Joy Orlek A NEW internet-based concept that harnesses the collective muscle of smaller agents and procurement companies and enables them to achieve volume discounts on groupage shipments has just been launched. The brainchild of Sean Adriaanzen, Cubic Freight provides information on available space via the internet, enabling agents and companies’ procurement departments to book and control their own shipments. The concept is simple, says Adriaanzen. “We’re starting off with imports, and the idea is to establish a site where the NVOCC will post his container from a particular destination, including details of the space available. Any agent can then access the site and choose to take up the rest or part of the remaining space in the container. “We see it as a win-win situation for all parties, with Cubic Freight effectively acting as the sales rep.” According to Adriaanzen, response from NVOCCs and agents has been extremely positive. “Every company is looking at increasing bottom line revenue. “What we’re doing is getting together the smaller companies in order to maximise their collective buying power. Once the site is established we can take advantage of our volumes by going to the shipping lines and negotiating better rates. “No-one has anything to lose.” Adriaanzen has 15 years of industry experience, originally with Kuehne & Nagel. After starting his own company three years ago, he saw the need for the kind of service that Cubic Freight offers. The site can be accessed at www.cubicfreight.co.za
