Graham Platt . . . 'Our
policy is to ship to
destinations where our agency agreements
are good'
OVERBORDER GROUPAGE consolidations are the speciality at Novotrans where operations director Graham Platt has seen annual volumes moving steadily upwards since the launch of the company eight years ago.
The road transport division operates as a totally separate and independent entity from the international freight forwarding arm, with its customer base an equal spread of freight forwarders and importers and exporters.
"Our total integrity has earned us the trust of the forwarding community," says Platt. "They supply their own documentation and road transportation notes so that their clients have no knowledge of us at all."
Zimbabwe is still the main route for Novotrans, despite the country's political and economic upheavals, and volumes are continuing to grow. Two to four consolidations operate weekly on the route, carrying a mix of general cargo, excluding perishables.
Malawi is also a strong market, with one and sometimes two weekly consolidations, while Zambia, Namibia and Botswana are also served on a regular basis. Mozambique consolidations operate for existing clients.
"Our policy is to ship to destinations where our agency agreements are good and where we can track the vehicle and cargo effectively," says Platt.
In terms of security, historical records speak volumes.
"We do consolidations in our own warehouse and de-consolidations at the agent's depot. Because we have our own office at Beit Bridge with staff on hand to supervise any customs-stopped containers, pilferage is kept to a minimum."
Novotrans owns no vehicles but subcontracts only to reputable South African hauliers, mainly smaller operators who have proved their service efficiency. Service is the company's major focus. "We're probably not the cheapest in the market, but our service provides customers with peace of mind."
