History

From bar napkin to global player

What began as a sketched idea on the back of a bar napkin has evolved into a leading logistics provider specializing in hazardous materials. For over 27 years, Special Cargo Services has combined expert knowledge with operational precision, grounded in the values of a dedicated family business. It is a story of pioneering and professionalization, growing from a single office into a network of locations across Europe and the United States. This is our story.

Mission-Driven from Day One

In December 1998, Huib den Dikken and Hans van der Maat founded Special Cargo Services in Oude Meer, right next to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. From the start, the mission was clear: place safety, compliance, and customer focus at the core. The company quickly became known for its reliable handling, storage, and transport of hazardous materials, serving clients in aviation, industry, and pharmaceuticals.

Growth through Proximity

In the years that followed, Special Cargo Services expanded steadily. A dedicated storage facility for the energy sector opened in IJmuiden in 2009. In 2012, operations launched in Vlaardingen, inside the Rotterdam port area. Each new location brought us closer to our clients and enabled faster, more effective service.

Second-Generation Leadership

In 2013, Huib handed over leadership to his son, Erik den Dikken. With a clear international focus, the second generation continued building the company. In 2017, Special Cargo Services moved to a larger site in Spijkenisse, which included a 1,000 square meter warehouse. The Oude Meer headquarters was also significantly expanded.

Crossing Borders

In 2020, during the global pandemic, Special Cargo Services opened its first location outside Europe in Houston, Texas. This site is a critical hub for international clients in the oil, gas, and chemical sectors. With a direct presence in one of the most important logistics centers in the United States, we strengthened our role in the global supply chain. At the same time, our Rotterdam operations relocated to a new 10,000 square meter facility in the Europoort area.

Strategic Acquisitions

Growth has also come through targeted acquisitions. In 2024, Isologic joined the group, bringing expertise in the transport of radioactive materials for the medical sector. Shortly after, DG Packaging was added, known for its capabilities in hazardous materials logistics and related training. These companies expanded our knowledge base and global reach.

Ready for the Logistics of Tomorrow

Together with our training and consultancy division, Special Cargo College, we now form the Special Cargo Group. Special Cargo Services remains the operational core, delivering warehousing, transport, customs services, and packaging with the highest standards and strong practical focus. With nearly three decades of experience, a solid foundation, and a growing international presence, we are prepared for the future. Houston is central to that vision.