Upgrading and expanding its facilities to meet growing demand is a top priority for Avemel Logistics. The company is currently constructing its own cold storage facility and expanding its Durban premises with a new warehouse for hazardous cargo.According to CEO Aven Naidu, these investments are crucial to enhance operational efficiency, ensure safety and better service their clients’ diverse needs.“We already operate a cold storage facility in Johannesburg, and the decision to build a second facility only enhances our service offering,” he told Freight News. This comes as demand for cold storage and reefer transport is on the rise in the country.“The perishable sector requires ongoing investment,” said Naidu, indicating that maintaining the cold chain at all times is of critical importance. The strategic expansion not only improves our capacity but also ensures we meet the needs of our customers while maintaining the highest standards of quality and safety.”He said the company had identified the need for warehousing for hazardous cargo and had opted to invest in its infrastructure as Avemel specialises in handling and movement in this niche sector. “By enhancing our facilities, we aim to ensure the safe and efficient management of hazardous materials, meeting industry standards and client expectations.”Naidu emphasised that in the current business environment, it was critical for companies to remain relevant, investing in infrastructure and skills development. “One has to stay ahead of the pack. It is a tough environment out there, and as transporters, we face a lot of challenges. It is important to constantly be evolving and improving to stay ahead.”He said that with growing congestion and the challenges faced at various ports in the country, delays had become a common occurrence in the freight industry. This makes it imperative to think outside the box and find innovative ways to deal with these challenges.“More importantly, choosing reputable transporters is critical to ensure reliability and efficiency in navigating the logistical hurdles we face on a daily basis.”According to Naidu, in pursuit of this goal, they have made substantial investments in technology and other solutions to enhance their service delivery, particularly equipping their vehicles with various solutions, including integrating artificial intelligence into the f leet to mitigate risks. “Security is integral for successful road freight transportation and we maintain our own security division,” said Naidu. “We also offer security clamping for containers, with clients being able to track their cargo via an app.”Asked about the year-to-date performance of road transporters, Naidu acknowledged a slow start marked by hesitancy due to the election. "We expect to see an increase in volumes going forward, despite ongoing challenges with shipping, not just in South Africa but globally. This necessitates continuous improvement to ensure our customers receive their goods on time."
