CARU Containers becomes Strategic Partner and naming partner of the Shipping Club

Starting at CARU: Learning by Doing
During his studies, Lennart felt he lacked hands-on experience. When he came across an internship at CARU, he thought: why not? The no-nonsense CARU mentality: “just get things done without overcomplicating things”, immediately resonated with him. When he mentioned he was considering a management traineeship elsewhere, CARU founder Rob Tromp simply said: “Then we’ll create one for you here.”

His traineeship took him through every department, every office, and deep into the operational side of the business. From container repairs in the depot to working at the terminal in the Port of Rotterdam, it was a full immersion in the world of container logistics. After completing the programme, he was encouraged to seize opportunities. His first major project, launching the world’s first container webshop, set the tone for his future at CARU. The freedom to grow and take initiative ensured he never wanted to leave.

Growing Within a Dynamic Organization
The first challenge: finding your place
As an intern without a defined role, Lennart often felt like the “student floating around.” In a hands-on company, people naturally ask: “What are you going to do?” That question pushed him to carve out his place early on.

Room for development
CARU supported his development in a unique way. There was no pressure to deliver immediate ROI or prove himself instantly. Personal growth mattered just as much as professional success. From coaching and working with a haptonomist to encouragement around physical activity, he was supported from day one. Rob Tromp played a significant role as mentor, sharing his time, insights, and experience. That combination of trust, guidance, and freedom shaped Lennart’s early years, and still influences him today.