... and help with insurance claims where these arise
WAREHOUSING DOES have a future but one has to be realistic about costs which are not getting any cheaper, said Johannesburg-based director of Export Consolidation Services, John Covey.
The cost of equipment such as forklifts are rising all the time, he said, costing up to R4 500 a month with an average company needing at least two.
Covey said the future of the industry was uncertain in the light of recent events in the US, but if world economies slumped, South AfricaÕs economy could pick up.
ECS was one of the first to introduce the concept of photographing cargo for clients with digital cameras, said Covey.
"It is important for clients to see what is going on with their cargo. It also assists us in helping clients understand the nature of the size of containers. Some export agents often have no idea what the crate looks like. The photographs also assist in reducing claims and insurance, especially when dealing with overseas agents," he said.
Export Consolidation has an area of 1000m2 available for warehousing It handles hazardous cargo and all members of staff have been specifically trained in handling these goods.
The company handles and warehouses any type of goods, including household effects.