Ray Smuts
Companies as far as Lusaka have responded
TRANSFUSION'S new e-mail service for the transport and freight industry has elicited an encouraging response to move cargo as diverse as snow skiing gear, oysters and mattresses.
Antony Turner, managing director of Transfusion, says while Internet technology is still rather daunting to many in the industry it goes to show that they are comfortable with e-mail.
Two advisory listings were sent to 1 500 freight and 500 transport operators prior to FTW's announcement of the new system (FTW November 17, 200), which uses email responses from freight companies wanting to fill space and shippers with cargo to move to optimise unutilised kilometres travelled.
Says Turner:The second listing, which includes responses from the first, elicited 23 responses from companies needing freight to be moved mostly throughout South Africa but as far as Lusaka in some instances, and ten responses from companies wishing to either fill empty or partially-loaded trucks.
Illustrating just how simple the service is to access, Turner says freight or transport availability is captured in numbered box panels on the weekly listings. All those wishing to secure business have to do is click on the relevant panel and the request is automatically sent to the applicable company via personal e-mail.
The Transfusion e-mail system consists of two e-mails, general and personal. The first is sent to approximately 2 500 manufacturers and 600 transporters, containing a listing of all available freight and space. The personal e-mail notifies one of any companies that have requested freight and/or space, along with their contact details.
In order to give those using the service a personal incentive, Transfusion has introduced a monthly holiday prize worth R5 000. The first draw takes place on December 13.
To gain acess to the new, free, e-mail service it is necessary to go to Transfusion's website www.transfusion.co.za in order to subscribe.
Further information may be obtained at freightexchange@transfusion.co.za
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