PARTNERSHIPS are what it’s all about in the logistics and supply chain management arena and Safmarine has put its money where its mouth is to provide local shippers with an end-to-end service through close relationships with associates abroad. This applies particularly to customers requiring niche logistics services in the UK and USA, says manager of the line’s logistics division in Cape Town, Paul Zunckel. “Significant success has been achieved due largely to the close relationships forged with companies that share the line’s ethic of providing personalised shipping solutions,” says Zunckel. “The anchor-man for Safmarine in the USA is John Trestrail of the Atlanta-based Next Wave Agency which has over the past year opened up a host of opportunities for us. “Next Wave co-ordinates all activities on behalf of Safmarine - from trucking and warehousing to customs clearing and forwarding. All Next Wave Agency-managed shipments in the past have involved complicated logistics challenges and all have had the same end result – a satisfied and happy Safmarine customer.” The line has also forged a logistical link in the USA with the Chicago-based Windy City Warehousing and Transloading Services Company, while Irish-based Campbell McCleave looks after Safmarine’s interests in the Northern Ireland region. Campbell McCleave - which also acts as Safmarine’s general agents in Belfast - provides the line’s customers with a range of services, including consolidations, customs clearing and forwarding, air freight and trucking. Manchester-based Transit Plus represents Safmarine’s logistics activities in the UK. The company has handled the logistics of shipping motor vehicles and 4 x 4s that have travelled through Africa.
