Logistics and courier service provider
 Dawn Wing, a subsidiary of diversified logistics company The Laser Group, has developed a mini warehousing project in the run-up to the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

The project started about six months ago and will continue to run until after the 2010 FIFA World Cup event. The mini warehousing project will offer clients the option to warehouse goods with Dawn Wing and The Laser Group in a safe and secure environment. This service is aimed at companies who would otherwise not require short-term warehousing solutions, including branding and promotional companies and shops selling curios.

“The project started ahead of the Confederations Cup soccer league, this year, and one of our clients has used our warehousing facility to store its stock from that event, until it can be used again at next year’s 2010 FIFA World Cup. 
“The venture is working well. Although it is still a new offering, it is growing in the market and we are seeing potential,” says Dawn Wing CEO Mike Fanucchi.

The company continues to invest in new ideas and, through constant research and development and by monitoring the changes in the market, it is hoping to help clients take advantage of all the opportunities that the upcoming FIFA World Cup offers.  One such development that was lauched with great success was its Fine Wine Express service, which allows clients to courier wine from South Africa to other countries around the world.

Roadworks

Meanwhile, a challenge for the company is the current roadworks on Gauteng’s freeways. Although the company appreciates the enormous benefits of the road upgrades, these are currently causing stress for management and drivers.

“The traffic backups and road closures result in delays. In the courier industry, we cannot afford such delays but we are working around the issue by sending our drivers out on the road earlier, reworking schedules and travelling along different routes to avoid any late arrivals,” Fanucchi says.

A significant cost concern for the entire logistics industry, he says, is the open road tolling system that will be implemented as part of the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project. Dawn Wing continuously aims to improve effeciencies to sustain costs to be able to satisfy industry needs.

Despite the economic downturn, the company reports growth with improved productivity and no necessary retrenchments. Productivity has improved and there have been no retrenchments.

Dawn Wing has won a Gold Logistics Achiever Award for technology advancements, as well as being voted the best courier company for nine consecutive years. They provide services to 220 countries through its international network.

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