The transport of goods to destinations across Africa can pose challenges for mining firms located in South Africa. However, a Gauteng-based PostNet branch has responded to the particular needs of its mining-oriented clientele and carved out a niche position as a turnkey courier solutions provider.

PostNet Epsom Downs owner Phillip Jarvis tells Mining Weekly that while there is a common misperception that the services of PostNet stores is limited to the needs of the retail market, his branch in Bryanston, Johannesburg, has evolved to meet the demands of its clients, and as such about 70% of its activities centre around the corporate market.

“I bought this branch 12 years ago and over the past six years or so there has been a shift in our primary focus towards looking after the courier requirements of the mining and business sectors,” says Jarvis.

“The Bryanston area, as well as the nearby locations of Sandton and Fourways, is home to many mining firms, particularly the South African offices of large global companies, which are very active in the African mining sector. I observed that these clients required a hands-on solution for the transport of goods and documents and I have, therefore, ensured that my business has evolved accordingly and can provide turnkey solutions to cater for their specific needs.”

Jarvis explains that as an authorised dealer of DHL, TNT and other large freight carriers, PostNet Epsom Downs serves as the interface between its customers and large, and oftentimes impersonal, service providers.

“This is an owner-driven business backed by some of the largest courier networks on the globe, ensuring that clients get the best of both worlds. I provide a face-to-face personal service, offering a customer-specific cost-effective solution, combined with the strength and breadth of leading transport brands,” says Jarvis.

“When my clients require immediate attention, I am simply a phone call away. Clients deal with me from start to finish, owing to how I have structured my service offering, and I am always available to react to any issues that may arise. There are no onerous call centers to deal with or the bureaucracy often associated with large service providers.

The company is able to transport a variety of items, from small documents and site equipment to large volumes of hazardous goods, all around the world, although Africa its the key focus area. African countries serviced include those with strong mining and exploration activity, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mali, Mauritania, Sierra Leone, Burkina Faso, Malawi and Zambia.

Jarvis reports that the largest shipment handled by the company to date involved transporting 3 t of liquid chemicals to a gold mine in Mali on behalf of Bulk Mining Explosives, part of the Omnia group.

“The challenge we faced was that the material, namely phosphoric acid, required very careful packaging. However, over the years we have built up a strong knowledge base on the international regulations and procedures required for the transport of hazardous or explosive goods and were, therefore, able to move the goods in a safe and timely manner,” says Jarvis.

Each month the branch transports between 200 and 300 shipments, with an overall mass of between 1 t to 2.5 t. Jarvis explains that the number of shipments will continue to rise in tandem with the general growth in the African commodities sector.

In addition to its relationships with global courier firms, the company has formed partnerships with a network of smaller service providers, which use the most appropriate vehicles for the cargo in question.

“We provide discretionary solutions, centered on the exact needs and budgets of our clients. All sectors of the economy are faced with the need to keep costs under control and we take cognisance of this in our pricing. Also, because we are an authorised distributor of DHL as part of the PostNet group, we are in a position to provide competitive pricing,” says Jarvis.

He adds that the courier business is a very competitive arena, thus, forcing players to remain on their toes.

“Our performance is evaluated each time we provide a service and it is, therefore, essential to consistently meet the needs of our clients. This ensures repeat customers, such as the Omnia group, with which we have built a solid working relationship over the ten years,” explains Jarvis.

Another critical success factor is to get the job done right the first time. If this is not the case, and the goods arrive late or are damaged, there can be significant cost and reputational consequences.

“This means we must continually ensure that we remain up to date with all procedures and transport requirements, so that we can anticipate potential problems which may occur en route and take the necessary action to avoid issues that may arise.”

Finally, understanding each customer’s needs is paramount, as is the building of a firm relationship based on service and innovation.

This philosophy is paying dividends, with PostNet Epsom Downs ranked the third best courier performer out of 265 branches within the PostNet group in the last financial year.

“We are committed to providing a personal and cost-effective courier service to new and existing clients associated with the mining industry, with current clients including the local offices of international conglomerate LonRho and copper and gold producer Freeport-McMoRan. Another global customer is Jindal steel, for which we ship ore samples for analysis.

“We have gained valuable insight and knowledge of the needs of the mining industry, as well as other industries active across Africa, such as the information technology sector. We will continue to enhance the development of our turnkey courier services to provide optimum solutions,” concludes Jarvis.

POSTNET
Epsom Downs
Tel : +27 11 463 7736

Email : pjarvis@mweb.co.za

Website : http://epsomdowns.postnet.co.za