'Tanzanian deal is monopolistic - and that's not sour grapes'

Dear Editor,
I refer to your article headlined Tanzanian deal is not monopolistic (FTW July 3, 1998).
The accredited agent, Specialised International Freight, is totally aware that there is not only one groupage operator out of South Africa. Therefore, during the visit and inspection by Mr Bernard Mbakileki, director general, Tanzanian Central Freight Bureau, all other groupage operators including Export Consolidation Services should have been invited to the negotiating table before a preferential consolidator was appointed.
Is this not monopolistic?
Further, I totally disagree with the procedure of anyone wishing to trade with Tanzania contacting Specialised Internaional Freight in Durban prior to booking the cargo for shipment.
Again shippers and C&F agents should be at liberty to choose the groupage operator of their choice to book their cargoes and then advise SIF of the impending shipment. This will avoid SIF insisting that a preferential groupage operator should be used, provided that the freight rates offered by the other operators are market-related, competitive and acceptable to the TCFB.
This matter should be re-addressed by Specialised International Freight and the Tanzanian Central Freight Bureau who should rescind their statement insisting that a particular service be used as this is causing doubts in the minds of shippers and C&F agents.
This whole situation is very biased. It is not a case of sour grapes but rather of unfair practice since groupage operators may lose cargo to this preferential operator.
We will be taking up the matter via the South African Association of Freight Forwarders with the Tanzanian High Commissioner if it is not amicably resolved.
Jay Maharaj, Export Consolidation Services, Durban.