Freight broker markets preferential rates

There are far more opportunities
for doing business in Durban than
challenges, says Sharonne van der
Vijver, business development manager
for Metcon.
“Durban is an extremely important
market as it is the gateway to Africa.
There are tremendous possibilities for
business,” says Van der Vijver. “There
is a large client base at one’s disposal
as there are many more forwarders in
Durban than Johannesburg. Our main
aim has been to ensure that all these
forwarders know the name of Metcon.”
Metcon South Africa, a licensed
freight broker, is part of the
internationally renowned MUR Group
of Companies, headquartered in Dubai.
MUR is an international shipping
company with offices around the
world and controls the movement of
approximately 25 million tons of cargo
per annum worldwide. This is managed
through the control of between 90 and
130 breakbulk or bulk vessels either on
time charter or through ownership.
Metcon is the container division of
MUR and ships out in an average month
some 3000 containers on behalf of the
affiliated group companies. As a result
of these high volumes, the company has
managed to negotiate preferential rates
from all the major shipping lines.
The company recently started buying
and selling containers. Durban remains
an important part of the business and
therefore an office was established in
the city, says Van der Vijver