Groupage operator set to grow business from Italy

Six months since taking over the agency representation of groupage operator EURO Italian Freight Systems, Johannesburg-based E.C.I. Freight has launched an aggressive marketing drive to grow its groupage business from Italy. E.C.I. offers a neutral and independent service, targeting freight forwarders only, and specialising purely in groupage cargo from Italy – at this stage. Marco Pesci, who brings some 30 years of industry experience to the table, believes that his Italian roots add a competitive dimension. He now runs E.C.I. with his sons Maurizio and Massimo. The weekly groupage service, hubbing in Milan, serves all ports in South Africa, with transhipment opportunities into the rest of Africa. “We offer competitive transit times to Durban and Cape Town at competitive rates,” says Maurizio, “but our service offering goes beyond rates. As a familyrun business our service is hands-on and every customer is guaranteed the same level of service, regardless of size.” E.C.I. is no stranger to the Italian import groupage market, having launched the EURO Italian Freight Systems product in the local market in 1999. After a hiatus of six years, during which E.C.I. has diversified into the project field, moving cargo for the banks, mines and forestry industry into Africa, the company is upbeat about market growth. “We’ve always believed that diversification is prudent and will continue to grow and develop the project side of our business,” Marco told FTW. “We are however optimistic about the groupage cargo from Italy, which has always been a fairly stable route, and will be focusing our energies on growing our market share.” CAPTION Hands-on service … the Pesci family from the left Marco, Massimo and Maurizio.