History

From Classroom to Global Learning Environment: The History of Special Cargo College

What began as an initiative to better support clients with knowledge and expertise has grown into a leading training institute in hazardous materials logistics. For years, Special Cargo College has stood for professionalism, safety, and progress. Driven by the belief that knowledge is the foundation of safe operations, we train thousands of professionals each year, both in person and online. This is our story.

A Training Vision Takes Shape

In 1998, Special Cargo Services was founded by Huib den Dikken and Hans van der Maat as a Dutch company specializing in the safe logistics of hazardous materials. It soon became clear that clients had a strong need for focused training and education. In 2004, co-founder Hans van der Maat launched a separate division: SCS Training & Consultancy. This laid the foundation for what would later become Special Cargo College.

Training as a Core Activity

In the following years, the training and consultancy branch grew steadily. What began as classroom training at client sites evolved into a wide range of programs delivered at our own training locations. In 2018, the institute was renamed Special Cargo College. That same year, we opened two dedicated training centers: one at Schiphol-Rijk and one in Spijkenisse. Training became a permanent and integral part of the Special Cargo Group’s services.

Growing by Integrating Knowledge

To further deepen and expand the offering, Special Cargo College brought other training providers into the group over the following years. ADR-Opleider, Workrate, and Professional became part of the organization. These acquisitions strengthened our content expertise and expanded our reach. Special Cargo College became a multidisciplinary knowledge center for hazardous materials, aviation security, and safety training in a broader context.

Rooted in Practice

As part of a logistics provider with decades of hands-on experience, Special Cargo College is firmly grounded in the field. We understand what is happening in the logistics chain and translate those insights into current, practice-based training. Our trainers are subject-matter experts, often with operational backgrounds. That combination makes us unique: we connect theory to practice, and knowledge to trust.

Practical Consulting That Works

In addition to training, Special Cargo College also offers specialized consultancy in hazardous materials and aviation security. We act as external safety advisors for companies involved in the transport of hazardous materials. For these companies, appointing a safety advisor is a legal requirement. We also offer consulting in aviation security. Our consultants guide companies through the process of becoming a Known Consignor or Regulated Agent, which is essential for shipping air cargo.

International Expansion

With the opening of a U.S. location in Houston, Texas in 2020, our training impact expanded internationally. We develop customized training programs for international clients, both in-person and online. Our digital learning platform enables employees around the world to be trained in the safe handling of hazardous materials. This marked a major step forward in our mission to improve safety through knowledge on a global scale.

New Strength, New Opportunities

In 2025, Special Cargo College expanded further with the acquisition of VCM Totaal in the southwest Netherlands and MT Consulting in Belgium, a specialist in civil aviation security. These acquisitions not only broadened our training portfolio but also extended our presence into new regions and markets. The integration of these teams brought more specialization, more scale, and more impact.

Global Learning, Local Application

With 27 years of experience within the Special Cargo Group and a strong focus on knowledge transfer, Special Cargo College looks to the future with confidence. Through our international online training program, we educate logistics professionals in every corner of the world. In doing so, we actively build the highest training standard in hazardous materials and safety, helping companies across the globe work more safely.