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FREIGHT & TRADING WEEKLY
Import and Export Consolidations by Sea and Air
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FTW3606
The Freight Community’s Weekly Newspaper for Import / Export decision makers – on subscription
FRIDAY 10 April 2009 NO. 1857
Logistics survey adds impetus to rail push
PE tightens port security
‘Intervention critical to reduce costs’ BY Liesl Venter South Africa’s logistics costs, at a staggering R317 billion per annum, are growing year on year making intervention not just necessary but critical. At 15.9% of the country’s GDP, pressure to reduce logistics costs is now even more acute than ever before in light of the global economic meltdown. These were some of the findings of the fifth State of Logistics Survey conducted by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and Imperial Logistics. Launched in Johannesburg last week, the survey – aptly titled ‘Logistics value and cost drivers from a macro and micro-economic perspective’ – found that transport and inventory carrying costs were on an alarming upward trend even when real increases are considered. Said Hans Ittman, executive director of CSIR Built Environment: “Transportation
costs are now measured at 53% of total logistics costs, 14% higher than the world average at 39%. Being far away from all our sources of imports, still relying heavily on transport via road versus rail together with a significant increase in inventory costs, stakeholders in the industry need to constantly evaluate their costs closely, collaborate with peers and be determined to find best cost options.” According to Abrie de Swardt, marketing director of Imperial Logistics, the rapid increase in logistics costs is an issue of concern. “We cannot continue with this trend – there are too many trucks on the road.” Ittman agreed, saying containers needed to be on rail. “Road and rail have to work together for Team South Africa. But we cannot continue moving 196 million tons on the corridors alone on road.” Elvin Harris of Transnet Freight Rail, who joined in a panel discussion on the
survey, said much had been done to entice cargo back to rail. “We have seen massive capital investment in the past five years which is upgrading the infrastructure. New locomotives and wagons have been purchased and we are looking at improving our operations – already we have increased the trains on the various corridors and also reduced the travelling time, making it a faster service.” He said there was no denying more needed to be done, but the survey was proof enough that there was a need for a reliable railway network in the country. Also commenting on the effect of worsening road conditions and the necessity for a green supply chain, De Swardt said the survey was not all about doom and gloom. “Much of what we are doing in this country is of world class. It is about harnessing and improving that and being internationally competitive.”
The Port of PE ... new surveillance and access control systems go live in October. (See story on page 12). Photo: Tijana Huysamen.
lee botti & associates
SPECIALISTS IN THE RECRUITMENT OF STAFF FOR THE LOGISTICS INDUSTRY
FTW2467
ROUTE DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
GENERAL MANAGER
ESTIMATOR
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
GAUTENG R420 000 Exciting and challenging opportunity with rapidly growing Clearing & Forwarding concern. Utilise your proven background and sales drive to develop the USA route and reap the rewards. Suits driven, energetic & sales focused individual seeking to play a role in growth of organisation. Tel: Kim (011) 452 0204
GAUTENG R600 000 Senior level position with well established and reputable concern. Tertiary qualification, proven transport and distribution b/ground, plus extensive management experience are key in assuming responsibility of organisation and ensuring growth and profitability, overseeing operations, sales and finance. Tel: Kim (011) 452 0204
GAUTENG R360 000 Well established C/F concern requires the expertise of individual well versed in operations & experienced in estimates & tenders. Strong b/ground in multimodal logistics, financial acumen & excellent customer services skills required. Expansion of organisation holds possibilities of further responsibilities. Tel: Kim (011) 452 0204
GAUTENG R420,000 Multinational concern seeks strong leader to establish relations with African countries while being the link to operations. Excellent negotiation skills & sound operational knowledge required to establish contracts & ensure excellent service delivery. Role requires travel. Tel: Kim (011) 452 0204
COMPLIANCE MANAGER
FINANCIAL MANAGER
FREIGHT MANAGER – SHIPS AGENCY
COMMERCIAL/NATIONAL SALES MANAGER DURBAN R420 000 CTC negotiable Looking for that challenging position with a prominent Ships Agent? Leave them speechless with your vast shipping exp and extensive commercial, sales and marketing expertise. This sought after role requires strong managerial, communication and interpersonal skills with a B.Comm/Commercial Degree. Tel: Jill / Mandy (031) 201-8330
GAUTENG R400 000 Exciting opportunity for this specialised role! Law degree coupled with a background in logistics required to oversee legal aspects of contract negotiations & operations. A varied role that offers challenges for individual with exceptional admin & communication skills. Tel: Kim (011) 452 0204
MOZAMBIQUE HIGHLY NEGOTIABLE Well est commercial organisation requires Portuguese speaking individual with relevant tertiary qualification and logistics exp to oversee large team. Motivate and lead, while ensuring growth and profitability of organisation. Tel: Kim (011) 452 0204
www.leebotti.co.za
NAMIBIA R290 000 Global group with a reputation which precedes them seeks dynamic, motivated operations manager to join their ranks in Walvis Bay. Min 5 years ships agency expertise ess to oversee a small team & ensure service levels maintained. Proven mngt capabilities. Tel: Sabina (021) 418 1084
enquiries@nowjobs.co.za
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