New logistics major enters SA market

The launch this month in South Africa of FedEx Trade Networks, the freight forwarding arm of global shipping major FedEx Corp, is seen as the first step in the company’s Africa growth strategy. Headed up by country manager Pete Williams, the Croydon-based operation comprises a five-person staff complement with Level 4 BEE status. According to US-based president and CEO of FedEx Trade Networks, Fred Schardt, South Africa is seen as the logical next step in the company’s global expansion initiative, which began in 2008. “Our first step is South Africa,” Schardt told FTW, “and we’ll continue to develop in other cities in South Africa, but the second step is to see this as a gateway for the rest of sub-Saharan Africa. “Initially we’ll set up an agency network, and based on performance and stability, where there’s opportunity and customer need we’ll make further decisions.” While FedEx Trade Networks operates as a totally autonomous entity within the group, Schardt believes that brand awareness created by the likes of FedEx Express, will offer positive benefits to the fledgling company. “Our strengths are our global reach and brand, with FedEx voted one of the top 20 brands by Fortune magazine,” said Schardt. The company focuses on consumer goods, retail, aerospace, healthcare, automotive and electronics, offering intermodal supply chain solutions from point of origin to final destination. And drawing on the resources of sister companies within the group, it’s a one- FedEx solution, says Schardt, which makes the difference.