On the right track: Susanne Dirksen Rail Person of the Year 2023

The Rail Cargo Awards are called them, the awards to highlight once a year individuals who have worked to promote rail freight. We count three: Person, Talent and Shipper of the Year. On the phone Susanne Dirksen(49), winner of the first category. She doesn't dawdle and immediately lays out her modesty. Yes, of course she is proud, surprised as well, but she owes the award to her employer, the North Holland family business Schavemaker Logistics and Transport (headquartered in Beverwijk), and in particular to owner Rico Schavemaker.

Surprise
Dirksen explains that anyone from within the sector ("Yes, even from within your own organization") can nominate someone. Then a professional jury, consisting of former winners, divides the points resulting in a shortlist of three candidates. That trio gets to hear the nomination, after which the plugging into their own network can begin, followed by a public vote that counts for a quarter. Yes, and then the closing night, when Dirksen suddenly found herself back on stage with the prestigious award in her hands. Confetti, applause, champagne, in that order, and a heartfelt "I really didn't expect this. She repeats that it indeed came as a surprise. Very nice, also because the audience has a voice. And all those messages you get, really nice. Also from people who make you wonder: hey, how did you get my number? Yes, it did me good, I think it is an honor.