost of ownership must also be factored in.”
You’re investing in strategic security: you’re taking control of your own energy supply, which gives you greater control over prices
Although the calculation remains complex, certain companies are now beginning to see the outlines of the business case. “If you can combine charging infrastructure on your own premises with solar panels and battery storage, it can all add up,” says Vanhove. For transport companies, therefore, it is important not to hesitate for too long. “Because ETS2 is coming soon, which means fossil fuels will become more expensive from 2028 onwards. Those who decide now are creating scope for growth in the future. What’s more, you’re investing in strategic security: you’re taking control of your own energy supply, which gives you greater control over prices.”
"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"An industry at a turning point"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"The sector is at a turning point. After all, the European Union is pushing for the electrification of freight transport. In order to make these investments, there is a great deal of consolidation taking place within the sector.
Lawrence Vanhove: “Small and medium-sized operators are finding that scale is becoming increasingly important. Those with greater volume can spread the risk more effectively and have greater scope to invest in digitalisation and sustainability. Smaller family-run transport firms often no longer have a successor. Medium-sized companies, with a turnover of around 50 million euros or more, are therefore actively looking to acquire smaller operators.”
We are adapting our financing solutions, with longer repayment terms for electric trucks
As a financial partner, ING aims to support this sustainable transition. In Belgium, more than thirty bankers specialise in the transport and logistics sector. “Our role is to help entrepreneurs make their businesses more resilient for the future,” emphasises Vanhove. “And we are also adapting our financing solutions, with longer repayment terms for electric lorries and financing options for charging infrastructure and battery storage. Thanks to our partnership with the European Investment Bank, there are favourable terms available for such sustainable investments.”
"}},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"Find out how ING supports businesses in the sustainable transition.
This article was previously published in Trends/Tendances.
"},"title":"Wondering what ING can do for you?"}]},"hasMacro":false,"id":"1de03e67-091c-4104-bf13-989f6608a426","legalZone":{"flexComponents":[{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"Society is transitioning to a low-carbon economy. So are our clients, and so is ING. We finance a lot of sustainable activities, but we still finance more that’s not. See how we’re progressing on ing.com/climate.
This article is for informative purposes only and the information set out herein may change with time. We therefore recommend that you always reference specific regulations and requirements with the competent authorities for the latest information. Additionally, we advise that you seek professional advice on a case-by-case basis before making any decisions. Please note that ING Belgium SA/NV cannot be held liable for any decision taken on the basis of the information provided.
"}}]},"localeString":"en-GB","mainHeaderZone":{"backLink":{"textLink":{"text":"Sustainability is everyone's business","url":"/en/business/sustainable-business"}},"componentType":"editorialHeader","coreHeader":{"body":"Although the transport sector is facing difficulties, the electrification of freight transport appears to be finally gaining momentum, notes Lawrence Vanhove, Head of Transport & Logistics at ING. The transport company VRD, based in Temse, is a pioneer in this field.","title":"Transport company VRD invests in electric trucks"},"date":"2026-07-01","readingTime":0},"publishDate":"2026-08-14T12:48:53.173+02:00"}}