“Fifteen years ago cell phones and laptops were being introduced to South Africa. Today, one can almost run a business from a laptop and cell phone,” says Hike Freight Services managing director Hilton Tait. Which is why predicting what will happen in 10 years’ time is very difficult, says Tait. “Luckily, there will always be a need to move freight. Patterns may change linked to government policy, costs, rates of exchange and the like, but if one looks at statistics from 50 years ago versus today, then you will see that South Africa still remains a basic raw material exporter, and importer of finished goods. “The composition of manifests from years back may show cargo moving breakbulk on ships while today's manifest may show more sophisticated goods moving by air freight, but the pattern and commodity list is not too different,” he said. From a company perspective, Tait believes Hike Freight will need to be flexible. “In 1999 it was reliant on exports to Zimbabwe, but the current political situation killed this market. In 2008 we are seeing the strong euro and sterling, forcing sourcing to less developed areas like China and India. “It will mean we must read markets, adapt and develop new routes.” Collectively the industry is focused on the meltdown in global economies, the worldwide credit crunch, high interest rates, inflation, the current rate of exchange and rising oil costs. “Admittedly, these have to come into play and they do affect our industry. You cannot escape reality, but in troubled markets, the better companies survive,” he said. Despite the current economic climate, Hike Freight has managed to grow its client base, says Tait. “We think that all these problems give rise to opportunity. In the period since March 2006, when we set up Hike Freight, we have spent time, money and effort developing an excellent network of agents. Instead of finding a one-stop global solution, we have worked to find the best possible partner in a number of major markets.” This year saw the start-up of Hike Freight Cape Town and within the next 12 months the Hike Freight colours will be flying in Durban.
