'Customers want all-in solutions'

Whilst 2014 has kicked off on a positive note, with volumes expected to be up in the coming months, the f luctuation of the rand remains a big concern for the Western Cape industry - especially since sea and airfreight rates are quoted in dollars, says Detlev Duve, country manager Dachser South Africa. “We are very excited about the outlook for this year and our feeling is it will continue throughout 2014,” Duve told FTW, “but the f luctuation of the rand could affect our business.” Commenting on trends in the province, Duve said more and more clients were moving towards freight companies that could offer “all-in solutions” with import, logistics and distribution. “Clients no longer want to use different companies for the different aspects of their import and export business,” he said. “In this regard the decision to move Dachser Cape Town to new premises at Airport Industria in May last year has been welcomed across the board as we are now also offering warehousing and logistics. A complete barcoded system was recently implemented where barcode scanners are installed in each of our trucks. The same system applies in the warehouse for full control.” He said offering a complete door-to-door logistics package with full control of every parcel in and out of its warehouse positioned the company well for future growth and expansion in the Western Cape. INSERT & CAPTION A complete barcoded system was recently implemented where barcode scanners are installed in each of our trucks and in the warehouse for complete control. – Detlev Duve