Cross-border specialist expands into intermodal management

AS A three-man partnership on the prowl, the management team of Durban-based Silic Logistics has developed the company from a small-scale cross-border transport brokerage into a full-scale intermodal transport management operation, according to marketing director, Angus Dustan. It is now able to offer its clients turnkey solutions in four operational divisions – domestic and cross-border transport, warehousing, international freight and live-event and project logistics. “Our service commitment to our clients is based directly on their requirements,” Dustan said, “where we endeavour to think outside the box. “By assessing their current systems we aim to provide them with cost-effective and hands-free solutions, allowing the respective company to continue the business of doing business.” In its four-year expansion phase, Silic Logistics first added live-event logistics to its original cross-border brokerage function, according to operations director, Warren Sievwright. “For these events we handle the entire logistics programme,” he said, “organising up to 100 movements of equipment – including sound and lighting – to the respective venue in time for the event.” Headlines amongst its projects include the 2001 World Summit for sustainable development; 46664; the 2005 Moscow Circus five-city tour and the Avril Lavigne SA tour; and the 2006 Robbie Williams national tour. The company is also busy developing its other logistics services, and acquiring extensive premises in and around Durban. “We now have warehousing and containerhandling capabilities in the busiest breakbulk port in Africa, which – together with what we call a “virtual fleet” of over 500 vehicles all over subequatorial Africa – allows us the flexibility our clients require,” said Dustan, “and to operate on short-notice at competitive prices.” The Maydon Wharf premises in Durban – acquired a year ago – offers 4 000m2 of open yard; a 69 000-litre fuel depot (trading diesel to the transport industry); and a 24-metre weighbridge, with both axle and gross vehicle mass (GVM) weighing capabilities.” The management team is currently in negotiations for another 12 000m2 facility less than two kilometres from the port – specifically for the unpack/repack of specialised containers.