ACiCargo is to:
- Aim to bring a different perspective through knowledge, experience and technology to the shipper’s existing freight function
- Assess each client’s specific requirements, see the process, not just the freight function
- Work with our clients to re-engineer their supply chain into an improved or new process
- We interact with your company in a way that brings continuity and sustainability
- Bring value and a brand new approach to your needs
- Our aim is an outcome-based result not just a pure cost reduction issue
- We play an integral part of your company’s project management decisions, attending meetings and lending our sound advice
- We will operate as a neutral partner and will manage the logistics process regardless of what carriers, forwarders or warehouses are used by our clients, we will act as your Freight Management Agent
Computer Compatibility
A key component of the stock procurement process is being able to integrate our systems with our clients so they are in a position to advise us of new stock purchases, get updates on current purchase orders, provide priority levels on deliveries to the warehouse and receiving accurate costings timorously.
Ideally to meet with these requirements we propose making use of a web portal to facilitate this exchange of data and it is therefore imperative that both our systems support this process.
Our systems can support this in many ways:
- We have a FTP site (file transfer protocol – this space on the Internet) available for you to export new stock purchases, provide priority levels on delivery to warehouse, etc. We will then use this information accordingly.
- Our system allows us to extract data/updates (in excel or CSV format) and upload to your site via the Web Portal. This allows you to import updates on indents/purchase orders, costings, etc directly into Microsoft Dynamix
- Our system allows us to import information from you (in a specific file format), thus enabling us to eliminate the inaccuracy/duplication of capturing data.
- In line with this, ACiCargo will generate a consolidated import shipment status report, distribution status report as well as any other financial management reports, as required.
Value Added Services
As ACiCargo is a non-asset based logistics provider our African freight partners are selected on the basis of what works for you. Out-sourcing make it possible to incorporate your specific requirements with service providers that are high-performers and with services that are cost-effective without rebuilding from the ground up. By comparison, while asset-based 3PL may have a complete control over its equipment, fleet and infrastructure into Africa, ACiCargo on the other hand is able to provide flexibility and leading edge logistics solutions for you.
International Forwarding
With our combined years of experience in the freight industry we have built up long standing and respected relationships with a number of local and international shipping line offices. Most of our
dealings are with these offices coordinating and managing international freight forwarding.
Depending on clients preferential purchase incoterms we encourage all forwarding to be managed locally and FCL shipments booked direct with the shipping lines. Apart from the considerable savings the communication is streamlined and seamless when the number of parties involved in the freight processing chain is greatly reduced. Our approach is to start with the processes already in place and in consultation and agreement with you introduce simplifying the process, setting up clear instructions with suppliers, signing confirmed freight contracts with shipping lines and arranging, in cooperation with suppliers, the international forwarding direct with the shipping lines.
We are successfully managing this process with all our clients whom are importing on FOB or exporting on CFR basis. Not only are we more in control of the planning and shipping, the communication and feedback is far more effective and concise.
With ever increasing costs and volatility in the exchange rates clients need to find other ways to keep costs at a minimum. Following this process has hugely reduced freight communication and unnecessary forwarding agent fees. The savings we pass directly onto our clients.
Pre-Shipment Estimate and Costings
Estimates – ACiCargo is available to prepare pre-shipment estimates in line with the requirements set out by your company buyers. FOB estimates will be processed and emailed within 24 hours from receipt of the enquiry.
Costings – With each import shipment ACiCargo will prepare a landed shipment costing. All applicable fees will correspond with shipping, forwarding, cartage, supplier invoices and customs clearing documents. Client to indicate the forward cover rate of exchange to be used.
Dedicated Client Liaison
ACiCargo can provide a client liaison person who can be dedicated to all your shipping requirements. This client liaison person will be an integral link between both operations and therefore enabling us to offer a personalized and hands on service. ACiCargo enforces a proactive approach which ensures that any complaints or concerns are proactively managed. We believe that it is important for us to measure and manage our service performance in line with your requirements.
In addition there will be regular contact with the Senior Management of ACiCargo in line with our personalized and hands on Management approach. Our company staff complement may be small in relation to some of the larger freight organizations however where we make the difference is all our senior management and owners are involved in the day to day operations of our business. At any given point management are available to make split second business decisions without any red tape. Our current staff complement of eight has a combined 120 years in the industry and assures you your freight will always be in good hands.