Interview with René Ottenstein - Team Leader Drivers
“In 2017, I joined NE DistriService as a driver, and I’ve always loved the job. Before NE DistriService, I owned a hospitality business, so ‘unusual’ hours were nothing new to me! Sometimes, I still step in as a driver, especially during busy periods or when a driver colleague is unavailable - and I thoroughly enjoy it! It helps me stay connected, see the challenges drivers face, and identify pain points firsthand. These insights are invaluable and allow me to support the team effectively as a former driver.”
“After about 18 months as a driver, I got the opportunity to become a planner. It was a challenge I eagerly embraced and a great chance to further develop myself! After five and a half years in planning, I was ready for the next step. Now I work as Team Leader Drivers, a new role within the company that I have the privilege of shaping myself.”
“It was simple: the opportunity came up, and I saw it as a great challenge to develop myself further and contribute more to the team. I believe in using my experience as a driver to connect with the team. I understand their daily experiences and can anticipate what’s needed in different situations. Some people need a pat on the back, while others benefit from a motivating conversation. My years as a planner helped me build a strong relationship with the drivers, so I can think along with them and support them effectively.”
“The great thing about training drivers internally is that it creates a strong bond. We invest not just in their Code 95* certification and C license, but also in their personal growth and development. This means they know the company inside and out and feel like a valued part of the team. We also know their strengths and can assign tasks that suit them and bring them satisfaction. This leads to more engagement, less turnover, and a better work atmosphere for everyone – which personally gives me energy!”
* Code 95 is a designation on the driving license of professional drivers in the European Union, indicating that they meet the required professional competence requirements. It is a mandatory certificate for professional drivers (truck and bus drivers). The Code 95 certification consists of a basic qualification and mandatory refresher training of 35 hours every five years. This continuing education covers topics such as road safety, efficient driving and regulations, which helps drivers do their jobs safely and professionally.
“Definitely. It all comes down to the bond they have with the company - and with our customers!”
“In a word: customer focus.”
“In my new role, I act as a bridge between employees and management, serving as a point of contact for drivers. We train new drivers with a mentor-driver, who guides them through onboarding. After a week of training, they hit the road independently. To ease them in, we give them manageable routes with extra time to adjust, so they’re not thrown in at the deep end. We measure all drivers’ performance - delivery success rates, damage-free deliveries, and entry/exit times at depots. Routes are regularly reviewed for potential improvements. Many drivers start with a B license and progress to BE, C, or even CE - a fantastic opportunity for growth. What I want to foster is a safe, enjoyable work environment where respect is key and everyone contributes to this amazing company.”
“Of course. Drivers who have been with us for a long time can choose to return to smaller delivery vans near the end of their careers – with fewer addresses per day. We also follow the Heavy Occupations Scheme*, allowing drivers to retire up to 36 months before their state pension age. Not all of them take advantage of it, though!
We often have openings for great drivers, so I’d invite anyone interested to check out the vacancies on our website.”
* The Heavy Occupations Scheme is part of the Dutch Pension Agreement, allowing employees with physically demanding jobs to retire up to 36 months before the state pension age. Participation is voluntary.
