Strong Together: In conversation with our mobility partner EHAD Helmond

A family business with history

EHAD Personenvervoer has a long history. The company was founded in 1924 by Niels Dankers' great-grandfather and has grown into an established name in the region. Niels, the fourth generation in the company, manages around 75 drivers together with his father. “We are a family business, and that is evident in everything we do. We have a connection with the region and with the people who work for us. Many of our drivers have been with us for years, which creates a familiar environment and familiar faces for our passengers.”

From competition to cooperation

EHAD and Munckhof have known each other for a long time. In the 1990s, both companies were part of the Hermes Group. Munckhof took over EHAD Helmond in 1996, but left the group a few years later, temporarily ending the collaboration. In 2018, their paths crossed again when they jointly submitted a bid for the school transport contract in Helmond. “That contract was too big for us alone, so it was a logical step to join forces with Munckhof. Since then, we have been working closely together again, and it's working out very well.”

The power of local involvement

EHAD is a valuable partner for Munckhof because of its deep roots in the region. “We know the municipality, the schools, and the parents. We have been providing student transportation in Helmond for years and know exactly how to organize routes most efficiently,” says Niels. “Because we are a local company, we have short lines of communication with Munckhof, as well as with the municipality and the schools. This allows us to respond quickly and solve problems proactively.”

EHAD therefore takes a lot of work off Munckhof's hands. “If one of our drivers is sick, we often solve the problem before Munckhof has to take action. We believe it is important that challenges are addressed quickly and that our passengers arrive on time. That is part of our way of working.”

Trust and cooperation as the key to success

One of the most important aspects of the cooperation between EHAD and Munckhof is mutual trust. “A deal is a deal. We never have discussions about rates or payments. Munckhof is a reliable partner that is open to feedback and really thinks along with us as a local entrepreneur.” In addition, the informal and direct communication is a big plus. “In the event of an emergency, we can immediately reach the right person. We can rely on each other completely, which is crucial in our field,” Niels continues his story about the collaboration.

Fair and sustainable business practices

At EHAD, fair and sustainable business practices are central to everything we do. "We only take on work that we can do our way, without compromising on quality. Our drivers are not numbers, but colleagues with whom we work together. My grandfather always said: ‘Act normal, you are no more than the drivers. You do it together and you need each other.’ That mentality is still in our company's DNA."

That is also what connects EHAD and Munckhof: shared standards and values, short lines of communication, and a partnership based on trust and quality. “We have been working with Munckhof for years and we enjoy doing so. We do what we are good at and Munckhof appreciates that. Together, we make a difference in student transportation for Helmond.”