On-site Cusomos officials save time and money for customers

A decision by CHC Container Depot to allow Customs officials to operate offices from its warehouse premises across the country is designed to achieve cost- and timesavings for its customers, says CHC’s Lee Viljoen. “In 2012 Durban became the first of our warehouses to house a Customs office, and following its success the Johannesburg warehouse is following suit.” Viljoen said if all went to plan Customs officials would be operating from the CHC Container Depot warehouse in Pomona in Johannesburg from the end of February. “Plans are also under way to see Customs operating from our Cape Town office later this year.” In the case of the Johannesburg facility, Viljoen believes it’s good news for customers in light of the ongoing congestion at City Deep. “The warehouse in Pomona is an ideal location for a Customs office as it is only 5km from the airport. At the same time it eases some of the pressure on City Deep where congestion remains an issue. From an industry perspective we have to move containers away from City Deep if we want to improve turnaround times.” Viljoen said while Pomona was geographically wellpositioned to help alleviate the congestion, the move to have Customs offices at its premises ultimately benefited its customers. “Our customers are given Custom stop priority so they will see a quicker turnaround of their containers which means a quicker release – ultimately resulting in storage savings. It has a rands and cents value to them.” She said the decision to dedicate facilities to Customs had been a long-term strategy for the company which has invested significantly in facilities and security. “All of it is aimed at ensuring peace of mind for the customer who needs to know that his cargo is safe and being handled well. We go out of our way to ensure we are using credible and reliable service providers while also implementing extra security measures to ensure that cargo is safe until it reaches its final destination.” In terms of human resources, the company recently appointed Logan Reddy as the new warehouse manager in Johannesburg. “Reddy brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our business having been in the warehousing and depot control business for 27 years,” said Viljoen. INSERT ‘Our customers are given Custom stop priority so they will see a quicker turnaround of their containers.’ CAPTION Logan Reddy ... Pomona warehouse an ‘ideal’ location.