In tough times, hands-on service will keep business viable

Having already seen a downturn in business, prospects for 2009 are not looking rosy. But, says Kevin Dagnin of Kay Hil Freight, remaining hands-on with high levels of service will go a long way to keeping the business viable through tough times. “We expect 2009 to be difficult having already started to see a downturn in business as early as August last year,” says Dagnin, who along with Hilary Woelk created Kay Hil Freight in 2000. Specialising in freight forwarding and customs clearing to Lesotho only, Kay Hil offers a daily courier line haul and distribution service. By specialsing in one country, the company is able to control its operation and run a tight ship, says Dagnin. “I am based in Johannesburg while Hilary is in Lesotho. We have built relationships with Sars and LRS (Lesotho Revenue Service) and this helps speed up customs-related queries,” says Dagnin. Client satisfaction is high on the agenda for the organisation with deliveries in Maseru completed daily before 12pm while they also cover all outlying areas. This, says Dagnin, is thanks to a local collection and delivery fleet in Lesotho. With a combined staff of 40 employees in South Africa and Lesotho, Kay Hil Freight knows its market. “By using freight/courier companies who specialise in cross-border operations, clients will find that their consignments are delivered expeditiously. Their knowledge in preparing and submitting customs documentation, as well as their local knowledge of the country, is the secret of a successful transaction.” Woelk was recently voted in as chairman of the newly formed Lesotho Freight Forwarders’ Association.