Durban-based transporting company, JTR Freight, has been awarded Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) Level 1 status. “Our BEE status has always been very important and improving the ratings of our business has always been a top priority,” said managing director, Thaven Naidoo. With Level 1 being the highest score obtainable, the company is set to broaden its client base even further with its new status, he said. BEE status plays an integral role in establishing a bigger client base as it allows one to compete with larger companies. It is especially important for clients as the higher the score the more it contributes towards the client’s scorecard. But, said Naidoo, BEE is more than just a business advantage. “In it lies the transformation of the South African economy.”