Going for a record year against all odds

BUSINESS IN Gauteng is not short of challenges. “Traffic, no electricity, fuel costs, Transnet Freight Rail, Telkom, xenophobia, potholes, crime, industrial action, and a sense of humour failure are just some of them,” says Cargocare’s Sue Wood. But despite this rather lengthy list, she is quick to add that Cargocare has already had some "fantastic" results to date this year. “We still deliver 85% of our import airfreight on the same day as the flight arrival. We don’t make excuses (traffic, etc) and we just get the job done albeit in very trying circumstances." Despite some despondence about the present economic climate and lack of improvement in infrastructure in Gauteng, she reiterates that Cargocare has had all-time record months and “is looking to a record year that will double the good year we had in 2007!” In terms of growth opportunities, Wood is poisitive: “Business is here in Gauteng and decision-makers move fast which suits our style.” Cargocare has just been voted as a top 300 (all industries) BEE service company and remains focused on the core performance commitment of delivering “on time, as quoted, as promised”, says Wood. The company specialises in niche clearing and forwarding solutions for clients with specific needs and although it is currently dealing with larger import volumes, export volumes are growing. The company handles everything from baby chicks to washing machines, stage props to tractors. Much of the cargo is imported from China and India, followed by Europe, the USA and other countries. Many of the exports are into African states but not exclusively so. The mode of transport depends on whether a client requires savings, speed or security. According to Wood it is difficult to get all three by road, rail or air exclusively and therefore the method depends on the specific requirements for the job.