Empowered groupage company opens its doors

RAY SMUTS CULEMBORG CARGO & Container Terminal, purported to be the first black empowerment company to take up the challenge of container groupage for imports and exports, has started from a zero base in Cape Town but is determined to make its mark in what is already a fairly competitive environment. MD Ossie Shaboodien says the objectives of the company are to achieve the highest standard of quality and service, to become a major role player in the development of skills transfer, and promote opportunities for previously disadvantaged people. He believes there is a definite need for a black empowerment groupage company. Behind the R3 million, March 1 start-up venture which includes a R1 million Customs bond, are Shaboodien, financial director Rael Kaplan, both successful businessmen, and cartage director Lorinda Snyman, with 21 years’ experience in shipping. Explains Snyman: “It’s all about service excellence, teamwork, building customer/supplier relations, going the extra mile and always having our customers’ interests at heart.” “Picking up 100% on our customer base, largely by word of mouth, and having trebled our cartage budget figures in just four months has really amazed us.” As the name implies, the company operates its bonded depot on 3 200m2 from the old Culemborg site, a stone’s throw from the port. The once-derelict turned-functional premises are leased from Transnet and also offer customers a 60-ton capacity weighbridge to determine correct net cargo weights. Says Kaplan: “Ours will be a trailer-borne operation which translates to same-day turnaround.” The company currently deals with around 15 cartage contractors most of whom are owner-drivers, and employs a staff complement of ten with 120 years’ experience between them. Culemborg Cargo & Container Terminal will be officially opened on August 18.