Saf to set up release desk at City Deep

In order to streamline operations for its customers, Safmarine Johannesburg will move its import and export counter from its regional office in Illovo to City Deep. “We’ll set up a release desk at City Deep so that the customer is closer to the action in terms of where the container will be released,” Johannesburg branch manager Peter Andre told FTW. “It’s all part of changing the way we operate in Johannesburg for the benefit of our customers.” And that’s the motivation behind another modification in terms of service focus. “We don’t believe in being all things to all people – but rather in concentrating on our core expertise,” said Andre. “Customers want the product, the price and the service – it’s all about ensuring that cargo gets on the ship, that we invoice right and that they get the cargo on time.” And that’s where Safmarine intends to direct its energies. The focus on carrier haulage has diminished significantly in recent years, and according to Andre it’s not the differentiator it used to be. The line will continue to offer carrier rail services to City Deep for all customers, and the carrier haulage option to store door for select customers through its Roadwing affiliate, focusing on its traditional market segments of automotive, retail, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, agriculture and reefers. Customers who choose merchant haulage have the option of using Roadwing or an operator of their choice. Andre believes that ‘sticking to the knitting’ is the way to go in a highly commoditised industry – and the mechanism required to take its service to the next level. Acknowledgement that the company is on the right track was evident in the recent AP Moller- Maersk results which indicated that Safmarine had contributed very positively to the profit of the APM Group, said Andre. INSERT & CAPTION Customers want the product, the price and the service — it’s all about ensuring that cargo gets on the ship, that we invoice right and that they get the cargo on time. – Peter Andre