Big trees, tight streets, perfect temperature — Dobbe Transport’s precision delivery with Ekeri trailers

When it comes to temperature-controlled logistics in the world of floriculture, precision is everything. Dobbe Transport, a family-run Dutch logistics company, has built its reputation on delivering living cargo – from delicate cuttings to fully grown trees – under the right conditions and right on time. Their latest addition to the fleet, a semi-trailer from Ekeri with side doors, is helping them take reliability and flexibility to a new level.

Specialised in floriculture and more

“We are a transport company whose main core business is floriculture transport,” says Kees Dobbe, Commercial Director and Head of Sales at Dobbe Transport. “By that, you can mean that we transport from a cutting – young planting material – to 13.5-metre trees. But also ornamental horticulture-related products such as flower pots, ornamental gravel or greenhouse lighting fixtures.”

Approximately 80% of Dobbe’s loads require temperature control, whether it’s to preserve fragile plant life or protect sensitive equipment. This makes their investment in high-quality equipment more than just a preference – it’s a necessity.

When conditions matter: urban delivery to Hortus Botanicus

One of the first tasks for their new Ekeri trailer was a high-stakes delivery from Belgium to the renowned Hortus Botanicus in central Amsterdam. The mission: transport trees and plants at a minimum temperature of 15°C into one of the most challenging urban environments for logistics.

“This was an unusual transport for us, but a good test for the trailer, as it was recently delivered,” explains Kees. “The biggest challenge was arranging the right transport documents. You can’t just drive a truck into Amsterdam – you need a permit for that.”

What made the delivery possible wasn’t just the permit – it was the design of the trailer itself. The side doors, combined with a rear tailgate and Thermo King refrigeration unit, offered flexibility during both loading and unloading while maintaining the required temperature.

“We had the perfect solution in the form of an Ekeri semi-trailer with side doors, rear tailgate, and fitted with a Thermo King cooling engine.”

– Kees Dobbe, Commercial Director and Head of Sales, Dobbe Transport

Why Ekeri?

For Dobbe Transport, choosing the right equipment is as important as choosing the right people.

“The quality has to be reliable,” Kees Dobbe explains. “Even if the price is higher, that’s what we demand.”

After researching solutions, Dobbe found that Ekeri matched their exact needs – especially when supplied by Carrosserie Elenbaas, with whom they had a positive experience in earlier collaborations.

Their first Ekeri trailer, a model with temperature control and side-opening functionality, was added to the fleet in February – and has already proven its worth in urban and rural deliveries alike.

A business built on trust, equipment and people

Dobbe Transport operates primarily in the Netherlands, Belgium, and just across the German border, with each vehicle averaging 120,000 km annually. Their clients – horticultural companies, wholesalers, and suppliers – rely on Dobbe for consistent, controlled deliveries.

Their success isn’t just due to equipment. It’s also about the mindset.

“In transport, no day is the same – and that’s what makes it fun and challenging,” Kees Dobbe says. “We try to fulfil the customer’s wishes as much as possible. But to achieve that, you need the right people and the right equipment. Otherwise, it won’t work.”

From zoos to one-box orders

While floriculture is their focus, Dobbe Transport sees its fair share of surprises.

“Sometimes it’s strange that a lorry is ordered for an urgent job, which turns out to be one small box that the representative could have delivered faster with his own car…”

Then there are the big wins – like helping build a new zoo with dozens of deliveries of trees and plants.

“A lot of phone calls and emails were exchanged beforehand, but when a project like that goes well and the customer is happy, you can look back with satisfaction.”

The road ahead

With their new Ekeri semi-trailer in full use, Dobbe Transport is expanding its capabilities in temperature-sensitive transport – especially in urban environments where precision and flexibility are non-negotiable.

And for Kees Dobbe, it’s simple:

“We honour our agreements. That’s our strength. And with partners like Ekeri, we can keep that promise.”

– Kees Dobbe, Commercial Director and Head of Sales, Dobbe Transport

Ready to take control of your temperature-sensitive logistics?

Whether you’re transporting tropical trees or delicate produce, Ekeri’s certified semi-trailers with side-opening functionality offer the flexibility, precision, and reliability your business needs.