NTP Logistics diversifies into general freight

Dangerous goods specialist NTP Logistics is set to expand and diversify its product focus beyond dangerous goods on which its reputation has been built. “We are ready to take what we believe is a superior product and apply it to the general cargo business,” managing director Ntokozo Mogorosi told FTW. “When you’re moving radio isotopes there is no room for error – it’s a highvalue, time-sensitive, mustfly product,” Mogorosi said. That’s been the core business of NTP Logistics, a joint venture between NTP Radioisotopes, which is a State Owned Enterprise, and TransGlobal Cargo, a company wholly owned by previously disadvantaged individuals. Frustration with the service shortfalls of logistics companies appointed by NTP Radioisotopes for the export of their product to global destinations motivated the launch of NTP Logistics in 2008. “NTP Radioisotopes produces different products used in the treatment of cancer,” Mogorosi explained. “Once the product is released, it has to land at its destination in 22 hours. You can’t have any mishaps in terms of freight. “NTP’s experience was that most freight companies offered a ‘one size fits all’ product, which was not a workable solution. “We believe that you have to understand the product and your client’s business processes – and then come up with a customised solution.” That’s what NTP Logistics provides for NTP Radioisotopes, and it’s a concept that it is now keen to roll out to other industries. “Dangerous goods is a demanding field that leaves no margin for error. And that’s the value proposition that we will bring to our handling of all cargo types,” she said. Until a year ago, NTP Logistics was run by a specialist in the nuclear field. “They understand the packaging of the product and what permits to apply for.” But now the company is looking beyond dangerous goods, which is why Mogorosi was brought on board in September last year to add logistics expertise. She was previously MD of logistics company Sebenza and a few years ago was voted the most influential woman in the freight industry by CEO magazine. “My first point of departure is to mine existing clients, ultimately breaking out of the dangerous goods mould and applying our highly successful formula to all product types.” The company has offices in Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town and offers a one-stop intermodal service to all global destinations through its WCA global network. CAPTION Ntokozo Mogorosi … ‘Applying our highly successful formula to all product types.’