Dutch digital forwarder with branches in Belgium and The Netherlands becomes the newest member of the WACO global network of freight forwarders

The WACO System (WACO) has appointed Rotra Air & Ocean as network members for Belgium and The Netherlands–Rotra Air & Ocean N.V. and Rotra Air & Ocean B.V., respectively.

Established in 1909, family-owned Rotra has offices in Rotterdam, Amsterdam, Antwerp, and Brussels and offers worldwide services by air, ocean, rail and barge, as well as AEO-certified customs brokerage.

“We are pleased to welcome Rotra to the WACO network–the company has established itself as a tried and trusted freight forwarder but is also leading the way in digitalizing the freight sector,” said Richard Charles, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), WACO.

Richard Charles, CEO of WACO


“Rotra has digitized the entire supply chain through its in-house platform rotraNext, driving cost and time savings for customers and offering process control and quality through transparency.”

“As well as digital innovation, the company has an impressive track record in sustainability–with its commitment to being 100 per cent climate neutral, Rotra is a great example of how freight forwarders can contribute to sustainability.”

As of 2022, Rotra became the first climate-neutral certified freight forwarder in the Netherlands and Belgium by measuring and monitoring its CO2 footprint, implementing a SMART reduction plan, and offsetting residual emissions.

The company has over 100 years of experience in freight forwarding and expertise across several sectors, including dangerous goods, aerospace, aviation, automotive, pharma, healthcare, consumer goods and food.

“We are pleased to join The WACO System and look forward to collaborating with other network members on initiatives that support our values of reliability and sustainability in the global freight industry,” said Machiel Roelofsen, Director and Co-Owner of Rotra.

L-R: Machiel Roelofsen, Director and Co-Owner of Rotra and Paul Rombeek, Managing Director of Rotra

“We believe that the combination of our innovative platform with our expertise and personal touch can make a significant difference in optimizing supply chains,” said Paul Rombeek, Managing Director of the Rotra Group.