New depot operator officially launched

The new kid on the container block, CHC Resources, is determined to do things differently. Speaking at the launch of CHC Container Handling in Sandton last week, CEO Reshaan Laljith said once the decision had been made to become a licensed container depot operator, they did not turn to their competitors to see how business was done, but rather asked customers what their needs were. Having been operational for almost four months, with premises in Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town, plans are already under way to expand to Richards Bay and Port Elizabeth. “We have built up a very large customer base over a short period of time. We believe it is because we are doing things differently.” He said a prime example was the decision not to base their Johannesburg depot at City Deep, Gauteng’s prime portal, but rather in Pomona in Kempton Park. “Everyone we spoke to told of the congestion and the wait at City Deep and we therefore chose not to be located there. Yes, it is a slightly longer drive to Pomona, but there is no delay, no congestion and ultimately a faster service with a quicker turnaround.” According to operations manager, Sayed Mohamad, meetings with top level SA Revenue Service executives now sees Customs officials from OR Tambo International Airport clearing cargo at the CHC warehouse in Pomona. Rod Taylor of ILA said it was clear the CHC Container Handling had paid attention to the industry’s needs as well as the finer details. “Their reaction time and communication has been phenomenal,” he said.