C
M
Y
CM
MY
CY CMY
K
Warehouse 1 & Office Block D3 Isando Industrial Park Gewel Street, Isando Tel: + 27(0) 11 398 4900 Fax: + 27 (0) 11 392 1058 info@kapele.co.za
V I S I T :
W W W . K A P E L E . C O . Z A
FTW1391
MAKING THE WORLD A SMALLER PLACE
FREIGHT & TRADING WEEKLY
The Freight Community’s Weekly Newspaper for Import / Export decision makers – on subscription
FRIDAY 14 August 2009 NO. 1875
Growing confidence as market ‘stabilises’ By Alan Peat The general consensus in the SA forwarding industry is that the tough times are easing. Although both volumes and margins are still under threat, executives in the industry suggest that the signs are there that indicate that the SA market is levelling off after the disastrous slump in the early part of the year. This follows European press reports that forwarders and
wholesalers over there have also seen a firming of certain markets over the past two months. Some, indeed, were even quoted saying that they were experiencing their best weeks of 2009. FTW’s research didn’t find anyone talking in such superlatives, but confidence is growing that the worst times are past. Charles Speed-Andrews, finance director of Safcor Panalpina, told FTW that he was not seeing growth as yet. “But
from my perspective, the market has certainly bottomed out, and things are currently stabilising. “Volumes are nowhere near where they were, but they are at least proving consistent.” He also expected the usual annual pre-Christmas rush in the fourth quarter of the year. “If it began to happen this quarter, that would be nice.” Speed-Andrews is certainly putting his money on an upturn in the fourth quarter, but asks the forbidding question: “What
happens in January?” It’s the natural downturn period of the SA year. “But,” he asked, “just how far down will it go next year?” He doesn’t claim to be one of the optimistic breed. “However,” he said, “while it’ll definitely go down, I think it will be better than January this year – for sure!” Andre van Rensburg, MD of Kuehne & Nagel, suggested that any assessment of conditions
depended very much on individual market performance. Looking at his company’s primary markets his overall market assessment would have to be that things are now looking better. “There has definitely been a downturn in Europe,” he told FTW, “but that is now easing up. And the Far East appears to have begun running out of stockpiles, and it’s certainly beginning to look healthier again.” To page 8
Customs’ ‘unReal’ birthday shocker! By Alan Peat While the transfer of soccer star Ronaldo from Manchester United to Real Madrid was for a record-breaking fee, on a smaller scale, a commemorative Real Madrid shirt sent to a young South African for his 21st birthday also turned out to be an expensive buy. On its arrival, the wellknown voice of NowMedia’s receptionist, Lorraine da Fonseca, was raised in protest about what she termed “the iniquitous imposition of all sorts
of tax and customs’ duties” – which, when all added together, came to nearly as much as the shirt cost. Her son Jayson’s uncle in Europe decided to buy him the shirt as a 21st birthday present, and it was courier/expressed across to South Africa. “But, when it arrived, customs checked the declared value of the shirt (the euro equivalent of a bit less than R1 000) and assessed the duty as R334.80.” That, she added, because it To page 8
The T shirt that cost R1 600 – and almost half was customs’ duty.
lee botti & associates
SPECIALISTS IN THE RECRUITMENT OF STAFF FOR THE LOGISTICS INDUSTRY
FTW2467
CUSTOMS MANAGER
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
GAUTENG To R550 000 Exceptional opening! Senior level position with reputable org required with relevant with tertiary qual, strong technical customs knowledge, financial acumen, business dev & mngt skills. Dedicated & focused leader sought to ensure quality service delivery. Tel: Kim (011) 452-0204
GAUTENG R450 000 Fantastic opportunity for sales focused indiv to join multinational organisation & play a fundamental role in developing route in exciting region of Sub-Saharan Africa. Proven background of sales into Africa plus regular travel into the area to develop relations. Tel: Kim (011) 452-0204
SALES MANAGER
WAREHOUSE MANAGER
CAPE TOWN R650 000 Drive a consistent and effective sales strategy on behalf of this global industry player. Strong financial backing, supportive management team & ample time to be mentored by the current incumbent. Min 5 years C/F sales experience with 2 years being in a leadership role. Budgets, proposals, sales recruitment & key relationship management – exciting times ahead. Tel: Sabina (021) 418 1084
CAPE TOWN R280 000 Leading supply chain group have an exciting opening at one of their thriving depots. Manage warehousing, distribution & site delivery operations as well as contractual performance levels and budgets. Min 5 years senior logistics exp coupled with business management qualif ess. Good IT exposure & previous air/sea know-how adv. Tel: Sabina (021) 418 1084
www.leebotti.co.za
Kim Botti
SALES MANAGER
Jill Morris
Sabina Botti
SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGER
GAUTENG R420 000 ctc Fantastic career opportunity with large distribution org. Proven industry exp, coupled with strong selling skills & negotiation techniques specifically within express arena ess. Assume resp of team & ensure growth & dev of org. Tel: Kim (011) 452-0204
SWAZILAND R300 000 – R400 000 Exciting opportunity with well established FMCG distribution org. Requires proven b/g in warehousing, distribution, fleet mngt & inventory control. Mngt exp + tert. qualif sought. Suits career focused individual eager for change in lifestyle & a fresh challenge. Tel: Kim (011) 452-0204
BRANCH MANAGER
WAREHOUSE MANAGER DURBAN R240 000 ctc + benefits Specialised transport distribution company based in New Germany. Role includes assuming responsibility for bondstore / freestore as well as maintenance & upkeep of depot. Manage warehouse staff, and oversee daily operations, including health & safety issues. Knowledge of hazardous chemical handling would be a distinct advantage. Tel: Jill (031) 201-8330
DURBAN R420 000 – R450 000 ctc Superb opportunity for driven, innovative & team-orientated person to manage C&F division of established shipping concern. Our client seeks strong operational expert with 8-10 years freight forwarding experience, plus 3-5 years managerial experience. Financial acumen & sales flair with business development expertise essential! Tel: Jill (031) 201-8330
enquiries@nowjobs.co.za
Est. 1977