In the complex world of logistics, safety should always come first when handling dangerous goods, says Peter Schmidt-Löff ler, CEO Sub-Saharan Africa at Leschaco. “Companies like Leschaco understand the critical importance of strict compliance with regulations and best practices. Their expertise in the shipping/freighting of hazardous materials, commitment to safet y, and environmental responsibility makes them a top choice for businesses looking to navigate the challenges of shipping/freighting dangerous goods safely and efficiently,” he told Freight News. “With us as a partner, businesses are assured that their cargo will reach its destination without compromising safety or environmental integrity.”According to Schmidt-Löffler, the company has a clear focus on embracing the opportunities in Africa’s emerging markets. “The chemical industry is a mainstay of our business, and we will continue to increase our expert knowledge in specialist operations, like transporting hazardous cargo or managing a global tank container f leet.”He said although the company took great pride in its legacy, it was also a modern, forward-looking and efficient logistics provider. Our approach is customer-oriented. We align with our customers to achieve common goals and to ensure their preparedness for the future,” he said. As a prime chemical freight forwarder, a cornerstone of its operations in South Africa for the past 38 years has been its consolidation service originating from Bremen, serving the Northern European market.“Our cutting-edge facilities in Bremen are specifically designed to accommodate hazardous cargo. This unique capability sets us apart as one of the very few freight forwarders capable of providing a dedicated consolidation service for hazardous cargo directly to South Africa on a weekly basis,” said Schmidt-Löff ler.He believes that by maintaining control and oversight of its consolidation operations, the company has gained a competitive advantage. “This enables us to offer our clients tailored solutions that meet their specific needs and requirements.”According to Juan Enslin, Leschaco South Africa managing director, the markets have been very volatile, and having a global set-up has made a difference. “Now more than ever it has become a people business,” he said. “In normal times everything f lows nicely, but now you need to do something else to add value and really take care of every single container and shipment. Close and personalised contact with customers is core in these challenging times. Making sure cargo is delivered and received on time requires a lot of fine-tuning and trusting relationships among all stakeholders.”
