Cross-border specialist keeps rates competitive

Weathering the lean economic times means keeping rates as low as possible while offering a quality flexible service, says Brett Snyman, owner of consolidation specialists DMB Freight. “The global financial downturn may be over but volumes remain low and keeping business going is imperative in these times.” That means ensuring clients are happy at all times and being able to deal with requests at very short notice, while keeping rates as low as possible. “Prior to the recession, when volumes were high, there was time for planning as one knew well in advance what cargo was going where. At present, however, it is managed on a more day-to-day basis, which means one must be ready at all times.” DMB Freight runs a consolidation service into several African countries with a daily service to Botswana and Swaziland. “We specialise in all types of consolidation cargo across the border and are set up to move anything from one kilogram to 34 tons.” According to Snyman, border post issues pose a major challenge, with issues like long delays and corruption problematic. “Long delays impact negatively as time is money. The other problem we find is that there is not always conformity around paperwork and that processes and procedures can change from one day to the next. The other major issue is corruption and it seems to be getting worse.” Snyman says to avoid delays and problems with customs much effort is made to ensure all paperwork is in order ahead of any of their trucks reaching the border post. “We do go the extra mile – it’s about a service to one’s client base, particularly at present when there is not a surplus of goods in the marketplace,” says Snyman.