Rotterdam • Freight forwarder • Since 1992 • Worldwide network

About TOP: Rotterdam freight forwarder with a worldwide network

Rotterdam mentality, international logistics, simply doing what is needed. TOP is a Rotterdam freight forwarder with a no-nonsense mentality and a worldwide network. From the port of Rotterdam, TOP arranges sea freight, air freight, rail transport, road transport and customs matters — no complicated fuss, but clear agreements and short lines.

The service portfolio covers sea freight, air freight, intermodal transport via rail, barge and road transport, plus customs matters and cross trades. With smart IT solutions, experienced specialists and an eye for sustainability, TOP keeps goods moving smoothly worldwide.

The history: from Taiwanese branch office to independent Rotterdam forwarder

The history of TOP begins in 1992, when Jean Paul van Munster was asked by the TOP organisation in Taiwan to set up an office in Rotterdam to handle their Asian import and export shipments. When the Taiwanese head office closed its doors in 1994, Van Munster took over one hundred percent of the shares: the Rotterdam office had become so well connected internationally that it could stand on its own feet.

Under the name Trans Ocean Pacific forwarding B.V., the company grew towards the new millennium into a broad service provider with project forwarding, NVOCC activities, consolidation and customs brokerage. In 2004, Evert Braam was appointed CFO and partner to manage further growth, and in July 2015 the listed company Singapore Post joined as a shareholder — with Van Munster and Braam retaining their positions.

More than thirty years later, TOP is an established name in the port of Rotterdam: big enough for a worldwide network, small enough to know every customer personally. That combination — international strength with the short lines of a family business — remains the trademark to this day.

How TOP differs from a standard freight forwarder

Many forwarders handle a single link: the booking, or just the declaration. TOP keeps the entire chain in one hand — from the first advice on Incoterms and the EORI number to customs clearance, hinterland transport and delivery. That saves coordination between separate parties, and it means one phone call is enough when something needs to be arranged.

TOP also invests heavily in digitalisation. Through its own platform and the API services you track shipments in real time, and via my.top.nl you book and manage shipments online. Quality is secured through an AEO certification and by working under the FENEX conditions.

And perhaps the most important difference: the mentality. No jargon, no woolly reports, but simply doing what is needed and clearly telling you what is going on. No-nonsense and short lines are not slogans at TOP, but the way of working.

One point of contact or separate links?

Companies shipping internationally can buy each link separately or place the chain with one party. Below is a simple comparison.

TOP in facts: sources and methodology

The facts below come from public registers and industry organisations, and were verified for this page in August 2026.

The management team

TOP is led by a compact management team with decades of logistics experience. Founder and CEO Jean Paul van Munster has been at the helm since 1992 and is also vice-chairman of industry association FENEX. CFO Evert Braam has been a partner since 2004 and steers the company's financial course and growth.

IT Manager Martin Veen is responsible for the digital platform and the API connections that give customers real-time insight, and General Manager Eelke Lesterhuis leads the daily operation. Want to know who handles your shipments? The whole team introduces itself on the team page.

Which companies is TOP suitable for?

TOP is suitable for companies that trade internationally and are looking for a partner who oversees the entire chain. Thanks to its international network, TOP facilitates both multinationals with fixed weekly volumes and SMEs importing their first container — with the same attention and the same short lines.

Boards mainly want a reliable partner with a grip on costs. Logistics managers want a schedule that holds and one point of contact when something comes up. Procurement looks at conditions, certifications and continuity. TOP understands that these interests come together in one well-organised partnership.

That is why TOP works in an advisory and practical way. No unnecessary jargon, but clear explanations of options, costs and next steps. For general developments in the transport sector, TOP also refers where relevant to industry information from Transport en Logistiek Nederland.

Frequently asked questions about TOP

Who is TOP?

TOP (Trans Ocean Pacific forwarding B.V.) is a Rotterdam freight forwarder and NVOCC, founded in 1992. TOP arranges sea freight, air freight, intermodal transport and customs matters for companies importing and exporting internationally.

Where is TOP based?

At Van Riemsdijkweg 78 in Rotterdam's Waalhaven, in the middle of Europe's largest container port. TOP can be reached by phone on +31 10 2831900.

Which services does TOP offer?

Sea freight, air freight, intermodal transport via rail, barge and road, customs handling, cross trades and warehousing — combined with a digital platform for real-time insight and online booking.

Is TOP certified?

Yes. TOP holds an AEO certification from Dutch Customs and works under the Dutch Forwarding Conditions of industry association FENEX, of which CEO Jean Paul van Munster is vice-chairman.

Which companies does TOP work for?

For both SMEs and multinationals. From a first import container to fixed worldwide goods flows: every customer gets a dedicated point of contact and the same short lines.

How do I get in touch with TOP?

Call +31 10 2831900, email top@top.nl, or schedule an introduction online. Requesting a quote or booking a shipment can be done directly via the website and my.top.nl.

Conclusion: more than thirty years of Rotterdam logistics

What started in 1992 as a branch office for Asian shipments has grown into an independent Rotterdam freight forwarder with a worldwide network. The formula has remained the same all those years: international strength, combined with short lines and simply doing what is needed.

Whether it concerns a first import shipment or a worldwide goods flow: TOP thinks along, arranges the execution and keeps an overview of the chain. Get acquainted and discover what that Rotterdam mentality means for your logistics.

Want to know more about Trans Ocean Pacific forwarding? Visit the TOP homepage.

Last updated: August 2026. Sources: Creditsafe, FENEX and evofenedex. Online findability and AI readiness of this page in collaboration with HEF Digital.