Correct, honest and respectful. These are the words that Yves Osselaer uses when he talks about what a company manager’s attitude should be towards his drivers. Yves drove the truck himself until he took over the family business five years ago and even now he is behind the wheel several times a week. A company leader who knows what it means to be a trucker.
Osselaer Trans is today located in Herzele, but the company’s roots lie in Sint-Lievens-Houtem. The family business was officially founded in 1988 and now has three generations, although its history goes back even further. “In our archives we found a document from 1951 showing that my grandfather Frans Osselaer was already active in the transport of coal, building materials and garbage collection,” says Yves. “Five years ago I took over the company from my uncles and aunts.”
The company currently has 23 tractors and the same number of trailers. While Osselaer Trans originally drove exclusively for TNT (now FedEx), there has been a strong focus on diversification in recent years. “Today we transport meat for Jademo, vegetables for Allgro and we do distribution work for Collect & Go (Colruyt). We also support fellow transporters where necessary,” Yves explains.
Reachable
According to customers, Osselaer Trans’s most important assets are clear: “We are available 24/7, flexible and keep contact personal and family-like. Customers know who they are speaking to on the phone, and that makes a big difference.”
At Osselaer Trans, the 24 drivers are praised by their boss. “We try to meet their needs and requirements as best as possible,” says Yves. “For example, by streamlining their private and work life as best as possible. It is also important that you pay your drivers correctly. Word of mouth ensures that new drivers spontaneously offer themselves and that they stay.”
The work at Osselaer Trans is diverse. There are drivers who drive internationally and are on the road all week, others do distribution work or still others do night work. They are given a lot of autonomy and trust. Most drivers have their own tractor and they can also personalize it – for example with extra light bars. This increases involvement, both with their vehicle and with their employer.
The company consciously chooses to remain medium-sized. “Not growing too big keeps us flexible,” says Yves. “I maintain an overview and can safeguard the family atmosphere. In this sector, that is anything but self-evident.” Osselaer Trans is therefore a good example of how smaller and medium-sized family businesses survive in a sector that is becoming increasingly concentrated around large logistics groups. Craftsmanship, personal commitment and professionalism go hand in hand here. In a sector where staff shortages and logistical pressure often weigh heavily, Osselaer Trans shows that it is different – with respect, balance and thoroughness.
Maintenance contracts
The fleet consists mainly of Iveco S-Way tractors, supplemented with three Renault Trucks T and a Volvo FH. Three new DAF XG 480 tractors were recently added. “That shows that we continue to invest in modern and comfortable equipment,” says Yves. All vehicles are also equipped with maintenance contracts to avoid unexpected costs.
Yves also drives several days a week and that creates confidence among the drivers. “I am and still feel like a truck driver, that’s how I was raised,” says Yves. Osselaer Trans therefore participates in the Truck Driver Day every year. “The drivers deserve to be put in the spotlight. After all, everything you buy has been in a truck. The long days, the heavy traffic, good and less good unloading areas, these heroes of the road brave every day to get ‘our’ products on site on time. Respect for their work should be there every day, from everyone.”
Coolest action
Osselaer Trans became the clear winner of the ‘coolest action’ competition organized by the editors of Transportmedia during Truck Driver Day on December 11, 2025. “Our drivers know that we organize something every year, so they expected it a bit,” says Yves. Yves put together a personal gift package for each driver, which he presented himself. The package included a printed polo, a bandana, some T-shirts and a packed lunch. He surprised three drivers – Filip, Steven and Pascal – at Jademo in Zottegem.
Yves took part in the competition but he did not expect to win the competition at all. “Osselaer Trans was one of the smallest participants and there were a few big names in front of us,” he says. “We have mobilized everyone to vote for us.” That paid off because the sympathetic and authentic appearance of this transporter convinced four out of ten voters. “And because it is not only on Truck Driver Day that we have to thank our drivers, I may organize something extra in May 2026,” says Yves.
Osselaer Trans in a nutshell
• founded: 1988
• head office: Herzele
• specialties: distribution, transport of fresh products
• personnel: 24 drivers
• fleet: 23 tractors (16 Iveco S-Way, 3 DAF XG, three Renault Trucks T and 1 Volvo FH), 23 trailers
