Reefer industry spearheads growth

JTR Freight Services has moved to new offices in La Lucia, Durban, following ‘substantial growth’. “We’ve had the most success in the reefer industry but have been fortunate to see growth in all sectors since our inception eight years ago,” MD Thaven Naidoo told FTW. “This despite the challenges the freight industry in general is experiencing, including the high docking costs at the container terminal at the Port of Durban.” “We have also managed to achieve a 100% on-time delivery rating and achieve 100% compliance over the past year – something we are very proud of,” he said. Operating as a new entrant to the market is always a challenge, he added, but since the company now has a proven track record, it is in a position to take advantage of several opportunities. “We are aggressively targeting new business this year.” He believes the fact that JTR Freight Services is wholly family-run gives it an edge in the industry, with strong input from Naidoo’s wife Jenny – the financial director and owner of the company – as well as his daughter Jacqui. “All our employees are family as well and so it is in all of our best interests to make it work. They are all 100% committed and are a critical part of the company’s success. We put our heart and soul into running a 24-hour operation that will always strive for 100% on-time, safe and reliable delivery,” said Naidoo. The company’s core business is rail, said Naidoo. “JTR has noticed a lot more customers turning to rail for the transport of their general cargo for two reasons: one a general move towards more sustainable, environmentally friendly ways of doing business, and the second increasingly poor road infrastructure.” CAPTION Thaven Naidoo… ‘growth despite industry challenges.’