Services

Air Freight

Buffalo freight, together with its overseas partners, will provide fast, cost effective door to door service.

This includes:
1.   Indent Monitoring
2.   Customs Clearing
3.   Invoicing
4.   Costing

All of Buffalo Freight Sytems drivers are contactable at all times on their cellular telephones which are provided by the company. Due to the cost of airfreight, our operations staff understand the need to expedite Customs clearance and delivery of cargo. Our experienced controllers have the the expertise and contacts at both Customs and Airlines, to ensure the shortest possible transit times are achieved.

Our airfreight operations is also open on weekends to allow for the clearance of freight arriving during this peak period.

Ocean Freight

Buffalo freight caters for all your ocean freight requirements whether full container loads, groupage or breakbulk, by planning and arranging shipping efficiently and cost effectively.

Naturally, our service includes prompt and accurate customs clearance ensuring that you pay the lowest legitimate rate of duty, as well as representation with other authorities as necessary.  

On the other side of the ocean, our network of partners provides landside services to your specifications. Port supervision is arranged here in South Africa or overseas, should there be any need for inspection, examinations or cargo repair.

Customs

Customs duties and related costs are a major component of landed costs for most importers. The task of customs declarations is particularly complex given the vast number of customs tariff items – over 20 000 – and the introduction of new product categories.  Incorrect declarations may delay release of your goods and cause you to incur serious penalties.   

Clearly, therefore, customs broking is a task for the experts.  

Buffalo freight employs customs clearance professionals with many years experience. They are supported by the latest computerised systems for speed and guaranteed accuracy and apply the lowest legitimate tariffs to assist you in remaining cost competitive. They are aware of all applicable legislation and procedures and where there is a case for favourable re-classification, they will negotiate with customs officials on your behalf.  

As a matter of course, they keep close to the customs department to stay abreast of any changes which may affect the duties you pay.

Logistics

Logistics management can significantly improve the competitive position of your company while cutting costs. A study by Coopers & Lybrand demonstrated the possibility of stock reductions of up to 50%. In addition to hard savings, you can reduce order cycle time, thus improving service levels. The extent to which you benefit is a function of your commodity, freighting and market profile.  

Despite demonstrable advantages, many companies are still reluctant to change. Apart from the need to abandon traditional comfort zones, there are two deterrant factors. The first is the requirement for fundamental, company-wide change in procurement, inventory and distribution management. The seond is the quantum of investment in physical facilities, skills, manpower and training. In today's environment operating space and salaries are particularly costly. There are also other implications in taking on additional weekly-paid staff.  

This is why outsourcing to a logistics specialist has become a popular solution. It allows you to gain the benefits at rates which reflects the service provider's economies of scale. It also moves logistics costs off balance sheet.  

Over the last decade, Buffalo freight has made ongoing investment in its logistics capabilities. We have the physical facilities and manpower, the systems and techniques, the experience and skills.  

As a first stage, our logistics division outsourcing activities such as warehousing, order pick and pack processes and distribution may generate immediate savings and offer you greater flexibility. It also means you can remain focused on your core competence.  

You'll find introducing logistics management with Buffalo freight is a comfortable and affordable co-sourcing process. We work with you to establish your objectives and compile a comprehensive sourcing, shipping and distribution profile. Then we phase in change at a pace that suits you. This gives you the chance to embrace change incrementally rather than on a "big bang" basis.

Insurance

Delays, damage and disruption to cargo are costly and disruptive. They reduce your ability to meet your promises to customers and may lead to lost business. You waste management time on claims, pay higher premiums and may find you become a bad risk.  

All of this makes cargo risk management a critical component of your supply-chain management. In the belief that prevention is better than cure, Buffalo freight works with you to assess your cargo risk profile.  

We then advise on procedures which can reduce the potential for pilferage or damage. This includes secure packing methods, optimal routing, trustworthy third parties for staging and transportation and cargo tracking in transit. Our premises and fleet are strictly controlled and monitored around the clock.   By reducing the incidence of discrepancy, you become a better insurance risk. Your precise requirements may vary depending on the cover offered by your supplier, your purchase terms and other factors. The conditions need to conform with changes to international trade practices and international interpretations.  

Once your profile has been determined, we assist you in negotiating appropriate and cost-effective cover for your various surface or air consignments using the skill and experience of our accredited broker.  

As we hold an “open marine” policy we are able to activate per-shipment cover automatically. To save you time and reduce paperwork, the premium is raised on our invoice of transport charges.   We hand over claims to the insurers for prompt settlement without involving you in time-consuming procedures.

Security

Research shows that importers and exporters rate security among their top three supply-chain needs.

The consequences of theft or damage to consignments include non-fulfilment of orders to end users. Re-ordering causes documentary complexities and costly delays which may in turn result in loss of business to more reliable suppliers.  

Such interruptions in your delivery cycle also interrupt the smooth running of your business. There is the nuisance of administration and the likelihood of prohibitive insurance premiums for repeat claims.   In a high-risk security environment like South Africa, prevention is better than cure.  

That's why Buffalo freight employs physical and documentary precautions to protect the integrity of customer shipments from both opportunist and organised crime. All our trucks are protected by satellite tracking devices while unmarked vehicles shadow high value consignments in transit.  

Our premises are completely fenced off for access control and guarded around the clock. We use closed-circuit television to monitor activity within the premises so that management is alerted in the event of anything untoward.  

Buffalo freight staff are trained in cargo care. Not only does this result in careful handling of your goods - it means we offer practical advice for loss and damage control. This can range from suggestions about packaging to shipment methods to consultation regarding better door-to-door security.