Uncompromising service makes all the difference

Innovation, while
continuously adding
indispensable value to
clients, is part and parcel of
the success of Shipping &
General Transport.
Whilst 2009 may have
been a trying year for the
company, like many of its
competitors, it has been
their uncompromising
service standards and
adequate equipment
inventory that has placed
them in the providential
position to service the needs
of clients and they have
hence, performed well.
This is also true for the
consolidation sector, says
Jeeva Naidoo, Shipping
& General Transport
operations manager.
“We are fortunate to
have an extensive local
consolidation client base
and this ensures that we
remain in the niche by
ensuring that we enjoy the
best of both worlds, that is,
full container loads when
the exchange rates are right
and yield greater profit
returns for our clients, and
the consolidation market
when rates are relatively
poorer and hence clients opt
for less than full loads.”
It is the innovative
approach to market
conditions that makes the
difference, says Naidoo.
Prini Govender, who
is responsible for the
warehousing and grounds
of the Johannesburgbased
company, agrees
saying they currently act
as a consolidation depot
for several clearing and
forwarding agents whereby
cargo is collected from
various suppliers in the
province, handled, stored
and then packed into a
suitable container in line
with sea-freight space
optimisation.
“The export consolidation
market has shown a great
increase. We also ensure
that the cargo is properly
secured in the containers
and that all materials used
and the quality of packaging
is of seaworthy grade. Our
consolidation department
also caters for clients who
require crating, fumigation,
palletising, shrink-wrapping
and specialised lashing of
cargo,” says Govender.
Naidoo says it all
comes down to ensuring
service standards are of
the very best at all times.
“Furthermore, the corporate
culture of ‘it takes a cent
to make a rand’ has been
instilled in each of our staff
and hence collectively we
have ensured that we save
every penny for the benefit
of our company and in so
doing we have been able
to enjoy the by-product of
remaining competitive to
our clientele.”
Whilst there are
challenges within the
consolidations industry,
Naidoo says it is about
ensuring a service that is
ethical and outstanding.
“For us it all comes
down to service – we
use quality materials and
engage suppliers who are
in business for long-term
gains and not just here
today and gone tomorrow
establishments.”