From one van to a trusted logistics partner: The DNZ story

A special 12.5-year anniversary interview with Founder & CEO Yunus Dagilan

By the time DNZ Transport & Koeriersdiensten reaches its 12.5-year milestone on February 1st, the company will have completed tens of thousands of deliveries — from urgent ad-hoc shipments to full truck loads crossing European borders.

But behind the growing fleet, the NIWO permit, the night deliveries in Rotterdam’s port, and the recognisable DNZ red branding, there is a story of one man, one van, and one defining belief: reliability is built, not claimed.

In this anniversary special, DNZ founder and CEO Yunus Dagilan reflects on how DNZ began, the unexpected path that brought him to the Netherlands, and the values that shaped the company into what it is today. 

“It wasn’t a big plan — it was a simple idea, built step by step.”

Yunus speaks with a calm confidence, the kind that comes from years of experience, challenge, and resilience. But he is the first to say that DNZ was never a grand master plan. “In 2013, I thought, ‘Why not start my own business?’ And that’s how DNZ was born.” Born in 1980 in Kahramanmaraş, Turkey, Yunus began his professional life behind the wheel of a minibus — a job he openly admits he didn’t enjoy.
“I didn’t like it at first,” he says with a laugh.
“Later, I worked in tourism, serving customers on a tour boat, and that’s when I realised I loved working with people.”
In 2008, life took an unexpected turn. He met his future wife — a Dutch tourist — and soon found himself relocating to the Netherlands, where he eventually returned to driving.
“I realised I enjoyed the customer service side of the job. That’s what stayed with me.”
Those customer-centric roots would later shape the DNZ identity.

The Home Office: “I could jump in the van within minutes.”

DNZ’s first office wasn’t an office at all — it was Yunus’ home.
“Working from home made things very easy. I could respond quickly to customer requests, jump in the van, and make deliveries.”
His ability to react fast without bureaucracy or delay became his competitive edge.
There were no dispatchers, no planners, no formal structure.
Just Yunus, a phone, and a van.
“Every challenge taught us something new. We worked hard to improve.”
That learning-through-doing mentality remains central to DNZ today.

A Strategic Move: Why DNZ Chose Botlek

As DNZ added more customers, the home-office model began to feel too small.
“As we grew, it became clear we needed more space and a proper location.”
Botlek, located between Rotterdam’s major ports, offered exactly that.
“Botlek was a perfect choice because it’s close to the Port of Rotterdam and all the major ports we serve.”
Today, Botlek is more than a location — it’s a strategic advantage.
Ship deliveries, tank terminals, industrial customers: DNZ sits right at the heart of the action.

A Defining Learning Moment

Like any company with real history, DNZ’s journey included moments that shaped how the business operates today.
“In our early years, we learned the importance of structure, risk awareness, and financial discipline,” Yunus explains.
One experience in particular reinforced the need for strong processes and clear boundaries with clients.
“That moment pushed us to professionalise faster — strengthening our controls, improving our agreements, and building a more resilient company.”
Today, those lessons are reflected in DNZ’s stable operations, disciplined growth, and long-term partnerships.

From One Van to a Full Fleet

For years, DNZ operated with smaller vans and courier loads. But as trust grew, so did the demand for bigger capacity.
“Before we got the NIWO permit, we were limited to smaller loads. With the permit, we can handle larger shipments and take on more work.”
Today, DNZ supports clients with a broad range of time-critical and regulated transport services, including FTL, ADR, night operations, and onboard ship deliveries.
And this expansion did not happen overnight; it happened step by step, just as Yunus intended.
“DNZ has grown step by step. We started as a family business with one van, and now we are trusted by many customers.”

A Culture of Care

One theme repeats constantly in Yunus’ words: DNZ is only as strong as the people behind it.
“We treat our employees as family. I make sure they feel valued and see DNZ as their own company.”
This philosophy has shaped careers.
Drivers have upgraded their licenses, assumed new responsibilities, transitioned from vans to trucks, and demonstrated strong professional growth within DNZ.
“When they are happy, they give their best, and that’s reflected in the service we provide.”
In an industry often facing a shortage of qualified drivers, DNZ’s people-first approach is not just admirable, it’s smart business.

Technology & Compliance: “We always stay updated.”

Logistics today requires more than horsepower.
“We follow all the rules and requirements for transportation in Europe.”
“We stay updated with law changes to ensure we’re always compliant.”
Technology also plays a vital role:
“We use route optimization tools to plan the best and quickest routes. Technology helps us respond quickly and keep everything running smoothly.”
For clients, this translates to reliability.
For DNZ, it means efficiency and control.

What Customers Want

Despite the broadening fleet, one service stands out as DNZ’s signature strength:
“Our ship delivery service is the most popular among our customers.”
“Ad-hoc deliveries are also highly requested because of their flexibility and speed.”
Ship deliveries require precision, timing, and the right location.
DNZ’s presence in Botlek — paired with its 24/7 readiness — gives it a natural advantage.

Looking Forward

When asked about DNZ’s future, Yunus answers without hesitation:
“Our goal is to grow and stay stable for our customers and employees.”
“We plan to add more vehicles and explore new services that match our customers’ needs.”
“In 2026, DNZ also took a strategic step by introducing warehouse services. This expansion allows us to support customers beyond transport alone — offering storage, handling, and flexible logistics solutions close to the Port of Rotterdam. As with transport, our focus remains on control, reliability, and practical solutions that fit our customers’ operations.”
Stability and growth are a combination that only experienced logistics providers can deliver.

12.5 Years Later: The Road Ahead

From a minibus in Turkey to a full FTL fleet in Rotterdam, Yunus’ journey is both unexpected and inspiring.
And while DNZ has grown far beyond its one-van beginnings, its identity remains exactly the same:

Reliable. Personal. Fast.

As DNZ enters its next chapter, the message from its founder is clear:
“I’m proud to say our company is known for reliability and professionalism; these are the foundations of our growth.”
With that foundation, DNZ continues to move forward with the same focus it started with: dependable service, strong people, and long-term partnerships.