'Decompartmentalised' freight industry has grown immeasurably

“The winds of change” have swept across SA in the past 35 years, according to Arnold Garber, chairman of Compu-Clearing – quoting the former PM of the UK Harold MacMillan’s famous speech. “I think it’s been a time of big change,” he said. Garber condemned the continuing use of the statement that “it’s not like the good old days”. 35 years back was not a good time. “The years before the peaceful revolution of 1994 were not so good,” Garber said. “We in SA were pariahs and on the global banned list; the exchange rate was artificially propped up and not operating on free market principles; and we were living in a very controlled society. “It’s now relatively free.” The good memory of the past 35 years, according to Garber, is that, along with change, the freight business in SA has grown immeasurably. “The industry used to be compartmentalised into sections like warehousing, road transport and customs clearing,” he said. “Today we have logistics operators handling everything from A-Z. “Our original clients used to be relatively small, but they have grown immensely – and we have been able to grow along with them.” Garber is also proud of his 25-year relationship with FTW. “When we were formed we were small operators,” he said. “FTW was absolutely essential in Compu-Clearing developing its business – covering our developments as they happened, and keeping our name before the members of the marketplace. “Happy birthday.” And the next decade? It’s looking a bit rough out there at the moment but, according to Garber, like all bad times, it will pass. “We have to stay positive despite the rough seas we’re currently sailing if we are going to continue to grow.”