Driving your own truck is a dream for many drivers. Stefan Verhofstad made that dream come true a few years ago. He had the opportunity to give up his permanent contract and continue as an independent driver. Since then, CSE is no longer his permanent employer but his regular client.
Why did you want to drive your own truck so badly?
“Every driver prefers to drive their own truck. You spend a lot of time in it and have your own preferences. But… such a truck is never really yours. As a joke, I used to say internally that I would buy one myself. During a discussion, it came up as a serious option. That’s when I thought: this is my chance.”
Didn’t you enjoy working as an employee?
“Oh yes, CSE is a very good employer. My work and colleagues have remained exactly the same. So why this arrangement? Because now the truck is entirely mine. It’s personal: my own capital on the road. And if I handle it smartly, I can earn just a bit more.”
“Everything is arranged down to the last detail”
You often work at night. Isn’t that inconvenient?
“We have many clients who operate 24/7. So we do too. At night, we mainly load at factories. We then take the loads to warehouses. From there, they sometimes go directly to our clients. Or we store the cans. I love the night: people are calmer and more relaxed. And on the road, it’s nice to drive without traffic jams.”
Do you still feel ‘at home’ with CSE as an independent driver?
“Absolutely! I still feel 100% part of the club. Having my own truck would never have been an option at another company, so I’m grateful for that opportunity. It also shows how progressive this company is: everyone’s voice matters, and we really work together. And everything is arranged down to the last detail.”
What do you do during your days off?
“Mainly music. My father and I started our own band over 25 years ago: Kiep Kwajt (Keep Quiet). We are a great group of people and rehearse every Saturday. I’m tall, but I play the small drum. Making cheerful music together is fantastic. It gives me maximum relaxation.”
