Niche operator understands the needs of small businesses

FOCUSING ON the needs
of smaller shippers can be a
lucrative speciality, particularly
if the clearing and forwarding
firm knows the exacting
freight requirements of
perishables.
“We provide small solutions
to small businesses. We have a
varied clientele. Our customers
get answers when we pick
up the phone,” said Benny
Naidoo, imports manager of
DJM Global. The five year-old
firm operates with a staff of
six and understands the needs
of small businesses. Located
in Johannesburg, DJM Global
maintains a fleet of seven
trucks and warehouses with
capacities of 250 m2, 175 m2
and 25 m2.
Good communication
with shippers on fuel levies is
essential during this year of
escalating petrol prices, says
Naidoo. “The cost is being
passed on to the customer,
and we advise them of a 35%
fuel increase for example,
explaining it is not a profit for
us but an expense,”
said Naidoo.
The up-front talk makes
client relationships easier,
“with the result that for us we
are very happy to say we are
very busy. A lot of guys (in
the freight haulage business)
are complaining.”
The movement of
perishables is constant for
DJM Global, though some of
the goods hauled are seasonal:
summer flowers followed by
winter citrus.
“We take flowers to local
florists and wholesalers, and
for export from the city
terminal to Durban. From
Nelspruit we subcontract
a firm that has reefers to
bring containerised citrus to
Durban,” Naidoo said.