NET Logistics has embarked on a concerted drive to build its brand in the region – with further expansion into Africa on the cards for this year. “We only take on a route once we’re comfortable that we’re going to do well on it,” says general manager Pierre van der Westhuizen. “We understand that as a start you have to create a market – and that starting a new route can be costly because trucks may sometimes run at a loss. But we did that with Zambia two years ago and that proved that our model is a recipe for success. “When we started our Zambia service we were sending one consolidation truck a month. Now we’re up to three a week,” said Van der Westhuizen. According to Zimbabwebased country manager Kerry Craven, business on the Zimbabwe route has been consistent but tough because of the shortage of foreign exchange. “But we’ve built our business on relationship marketing, focusing strongly on customer retention. “We have also tried to align ourselves with businesses that we know are going to survive the hardships and are there for the long run.” According to Craven, the dynamics in the country are changing. “Companies have said the first quarter of 2018 will be the decider with most hopeful that the second quarter will see a positive turnaround in levels of business in general.” She believes import restrictions are unlikely to be lifted in the short term. “The objective is to drive production – but the problem is that local production cannot meet the needs of the country. Forex shortages have forced companies to look at exports to earn their own currency to pay for inputs, and a number of companies have been successful in this regard.” NET Logistics runs full loads and consolidations on all its routes. A ‘dedicated’ service caters for urgent shipments, moving cargo on smaller vehicles that ensure a three- to four-day transit. “This focuses predominantly on mines,” said Craven, “but in Zimbabwe a lot of businesses have come onto a Just In Time (JIT) system which is generating support for dedicated vehicles to meet critical deadlines.” “The NET Logistics model is not only about rates. We have a marketing team in countries of destination and in South Africa, which means we are working with the importer and the supplier,” said Van der Westhuizen. “We are passionate about understanding our customers’ requirements and will look to provide support at all points in the supply chain, in line with individual customer requirements. Reducing customer anxiety is a key focus for our team.” The company’s fleet comprises 22 vehicles ranging from 1-ton to 34-ton truck/trailer configurations. It has offices in Jet Park Johannesburg, Harare, Zimbabwe, and more recently Lusaka, Zambia.
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A ‘dedicated’ service caters for urgent shipments, moving cargo on smaller vehicles that ensure a three- to four-day transit. – Kerry Craven
We look to provide support at all points in the supply chain, in line with individual customer requirements. – Pierre van der Westhuizen
