Long-term relationships make the difference

ALAN PEAT IN THE busy trading world of Gauteng, freight forwarders are the architects of transport, according to Michaela Milne, sales and marketing manager for Premier Freight. “Forwarders and customs clearing agents play a vital role in the international facilitation of cargo movement,” she said. As any importer and exporter will know there are many regulations dealing with security, methods of packing, export procedures, import customs clearing and the correct routing of cargo. “There really is no ‘one size fits all’, and each importer/exporter has its own unique set of circumstances for its particular business,” Milne added. “Who do you turn to to put this package together? This is where the freight forwarder comes in.” It is the agent’s function to understand the needs of each client, and to design and recommend a methodology for these particular needs. “It is surprising,” said Milne, “how often we come across importers and exporters who do not pay enough attention to this critical part of their supply chain, or jump around between agents for a small price variance. “We strongly advocate forging long term relationships and the development of mutual trust and understanding of one another’s business.” A surprising number of shippers jump around between agents for a small price variance. – Michaela Milne