Logistics provider enters SA market

European logistics major Dachser is entering the South African market having bought the majority shares in Kempton Parkbased freight forwarding company, Jonen Freight. The joint venture will see Dachser, which already operates in 32 countries across the globe, extending its reach to southern Africa while it allows Jonen Freight to become a global competitor. “Through the participation of Dachser we can now offer our customers much more than regional expertise. We can provide them with access to a global integrated logistics network,” said Detlev Duve, managing director of Jonen Freight. A family-owned business, Jonen Freight first opened its doors in 1979. “The decision to join forces with Dachser comes after much deliberation,” says Duve. According to Thomas Reuter, Dachser managing director air and sea logistics, the decision to buy a shareholding in Jonen Freight strengthens the company’s air and sea logistics. “For us and many of our global clients, South Africa is an important market and an important international hub.” Dachser, one of the heavyweights in the industry, in 2009 had an annual turnover of €3,2 billion, handling some 41,8 million shipments with a total weight of 29,4 million tons.