Johannesburg-based company, Sanguine Logistics, opened a Durban branch this month as part of an ongoing growth strategy. “Since launching the company in 2012, we’ve seen phenomenal growth and it made sense to have a more hands-on presence at South Africa’s biggest port,” said managing director Lesley Haw. Helen Thompson, appointed as the Sanguine Logistics branch manager, told FTW that the Durbanbased industry expected to deal with a local. “They want to see an 031 number,” she said. The volume of goods into Durban – as the first port of call to South Africa for sea freight – and the exports from there into Africa by Sanguine motivated the decision to establish a presence in KwaZulu Natal. “We also do a lot of logistics around structural steel and Durban is home of the heart of that industry,” added Haw. Sanguine, which is strong on exports into Africa, attributes its growth since inception to having built a robust agent network in Africa as well as building its business on relationships. “Despite great strides in technology, the freight industry is still a people business and we recognise that clients need consistency and reliability,” said Haw. And that means partnering with the right logistics service providers. “Our mutual success, as service providers and suppliers, lies in collaboration and ensuring we over-deliver on a client’s needs,” she noted, adding that 40% of Sanguine’s business comes from referrals. To meet the over-delivery challenge, technology and skills development play crucial roles. “Using technology correctly is not about reinventing the wheel, it’s about finding a smarter, faster, more efficient way of doing business,” commented Haw. The company is currently developing a new website that will allow customers to request quotes, finalise bookings and obtain costings online. Two staff members are currently being trained to manage the online interactivity. INSERT & CAPTION Durban-based industry expects to deal with a local. - HELEN THOMPSON
