Can you tell us something about your company?
Neele-Vat is a full-service logistics service provider offering integrated solutions across the entire supply chain. We support our customers with ocean freight, air freight, road transport, warehousing, and physical distribution, enabling seamless coordination from origin to final destination.
We are a family-owned company with more than 1700 employees worldwide. Our organization operates its own offices across several European countries, multiple locations in China, and additional offices in Dubai, Thailand, India, Vietnam, and the United States. In the U.S., we maintain three offices, one of which is strategically located in Houston, Texas. Our global headquarters is based in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
As a company, we have a strong focus on Transatlantic trade and possess extensive experience with both DAP and DDP deliveries. IN addition, we officer dedicated solutions for less-than-container-load (LCL) shipments through our own weekly consolidation services to and from the United States. Naturally, we also support Ex Works shipments, providing full control and coordination from the point of origin.
Furthermore, Neele-Vat offers specialized solutions for project cargo. Through our in-house breakbulk division, we manage the transport of oversized and heavy cargo, ensuring safe and efficient handling of complex and non-standard shipments in close cooperation with our own offices (especially in Houston) or trusted partners.
Why did your company choose Texas?
Neele-Vat chose Texas as a strategic office location due to the strong alignment between the state’s economic profile and our core logistics activities. Texas is a major hub for oil and gas and energy-related industries, which represent an important segment of our customer base and trade flows. Having a local presence in this region enables us to support these customers more closely and respond efficiently to operational and commercial requirements.
In addition, Texas offers excellent logistics infrastructure. The state is home to several major seaports and benefits from extensive rail and highway networks, allowing for efficient cargo movements both domestically and internationally. From Texas, we are well positioned to serve the U.S. East Coast, West Coast and cross-border flows to and from Mexico.
Furthermore, Texas is widely recognized as a business-friendly environment with a strong presence of international and European companies. This international business ecosystem, combined with favorable economic conditions, makes Texas an attractive and logical location for expanding our Transatlantic logistics services.
What advice can you give Dutch entrepreneurs who want to do business in Texas?
Dutch entrepreneurs considering doing business in Texas are advised to prepare thoroughly and invest in local expertise from the outset. Working with a reputable local distributor or agent is highly recommended, as they are familiar with U.S. and state-level legal requirements, tax regulations, and commercial practices. This local knowledge can significantly reduce and accelerate market entry.
Building a strong local network is equally important. Engaging with regional Chambers of Commerce, trade organizations, and business networks helps establish credibility and provides valuable market insights. Personal introductions and referrals often play a key role in developing sustainable business relationships in Texas.
Entrepreneurs should also define their strategic objectives clearly before entering the market. It is important to determine whether the Texas presence will focus solely on sales activities or whether it will also function as a distribution or logistics hub. This distinction has implications for taxation, compliance, staffing, and operational setup.
From a cultural perspective, clear and direct communication is valued, provided it is combined with a personable and relationship-oriented approach. Texans generally appreciate openness, reliability, and professionalism. Finally, it is essential to consider the sheer size of the state when planning operations and meetings, as travel times and regional differences can be significant and should be factored into scheduling and logistics decisions.
