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