'Theft is not in
our vocabulary'
FREIGHT CITY boasts a proud record of never having lost a load. Live ostriches, fresh fruit, granite blocks, tea and even anchors have challenged the fully computerised container depot in Cape Town's southern suburbs since it opened in October, 1996 - but they've always delivered the goods, says director Peter Stoffberg.
The Freight City depot in Maitland, which is serviced by four railway sidings for direct packing into containers, has grown from 10 000 square metres to today's sprawling 80 000 square metre site that is patrolled 24-hours by a contracted security company.
Stoffberg says his security and damage-prevention measures that can adapt to any product means clients can be sure of the safe arrival of their goods.
Costs are kept to a minimum with Freight City's computerised system of planning information to complement clients' JIT (Just in Time) stock.
The depot is one of the few in Cape Town licensed to offer FCL (full container load) and LCL (part container load) services.
As part of its packing and unpacking services, dunnage airbags are utilised where necassary to protect delicate loads such as electronics, foods and chemicals.
Damp is controlled where necassary by the latest climate control systems such as Pro-Dri desiccant which controls humidity by absorbing the moisture inside containers.
We don't get theft - it's as simple as that. By striving to be an extension of the user's company, we can understand their needs better and supply exactly what we want, Stoffberg told FTW.
There must be something Freight City can't shift? No, We've never turned down a product and I can't think of anything that our staff are not experienced and equipped to handle safely, securely on time and on budget.
We are always watching out for the newest industry aids designed to ensure goods are safe from theft and damage, he explained.
By Simon Farrell
