Rick Martens loved trucks from when he was a small boy. Spending hours at the local truckstop watching the trucks pass by and often asking drivers to honk their horns, his childhood fascination ignited a lifelong passion for logistics. That early curiosity and love for movement and transport shaped his career, leading him from life on the road as a truck driver to a key role in leading sustainable logistics developments.
Today, Rick is the Logistics Development Manager at N+P Group — a role he has dedicated himself to for the past 19 years. His journey into logistics began at age 19 when he obtained his commercial driver’s license. Over the years, he has developed deep expertise in finding innovative, efficient, and as sustainable as possible logistics solutions across multiple modalities, including vessels, trains, and trucks.
In this blog, Rick shares his perspective on the evolution of logistics at N+P, the innovative solutions driving sustainability, and the team spirit that continues to inspire him after nearly two decades.
Q: Can you introduce yourself and share your role at N+P??
"I’m the Logistics Development Manager at N+P Group, and I’ve been with the company for 19 years. My background in logistics goes back to when I was about 19 and was fascinated by trucks. I got my commercial driver’s license and worked as a truck driver for about four or five years before moving into a planning role, which I was later asked to take on. After ten years, I decided to explore further career opportunities."
Q: How did you end up at N+P Group?
"I eventually joined N+P in Bergen, working in the planning department. When I started, I was the 15th employee. We had an office in Oberhausen and in Nieuwbergen, and I was working with just one other person in planning. Over time, the company grew, and transport logistics became a key factor in the success of our projects."
"When you love what you do and share it with a great team, it doesn’t feel like work — it feels like purpose."
Q: What is your role at N+P Group, and what challenges do you face in logistics?
"As the Logistics Development Manager, my role is focused on finding sustainable ways to transport goods. I’m given a lot of creative freedom to develop new solutions and explore alternatives. This includes working with customers and transporters to find ways to use different transportation methods. For example, we use sea containers or bulk ships to transport larger quantities at once, all while focusing on efficiency and minimizing environmental impact."
Q: After so many years in logistics, what keeps you motivated and enthusiastic about your work?
"I often get asked how I’ve managed to stay passionate about my job for so long. The answer is simple: when you love what you do, it doesn’t feel like work. I’m not doing it alone – I’m part of a team. We work together to achieve our goals, tackle challenges, and celebrate the results. That teamwork is what makes me proud of the work we do."