In a dynamic, growing economy where infrastructure development is a key driver, logistics plays a crucial role, and can be the differentiator between seizing and missing an opportunity.
The importance of logistics, and an excellent case study, across a wide range of products and services, was the two year run-up to the 2010 FIFA World Cup™. This internationally acclaimed event was preceded by a huge drive to develop the necessary infrastructure, on time and to a set of fixed dates. Given the deadlines, demand over this period surged. Suppliers such as Afrox, a supplier of welding gasses, argon and oxygen, realised they would need to increase their distribution capacity in the short-term. However, this would have needed a capital investment that could not be justified in the longer-term. The alternative was to identify and use a distribution partner capable of handling the surge in demand, and with the ability to do so safely.
At the time Cargo Carriers was awarded 50% of Afrox’s outsourced distribution contract. They were able to cope with the increased distribution volumes while consistently meeting the highest levels of safety, health, environment and quality (SHEQ) standards. Advanced logistics software and in-depth training for drivers contributed to their success. Since then, the value of the contract has risen by 35%, with the addition of six vehicles to the fleet.
“We took the decision to raise our SHEQ standards over ten years ago,” says Andre Van Vuuren, Marketing Director at Cargo Carriers. “It’s no exaggeration that today our ability to compete in the gas industry not only depends on the competitive rates and high service levels, which we’ve delivered on for the last year, but also on operating the absolute highest levels of SHEQ we can achieve.”
“An important success factor in our relationship is Cargo Carriers’ ability to communicate seamlessly with the Afrox scheduling centre,” says Andre Steenkamp, National Distribution Manager for Afrox. “This high level of communication is critical to our ability to maintain our own high service levels with our clients.”
• Is used in fluorescent tubes, glow tubes, etc. and usually emits blue light
• Forms inert atmosphere that’s good for many forms of welding
• Extinguishes fires without damaging equipment
• As a protective atmosphere for growing silicon and germanium crystals
• Used in museums to protect and preserve old documents or materials
• Keeps open bottles of wine from oxidizing and to top off wine barrels, so the wine doesn’t turn into vinegar during the aging process
• Used in thermal insulation of energy-efficient windows because of its low thermal conductivity
• Used in technical scuba diving to inflate dry suits
• Argon lasers are used in surgery to weld arteries, destroy tumors, or correct eye defects
• Some forms of argon are used in dating ground water, igneous rocks, and ice cores
