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.”