‘Customers thrive on the direct contact’

For Botswana Consolidators – a company whose name says it all - business has been down slightly in ’08. The reason can be traced to a downturn in mining sector activity, which made up a portion of the firm’s northbound groupage. “Mining has been affected terribly. That was full load shipments rather than groupage, and that has slowed way down. But I think we’re getting along fine in other shipments. We still manage to send up to three Superlinks a week,” said Kitty Hewitt, Johannesburg-based managing director. In addition to six Superlink horse and trailer rigs, the company’s fleet comprises a four and eight tonner and a pair of bakkies. Owner-drivers are subcontracted on occasion, and refrigerated trucks are arranged for perishable transport, though only for large consignments. Reefer equipment is required for one of the main movers to Botswana, medical supplies. “We also bring medical supplies into Swaziland and Lesotho. Breakbulk cargo includes transformers, turbines, cable drums and other equipment,” said Hewitt, listing the necessities of industrial maintenance made in SA and shipped into neighbouring countries. The company has thrived on referral business. Clients recommend our service to others, and the draw card is personalised customer attention. “I think this is a lot of the appeal of our company. Customers phone and they get hold of me directly or the lady who works with me, and they get a quote right away. There’s no delay dealing with different departments or faxed paperwork,” said Hewitt.