Direct groupages help cut down costs

Dubai could be next growth area JOY ORLEK STREAMLINING the movement of cargo from the coast to Johannesburg is a key priority for independent groupage operator International Liner Agencies. “The majority of our boxes – around 60% - are now moving directly to Johannesburg,” says ILA national sales director Raymond Cutts. “The remaining 40% are dispatched overnight but with regular status reports that enable the consignee to co-ordinate collection as close to arrival as possible.” The objective is to cut down on handling wherever possible by consigning directly to the consignee. ILA has been on a growth curve, particularly following the sign-up of new agents in the North West Continent, which has brought in a lot of new business. “We’ve embarked on an aggressive sales drive focused on our new destinations as well as on exports within our existing network.” Further expansion could involve Dubai where Cutts sees strong potential for growth into the Middle East. “It’s a gateway to the whole region and we’ve had a lot of enquiries from our customers already.” Also on the immediate priority list is black economic empowerment. “We realise the importance of BEE and we’re working hard to get our scorecard mapped out,” said Cutts.