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.