Freight system providers in joint venture

A new joint venture in the Western Cape has combined the muscle of two freight system providers. Easyclear and Clearing Support Services (Cape) have tied together their operations, after they recognised that “existing software would not take the companies into the future”, said CSS MD Warwick Butcher. “Synergies were perceived that would benefit both parties and allow for our continued growth mainly in the Western Cape and later Namibia.” As Michael Henning, Easyclear GM described it: “It was a strategic move to increase market share and the foothold already acquired in the Western Cape region. “The deal was struck in late 2010, which, when coupled with the implementation of the SA Revenue Service (Sars) modernisation programme, has borne fruit – not only within the region targeted, but on a national level. “Easyclear has doubled its market penetration in the Western Cape and acquired a substantial amount of clients in the Natal and Johannesburg regions as a result. Naturally overheads have risen through the inevitable need to increase support staff in all areas – but this was expected.” The group has its sights set on increasing its market share nationally. According to Henning, it currently rivals some of the already wellestablished role players in the industry – with a service and a product that caters for all aspects of the logistics supply chain. Butcher pointed out that this involved a new, fully Windows-based product, with SQL database technology. “Added to which modernisation had its own learning curve for clients, support staff and even Sars. With Phase 1 completed we can look to future change with interest and confidence.” Easyclear MD, CJ Pagel, agreed. “With modernisation Phase 2 imminent, and the already legislated manifest acquittal system (MAS) looming, it’s hard not to keep an eye on a company that is making waves in an ocean of change,” he said.