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First insights into the DACHSER platform

DACHSER is transferring its range of logistics services to the digital world. As a company-wide digitalization project, the DACHSER platform is a central building block for fundamentally redesigning the customer experience. At the transport logistic trade fair, customers and interested parties were given their first glimpse of the platform, which will be available to all DACHSER customers from 2024.

Women leading in logistics at DACHSER South Africa

Three dynamic women in the Cape Town office of DACHSER South Africa, part of global logistics leader Dachser, are navigating their way through a successful career in the traditionally male-dominated field of logistics.

Portia Dryden, Adenisha Jeftha and Sasha-Lee Juter all joined the company through DACHSER’s well-established learnership programme and progressed to become permanent employees. The women share several traits, including enthusiasm for their role in logistics, a capacity to build strong relationships, delight in keeping things running smoothly, and an enjoyment of the diverse challenges logistics brings.

Dryden, now an Air & Sea Import Controller, says that what excites her about her role knowing how essential logistics is in the global supply chain. “It puts a smile on my face when I walk into a clothing store where they are launching their new range for the season, and I know that I had a hand in making sure the imported garments reached the stores in time. This industry opens your world to see how many different sectors work, and in many cases, you gain a deep insight into what happens behind the scenes. The freight industry is multi-dimensional and always growing. With advances in technology, there is always something new to be learnt and that keeps me interested and excited.”

Dryden says although great strides have been made in the last decade, working in a male-dominated field can be intimidating on different levels, from dealing with service providers to liaising with customers, as gender-based barriers have been there for a long time.  “I learned that I had to walk the walk and forget about old, outdated expectations of how one should behave based on gender. Instead, I grew my confidence by learning the trade and gaining the experience. I focused on what I, as an individual, can bring to the table. This does not mean that the road to professional and personal success is challenge-free, but rather that I am both willing and resilient enough to face them.”

The highlight of sea freight controller Adenisha Jeftha’s career was handling her first big client independently after several months of permanent employment.  She then became the key accounts controller on that account and her portfolio has extended to a range of clients across different industries. She thrives on the variety and meeting deadlines. “The constant change in my day excites me - this is not just a A-Z job. I am really motivated by making sure that shipments arrive on time.”

Jeftha says her colleagues and clients inspire her daily. “The relationships we build with our clients and colleagues are a key reason why most staff want to stay at Dachser. We’re more than just colleagues, we’re a family.”

 Airfreight Exports Supervisor Sasha-Lee Juter agrees. “Each new day holds different challenges, different difficulties, but it’s the relationships you build over the years that makes all of that worth it.  Juter is determined to show that logistics no longer needs to be a male dominated industry. “Times have changed so much and I believe the industry has very quickly developed and is allowing more women to steer the ship. To keep attracting women to logistics, companies need to create a culture of equality where we can thrive.”

“I would recommend this career to any individual that likes working under pressure and in a fast-paced environment,” Jeftha concludes. “This is genuinely a great industry to work in.”

About DACHSER:

A family-owned company headquartered in Kempten, Germany, DACHSER is a leading supplier of logistics services worldwide. DACHSER offers comprehensive transport logistics, warehousing, and customer-specific services in two business fields: DACHSER Air & Sea Logistics and DACHSER Road Logistics. The latter consists of two business lines: DACHSER European Logistics and DACHSER Food Logistics. Comprehensive contract-logistics services and industry-specific solutions round out the company’s offerings. A seamless shipping network—both in Europe and overseas—and fully integrated IT systems ensure intelligent logistics solutions worldwide.

Thanks to some 30,800 employees at 376 locations all over the globe, DACHSER generated revenue of 7.1 billion euros in 2021.  Country organisations represent DACHSER in 42 countries, including South Africa. 

DACHSER at the Trade Fair Dangerous Goods // Hazardous Substances

Global logistics and sustainable packaging solutions for products in the chemical industry

Under the motto "A connection that pays off", DACHSER Chem Logistics will be exhibiting at the fourth edition of the GGS – Trade Fair Dangerous Goods // Hazardous Substances, which takes place in Leipzig from October 22 to 24. The GGS is Europe's only trade fair for dangerous goods and hazardous substances logistics.

Navigating complex waters: How specialised services simplify customs and insurance for businesses

Businesses trading internationally face an increasingly complex web of customs regulations and insurance requirements that can derail operations and drain profits. Changing regulatory requirements, security measures, inadequate insurance coverage, and compliance failures create mounting pressure. Without proper expertise, companies remain vulnerable to delays, penalties, and financial losses.

The right logistics partner with customs and insurance expertise is crucial for international business success, says Detlev Duve, Managing Director of Dachser South Africa. "As businesses face pressure to ensure compliance whilst managing costs, it's essential to partner with a provider that understands the complexities of international trade and can provide customised solutions."

According to Duve, essential factors for navigating customs and insurance successfully include regulatory knowledge, security certifications, insurance guidance, and risk management. "Potential customers should carefully evaluate how their logistics partners address compliance and protection needs. A lack of measures can lead to operational disruptions and financial exposure."

Dachser's approach to customs and insurance covers services including customs data announcements, documentation preparation, and insurance advisory services.

Customs expertise for international trade

International trade requires businesses to deal with customs regulations across multiple countries, each with its own requirements and security protocols. Dachser provides customs clearance services to businesses across all industries.

The company is certified as an Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) in several countries. This status provides customs control benefits worldwide – benefits which Dachser passes on to its customers. "Having AEO certification makes customs controls easier and ensures a consistent international supply chain," says Duve. "Our customs-approved security standards not only simplify customs clearance, they are also a seal of approval for global trading partners."

Effective customs clearance requires more than just form-filling – it demands understanding of international trade regulations and security protocols. Dachser's experience with programmes such as C-TPAT (Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism) positions the company as a trusted partner for businesses requiring reliable customs clearance.

Take the case of businesses exporting to the United States, which must comply with the 10+2 rule under the Importer Security Filing (ISF), where ten defined entries must be transmitted electronically to US Customs at least 24 hours before the ship leaves the port of departure. "We have been working as a registered filer on behalf of clients since 2009," says Duve. "Incorrect, late or missing filings can result in fines between $2,500 and $5,000, making professional handling necessary."

Electronic customs procedures ensure fast and safe handling whilst reducing processing times. Dachser's customs specialists possess deep regulatory knowledge gained through decades of international experience. "We carefully navigate consignments through local and international customs rules and coordinate the entire customs clearance process with local authorities," explains Duve.

As a global business, Dachser has an extensive network and can handle complex customs requirements across borders whilst maintaining the personal touch through local expertise. "Our team of customs specialists understands the details of international trade regulations and uses this knowledge to deliver customised solutions that meet our clients' compliance needs."

Insurance expertise and risk management

When it comes to insurance, shipping to unfamiliar destinations that do not have well-organised infrastructure can add to the risk factor. While damage and loss is rare, it can be very expensive, making insurance costs money well spent, says Duve. Service delivery is at the heart of Dachser's insurance operations. Dachser is registered as an FSP in South Africa and clients benefit from insurance guidance that addresses potential coverage gaps.

"Not understanding insurance implications is a major risk for businesses," says Duve. "Our expert team advises clients on managing risks and filling insurance gaps, often assisting with documentation to ensure smooth clearance and delivery whilst protecting against financial exposure."

For example, when it comes to protecting valuable shipments, it's vital to understand the difference between liability coverage and cargo insurance during transit, explains Duve. "Many businesses confuse freight insurance with cargo insurance, assuming their shipments are covered for full value with freight insurance," says Duve. "This misunderstanding can be a costly error, as freight insurance compensation is calculated on weight basis – meaning the same amount would be paid for one kilogram of platinum as for one kilogram of paper. Cargo insurance, which can be taken to cover the full value of a shipment while it is in transit, protects the customer.”

As a logistics specialist in Africa, DACHSER South Africa is responsible for coordinating almost every aspect of customers shipments. “It makes sense for us to handle cargo insurance too as a value-added service,” says Duve. “We negotiate contracts, pay the premiums and submit claims on behalf of our customers, managing correspondence until a settlement is reached.”

Harnessing global networks

With  433 locations in 43 countries, Dachser's global network provides customs and insurance expertise across key markets. This global reach helps when dealing with international trade regulations and security requirements. Dachser's decades of international experience ensures timely clearances, appropriate coverage, and avoidance of costly penalties and exposure.

"As an international logistics provider, it's essential to maintain excellent relationships with customs authorities and possess deep knowledge of trade regulations and insurance principles," says Duve. "When challenges arise, our expertise and network ensure we are in the best position to assist and keep clients protected and compliant. We strive to be a logistics partner that truly understands the details of customs compliance and insurance protection, committed to safeguarding our clients' interests," Duve concludes.

(ENDS)

About DACHSER:

Dachser, a family-owned company headquartered in Kempten, Germany, provides transport logistics, warehousing, and customized services in two business fields: Dachser Air & Sea Logistics and Dachser Road Logistics. The latter consists of two business lines: Dachser European Logistics and Dachser Food Logistics. Comprehensive contract logistics services and industry-specific solutions round out the company’s range. A seamless shipping network—both in Europe and overseas—and fully integrated IT systems ensure intelligent logistics solutions worldwide. Thanks to some 37,300 employees at 433 locations all over the globe, Dachser generated consolidated net revenue of approximately EUR 8 billion in 2024. The same year, the logistics provider handled a total of 83.2 million shipments with a tonnage of 44.1 million metric tons. Country organizations represent Dachser in 43 countries. For more information about Dachser, please visit dachser.com