Dominique Rademaker
At Arcus, we strongly believe in the power of personal contact. This is the only way to build long-term relationships. We regularly share the story of one of our colleagues. This month we would like to introduce you to Dominique Rademaker, Chauffeur.
Dominique has been working on the wagon at Arcus for 5 years. ‘I drive orders around and am in contact with customers a lot. I really enjoy that. I work with a lot of different people. I really like the personal contact. Occasionally I have to help in the warehouse when it’s quiet, but just put me on the truck!’
What does a workday look like for you?
‘I start at 7:30. Then I have a cup of coffee with the colleagues and we go over the route. I have the luxury that my truck is usually already loaded and ready for me. I usually drive in Europoort, the Maasvlakte and the Botlek. Sometimes I also have to go to Oudgastel or Roosendaal. I like that, because then I can drive for an hour. I turn the music up loud and give a performance. When I’m standing at the traffic lights I forget that my window is open and then you see the people stare at me J’.
‘I always finish around 4pm. That’s nice, because then I can take care of my horses. I really like that this is possible at Arcus, because in many transport companies you never know when you can stop. I can combine my hobby with my work very well this way.’
‘In the beginning I sometimes found it difficult to put my truck in something, but now no challenge is too big for me. When I drive up, customers often give me priority, because they like the fact that I am a woman in a truck. I really like that! Sometimes I am also disadvantaged. Then they think ow a woman and then they give me a challenging angle to put my truck in and they don’t believe I can do that. I then prove them wrong and then you see them looking anyway.’
‘Sometimes the tubes are really big and then I have to explain to those guys how to unload. I like that.’
‘I get proposed to twice a week and often get numbers under my windshield wiper. You have to be able to stand that, but I can stand my ground in that and find it funny.’
What do you enjoy most about your work at Arcus?
‘My colleagues. We have a very close-knit team in Brielle. There is always time for a chat and I really like that here! When I’m on the road I like the contact with customers the most. I am a real people person. Afterwards I like to be back in my truck alone, so the balance is great. ‘We always do it together. Jaap is a really great manager. He is very open and very approachable. That’s really nice. From day 1 I’ve been in my place here.’
Why are you a good fit for Arcus?
‘I think I am always very spontaneous and that gives me an edge. I achieve just that little bit more than other transport colleagues I meet. That personal and vigorous approach is very important for Arcus and for me as well’.
What do you get a kick out of?
‘If people say put your truck there, but I don’t think you can do that and then I can. Then I really put them to shame a bit.’
‘I also once had someone who couldn’t do it, then I crawled into his truck and turned that truck into the right spot. Then people were all clapping. That was a real laugh!
They often think: ‘Oh, there’s that little lady of 1.65 who will park the truck. Well the bigger the truck the better for me. I don’t shy away from a challenge.
How do you see the future?
‘My parents have a transportation company, so then on weekends I would help out. So I really grew up with it. I would still like to get my CE license, then I can drive a truck and trailer as well. Someday I would like to drive a combination truck if we continue to grow in Brielle.’
