Forwarding African Transport Services | KZN Future 50

Company Name: Forwarding African Transport Services (FATS)

Website: www.fats.co.za

Meet FATS – industry experts in getting goods from A to B!

With a small loan from their Mom – half of which was spent buying the company’s first laptop – Caron and Elaine Harris started Forwarding African Transport Services (FATS) over 30 years ago.

FATS aims to achieve one primary goal: To take the load off their client’s mind. When looking at moving goods, businesses are met with several logistical challenges. 

FATS shows us that if a business is not considering all of these pitfalls, a number of issues can result along the way. These challenges include:

Read more: Springlok | KZN Future 50

1. Delays and Disruptions: The industry is susceptible to delays and disruptions caused by various factors such as weather conditions, port congestion, labour strikes, customs clearance issues, and unexpected events like accidents or natural disasters. These disruptions can lead to significant delays in the movement of goods.

2. Complex Regulations: International shipping and trade involve navigating a complex web of regulations and compliance requirements, including customs procedures, import/export regulations, and trade tariffs. Non-compliance with these regulations can result in fines and delays.

3. Price Fluctuations: Freight forwarding costs can be volatile due to factors like fuel prices, currency fluctuations, and supply and demand imbalances. This can make it challenging for businesses to predict and manage their shipping expenses.

4. Security Concerns: Cargo theft and security breaches can be a significant concern in the forwarding industry, especially for high-value goods. Freight forwarders need to implement security measures to protect cargo in transit.

Read more: Sparesboyz | KZN Future 50

5. Documentation and Paperwork: The industry often involves a substantial amount of paperwork, including bills of lading, customs declarations, and shipping invoices. Errors or delays in documentation can lead to shipment holdups and increased costs.

6. Competitive Pressures: The forwarding industry is highly competitive, with many players vying for business. This can lead to pricing pressures and challenges in maintaining profit margins.

7. Environmental Impact: The transportation of goods via ships, planes, and trucks can have a significant environmental impact due to greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants. The industry faces increasing pressure to adopt more sustainable practices.

8. Technology Adoption: The industry has been slow to adopt digital technologies, although this is changing. Traditional processes and reliance on paper-based documentation have made it less efficient than it could be.

9. Capacity Constraints: During peak shipping seasons or when demand surges, the industry may experience capacity constraints, leading to difficulties in securing shipping space and higher prices.

10. Customer Service Issues: Communication and customer service can be inconsistent across freight forwarders, leading to frustration for customers who require timely updates and support.

Despite these challenges, the forwarding industry plays a crucial role in global trade by facilitating the movement of goods across borders. 

FATS offers a wide range of services from air, sea and road freight to warehousing and customs clearance and with 30 years of navigating these pitfalls above, they can really take the load off of more KZN and national clients’ minds.

One fun thing about FATS is its playful branding with a curvy figure in their logo and the slogan, "Let us take the load off your mind." Caron, known for her strong personality, humorously reminds everyone that their journey is far from over.

FATS shows us that with determination, adaptability, and smart thinking, a family-run business can succeed and positively impact its community and industry.

Despite these challenges, the forwarding industry plays a crucial role in global trade by facilitating the movement of goods across borders. 

FATS offers a wide arrange of services from air, sea and road freight to warehousing and customs clearance and with 30 years of navigating these pitfalls above, they can really take the load off of more KZN and national clients’ minds.

Read more: iKhokha | KZN Future 50

One fun thing about FATS is their playful branding with a curvy figure in its logo and the slogan, "Let us take the load off your mind." 

Caron, known for her strong personality, humorously reminds everyone that their journey is far from over.

FATS shows us that with determination, adaptability, and smart thinking, a family-run business can succeed and positively impact its community and industry.

How to listen to East Coast Radio:

1. Listen to East Coast Radio on the FM (frequency modulation) spectrum between 94 and 95 FM on your radio.
2. Listen live to ECR by clicking here or download the ECR App (iOS/Android).
3. Listen to East Coast Radio on the DStv audio bouquet
4. Listen to us on Amazon Alexa. 

Image Credit: Forwarding African Transport Services