Clients are looking at Mozambique alternative
Dear Editor
Your article headed Shipping lines seek compensation (FTW May 22, 1998) prompts me to ask Portnet: What about the transporter who gets shunted from pillar to post?
We arrive at the terminal to collect or deliver containers at around 10am, but only leave somewhere between 10pm and 11pm, and then get harassed at the gate for another hour.
But this is of no concern to our clients who tell us they do not care what is happening at the port, and if the port is the problem they will look at Mozambique as an alternative.
I have had more calls in the last two weeks for quotes on this route than I have had in two years. Mozambique offers international operation and no strikes.
A number of clients suggested looking at Port Elizabeth until PE had a wild cat strike last week.
Now we are at the end of our tether. We have approached our attorneys who have placed Portnet on notice that we will be seeking damages if the present situation is to continue.
What Portnet is doing is showing the world that we are not worthy of international investment. The message is 'go elsewhere'.
We are tired of the shoddy service. We are competing in a market that takes no prisoners.
What Portnet needs to realise is that the wheels of industry need to turn for us to earn.
Clifford Blackburn,
International Delivery Company, Johannesburg.
