Own offices provide the edge for Africa specialists

HAVING IDENTIFIED East and Central Africa as regions of major potential for SA exporters, international forwarder Intra Speed has set up the transport infrastructure which it believes provides a seamless logistics service into the region on a 'to door'' delivery basis. The company, which was established in Uganda 25 years ago, opened an office in Johannesburg two years ago headed by dynamic local directors Bruce Emslie, Jade da Costa and Tony van Aswegen. It boasts own offices in Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi, Uganda and the DRC. "Although we offer a worldwide service, because of our branch network our strength lies in the Central and East African region," says Emslie, who will shortly relocate to Nairobi where an Intra Speed office will open in March. "We will then control the East Africa division from Nairobi," he said. "We're the first forwarder to go into this market on a full to door basis," says Da Costa, "and because we don't rely on sub-agents, we clearly have an edge over many of our competitors. "With our air and sea contracts into the region we can handle anything from a minimum shipment to a transformer, using whatever transport mode best suits the cargo. "Doing business in Africa is risky, but if it's done right the potential is limitless," says Da Costa. "We're online to our own agents all the time and because of our network we have agreed rates with trucking companies. Clients further benefit from our regional expertise." In response to customer demand, additional offices could be opened in East Africa in the near future. A Durban office is also a distinct possibility. The three local partners have all notched up several years of experience in a variety of disciplines in the freight forwarding and groupage industries