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Cultivating success in agribusiness with tailored logistics

In the ever-evolving landscape of the agricultural sector, agribusinesses frequently grapple with logistics challenges that can hinder operational efficiency and profitability. From unpredictable shipping rates and fluctuating exchange rates to complex import regulations, the challenges mount up. A lack of transparency in logistics processes often leaves clients anxious about the status of their shipments, creating unnecessary pressure and frustrations.

“The right logistics partner is a crucial cog in the success of any agribusiness,” says Detlev Duve, Managing Director of DACHSER South Africa. "As businesses face mounting pressure to optimise costs and ensure compliance, it's essential to partner with a provider that understands the particular complexities of the industry and is well equipped to provide tailored solutions."

According to Duve, essential factors for navigating agricultural logistics successfully include robust project planning and risk management, a strong network, personalised service with teams in the field, detailed tracking and customs expertise. "Potential customers should carefully evaluate how their logistics partners address their pain points. A lack of proactive measures can lead to significant operational disruptions and financial loss."

Strategic solutions for agribusiness

Agribusiness often requires large equipment and machinery to be imported or transported, in cases an entire plant, requiring specialist expertise. When it comes to moving produce, it is vital to maintain product quality and comply with food safety regulations during transit.

DACHSER provides a full suite of supply chain logistics solutions to the agricultural industry. The company frequently handles bulk imports of agricultural implements, equipment, and raw materials from countries like China and Turkey, and exports commodities such as teff and lucerne to other African countries and beyond.

For instance, a milling company that exports processed, fortified maize for the World Food Programme relies on DACHSER's expertise. The maize is warehoused, repacked, and wrapped onto pallets in DACHSER’s food-grade warehouses. “We use our own warehouses in Durban, Cape Town, and Johannesburg, ensuring control and compliance with food safety standards,” says Duve.

Cost-effective and client-focused
​DACHSER South Africa's targeted approach to logistics encompasses a range of services, including consolidation, i.e. LCL (Less-than-Container-Load) services via a sea freight gateway in South Africa, and FCL (Full-Container-Load) services. Break bulk seafreight is offered for large plants as needed. Duve explains, “We pride ourselves on building solutions according to customer needs, and finding the most efficient ways of operating. Congestion is a problem at ports, so we try to consolidate shipments and ensure that we have warehousing at strategic points, securing supply chains end to end for customers." ​
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​Unlike standard annual rate increases, DACHSER frequently reviews terms and agreements to ensure clients get the best possible pricing. “Matters evolve rapidly in logistics and regular reviews are critical."

Shipping rates have become increasingly volatile, a challenge DACHSER tackles head-on. “Escalating costs and exchange rate fluctuations have exploded the rates per container,” says Duve. “We focus on strong negotiation and direct dealing with suppliers to keep costs to a minimum.”

Project planning and control

Effective project planning is another core strength of DACHSER. From importing entire plants to handling complex equipment projects, DACHSER’s international network ensures optimal control and seamless movement of cargo. “Having so many offices internationally strengthens our network, allowing us to provide the best quotes and a seamless experience for our clients,” says Duve.

Customer service and transparency

As a global business, DACHSER has an extensive network and is well-equipped to handle complex shipments across borders - while at the same time cultivating personal connections through our local team. "Our team of experts understands the intricacies of agricultural supply chains and leverages this knowledge to deliver tailored solutions that meet our clients' needs."

Personalised service is at the heart of DACHSER’s operations. Clients are assured of a single point of contact and have access to senior management, including Managing Director Detlev Duve. Frequent updates on shipments, live tracking, and proactive communication differentiates DACHSER from other logistics providers.

“Not knowing what is happening is a major pain point for clients,” says Duve. “Our sophisticated technology and client information systems enable frequent live updates, making a significant difference in client satisfaction. It brings clients closer to where their products are in the world.”

Based in Bloemfontein, South Africa, DACHSER's decentralized sales executives often visit farms, discussing projects directly with customers. "This personal touch significantly enhances the long-term relationships we cultivate, as we deeply understand that in the agricultural industry, connection and trust are vital."

“Employee connection and loyalty is what makes DACHSER stand out”

From one-man company to global player – In its 90-year history, DACHSER has become an international heavyweight in the field of logistics. But how has the logistics provider benefited in that time from the loyalty of its employees and its structure as a family-owned company? Dr. Andreas Froschmayer, Corporate Director Corporate Development, Strategy & PR at DACHSER, explains.  

On-site partnerships ensure DACHSER serves medical logistics needs

From specialised Stiegelmeyer hospital beds, to Dr. Reddy’s pharmaceuticals to carefully calibrated medical equipment for Welch Allyn, DACHSER South Africa is delivering essential medical supplies throughout South Africa for a number of medical clients – ensuring that medical providers have the equipment they need in this challenging time. 

“The Dachser team has considerable experience in medical and pharmaceutical delivery, which has stringent health and safety compliance requirements,” says DACHSER SA managing director Detlev Duve. “We must also be able to support our clients in responding rapidly and effectively to growing needs during COVID-19. DACHSER has continued to operate effectively during lockdown with a dedicated team of home-based office staff and skeleton staff at all of our depots and local delivery centres. The entire supply chain is fully operational and on track for essential items.”

Duve says on-site partnerships and effective communications have been a key element of success in the specialist field of medical logistics. DACHSER is able to offer clients specialised warehousing and office space at the company’s Pomona head-office and five clients currently benefit from on-site offices. 

When specialised hospital bed supplier Stiegelmeyer contracted with Dachser four years ago, the German manufacturer was importing beds to South Africa. They soon moved from their original Centurion premises and to the DACHSER premises in Kempton Park, facilitating a strong partnership and seamless logistics that has grown with the business as they expanded to exporting into Africa.  Besides a full range of hospital beds supplied to largely private sector hospitals in South Africa, Stiegelmeyer has been exporting refugee beds across borders.  With the COVID-19 pandemic taking hold, the need for these beds may increase locally as well, and the DACHSER team is ready to handle increased volumes.

Theuns Burger of Stiegelmeyer says, “Interventions in response to the Coronavirus are currently impacting life at all levels. As a supplier to the medical field, we’re committed to doing whatever necessary to remain true to our healthcare mandate and to be able to react to special demands for supplies and services, even at very short notice. We have implemented extensive measures in our production and supply chain and DACHSER is an critical partner in ensuring that we are able to deliver across Southern Africa.”

Burger says the company chose DACHSER as the team was able to offer a well-priced, full solution for importing, exporting, warehousing and distribution. “With an office on site, we have full access to our stock at all times.  Working on-site has resulted in considerable efficiencies and cost-savings for our business. The Dachser team has a strong understanding of our business and we have been very happy with their service levels as a longterm supply chain fulfilment partner.”

Stiegelmeyer has a dedicated pick and pack area and space for display models, with beds built to client specifications at the DACHSER warehouse. DACHSER move up to 40 beds at time, many of which are high value items. The service includes unpacking and installing the beds in hospitals, and at times removing the older beds that the new stock will replace. This process requires health and safety preparation work and liason with the hospitals. Dachser co-ordinate with the Stiegelmeyer team to ensure that their sales executives are always there to sign off once beds have been installed.

Welch Allyn, a supplier of medical equipment, requires rigorous logistics management to ensure that their products reach medical rooms, hospitals and clinics in the perfect condition, and at the right time, in both urban centres and rural areas. Their range includes products from basic syringes to specialist cardiopulmonary equipment and patient monitoring systems. 

Welch Allyn staff are also located at the DACHSER warehouse, working closely with logistics teams to take care of medical product calibration and other specialist requirements while these products are in storage and transit. When products include high-cost, sophisticated technological equipment, error-free picking and packing is critical. In the company’s decade-long relationship with the client, stock has never once had to be written off, which is a massive achievement given that Dachser has moved millions of units of stock for the business over the years.

Duve says DACHSER's picking and packing service forms part of a continuous process that only concludes once products reaches its final destination. “Medical products are picked and packed to particular specifications that include temperature control and movement reduction. We make sure this remains consistent in transit, until the product has been handed over at the final point. Our picking and packing is further supported by a sophisticated IT system which enables the transparent coordination of complex activities and real-time information for clients on their stock.”

Duve concludes, “Clients entrust us with an important part of their business at critical times, and our service levels must remain consistent whatever the challenges may be. As a logistics company, our business is to understand this trust and to grow it into a successful logistics partnership.”