GAC muscles in on Middle East

Joy Orlek
SIX MONTHS since the launch of its South African operation, GAC Logistics is set to capitalise on its strengths in the Middle East with an aggressive marketing drive to develop the region.
Back at Johannesburg headquarters after a trip to the Rebuild Iraq Exhibition in Kuwait last month, general manager logistics division Vivian Wright is confident that the company has much to sell in the region.
With volumes growing on the route, local shippers need the expertise of a specialist operator with own offices to help navigate the often complex trade waters, says Cape Town-based MD David Hitchman.
And that’s what GAC can offer. The company started operating in Kuwait in the mid 50s. Thirty years later the Middle East was booming, and with consumer goods pouring in, it created its own NVOCC - CargoGulf - which is now a global service.
“CargoGulf is registered with the US Federal Maritime Commission and Customs authorities which helps avoid security-related delays,” says Wright.
“GAC Logistics has also successfully integrated the US Customs Automated Manifest System requirements into its supply chain management procedures and is currently the largest freight forwarder and logistics service provider in the region.”
The Middle East is an import-hungry market and South African exporters are making inroads, says Wright.
“A number of major companies are using GAC in the Middle East. It makes sense for them to concentrate their logistics needs under one banner, and that’s the business we will be targeting,” said Wright.
“Our key priority over the next few months is to promote the brand of GAC Logistics,” says Hitchman. “We will be marketing our wide range of logistics solutions including freight forwarding and distribution to manufacturers, retailers and distributors, both locally and globally.”