Forwarder’s role extends beyond transport issues

ESTABLISHED THREE years ago by directors Kevin Melnick and Stuart Little, SCM Logistics has set itself up as a specialist in the field of textile forwarding, acquiring the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate the often turbulent waters. “We cover all aspects of airfreight, ocean freight, road freight, import and export forwarding, with specialised textile and garment forwarding partners operating on our behalf in all triangular trade Agoa countries,” Little told FTW. Working through sourcing companies in Taiwan, and US buyers, SCM co-ordinates with the factories in Lesotho, Malawi, Swaziland, Botswana, Namibia and South Africa, triangulating the movements between all parties and their respective forwarders and brokers. “The buyers dictate the terms from the US, but they do not necessarily understand the intricacies of the customs requirements within the less developed countries (LDCs),” says Little. “We’ve educated ourselves on the details of the agreement, we’re in constant touch with the US buyers, and we keep close to the sourcing companies in Taiwan. “The role of the forwarder has extended beyond the immediate transport issues. He needs to be the eyes and ears of the buyer and to ensure that the factory performs up to par.” If there’s one piece of advice for exporters, it’s meticulous adherence to the regulations, says Little. Any digression can result in the goods being destroyed. While SCM will offer advice and assistance every step of the way, it can also put customers in touch with consultants to ensure compliance and assistance with duty credit certificates (DCCs), he added.