Customers score big discounts through DCL’s buying power

RAY SMUTS
KEEPING abreast of the latest technology in order to render the very best service is the ongoing mission of US-based Direct Container Line - a sentiment wholly shared by its South African representative, United Maritime Logistics.
UML continues to successfully represent DCL - in business in South Africa for 25 years - with its weekly operation of a seafreight groupage service from the US to South Africa, says director Claude Nuttall.
“DCL celebrated its 21st anniversary last year and remains ahead of schedule with its IT developments, offering customers features which directly benefit the movement of their cargo,” says Nuttall.
“Through DCL’s website (www.dclusa.com) customers are able to to access sailing schedules, a track and trace facility which monitors the movement of shipments until arrival at destination, office-warehouse logistics and a host of other important information.”
DCL also points to the importance of ex-works charges to the overall cost of shipping from the US and can offer customers huge discounts through the group’s strong buying power with various truckers operating in North America, says Nuttall.
“In many instances, discounts of up to 60% are on hand for collection and inland charges to the nearest DCL terminal, in addition to which DCL offers a full container service from any point in the US, over and above its weekly groupage service to all four major ports in South Africa.”
UML is an NVOCC specialising solely in imports from the US.