UML offers big inland trucking discounts from US

RAY SMUTS
UNITED MARITIME Logistics has recorded 38% growth in volumes over last year, and a 24% increase on 2004, according to co-director Claude Nuttall. As the exclusive agent of US NVOCC and warehousing giant, Direct Container Line (DCL), the company specialises in less than container loads (LCL) and full container loads (FCL) from the US to South Africa. “Right now we are doing about 80 TEU groupage containers and around 100FCL TEUs a month,” says Nuttall. DCL, with around 30 warehouses in the US and 16 in Europe and Asia, is the only US NVOCC and warehouse company operating in South Africa, according to Nuttall. DCL New York, for example, has a warehouse with 50 loading doors, and 200 000 sq feet of space. They unpack approximately 170 boxes per week, 40 imports and 60 inbound stop-off boxes “Through operating our own warehousing, we have better control over cargo as the service is exclusive to us, rather than loading for every Tom, Dick or Harry. In addition, it cuts down on damage or pilferage of goods.” UML offers a weekly, named day, groupage service – the America Express Service - from New York to South Africa, with a rotation Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, Durban, Cape Town. For the benefit of South African importers, DCL will collect cargo anywhere in the US at discounts of up to 55% on inland trucking charges. UML has an exclusive arrangement with Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) for its transportation needs and SACD for warehousing. “Volumes from the US to South Africa have increased enormously, not only due to a strong currency but because many commodities, for instance, can only be sourced in that country.” The economic boom in South Africa has led to a demand for more specialist products and materials,” he added. As to the up and down rand, Nuttall believes that the currency will maintain its strength. “A fair rate for the importer/exporter will be R8/US$dollar but I think it will stabilise at between R6.50 and R7/US dollar.”