Compliance demands place admin burden on agents

JOY ORLEK
COMPLIANCE DEMANDS, both local and international, are placing an increasing burden on logistics operators, says Kingfisher Freight Services managing director Alwyn Nel. “From the National Credit Act and FAIS to the screening of cargo in terms of CTPAT, wood fumigation laws and the like, agents are faced with a growing administration load. Fortunately we have the ability in terms of training to ensure that all staff are up to speed with local and international regulations - and here our membership of the Global Logistics Association (GLA) provides valuable access to international compliance information.” Kingfisher’s product palette is varied, including roadfreight into Africa, international air and seafreight imports and exports. A variety of factors, among them the devaluation of foreign currencies, has significantly dented volumes moving into Africa, says Nel. “If you exclude maize and fertiliser, volumes are significantly down, but business for us has been good. Zimbabwe is steady, as are Zambia and Malawi, although volumes to Mozambique have fallen.” In terms of international cargo, exports have outstripped imports, with the company’s international network playing a big part in this growth, in his view. “As the sole SA member of the GLA network of agents, we have the muscle to offer a truly global service,” says Nel, who was elected president of the association at its recent AGM in Italy.