OL International Holdings LLC (OL International) today announced the launch of Oceanwide Logistics SA (Pty) Ltd (OL South Africa) with the opening of its newest office in Umhlanga, Durban. OL South Africa joins the company's growing global NVOCC network of 19 offices and more than 120 agents worldwide, many of which are part of the Oceanwide Logistics Global Network. This integrated network allows OL International to deliver powerful and seamless service to and from South Africa and ports around the world.
OL South Africa will be led by managing director Bruce Stephenson, a 30-plus-year industry veteran who previously led sales, marketing, trade lane development, and procurement efforts for OL agents in South Africa. A fixture in the industry, in the late 1980s he was a member of the team that launched Hellmann Worldwide Logistics in South Africa, and at the age of 34 was named managing director of Translogic Shipping, then the nation's largest agent through the port of Durban.
"We are thrilled to be able to leverage the full power of the Oceanwide Logistics Global Network to deliver for our clients across all air and ocean ports in South Africa," said Stephenson. "In a world where peak efficiency and accuracy are critical components of success, we are proud that industry-leading features like Track & Trace and EDI-fed reporting directly from carriers will keep clients updated in real-time. Advanced technology combined with decades of local logistical expertise make for a powerful package that we are very excited about."
"Opening a company office to manage all of South Africa is a strategic part of OL International's global expansion," stated Alan Baer, president of OL International. "The Port of Durban is the busiest shipping terminal in sub-Saharan Africa, and the 4th largest container terminal in the Southern Hemisphere. It acts as an essential gateway for 'South-South' trade, and connects Asia, Europe, and the Americas, as well as trade between East and West Africa."
Stephenson and his team have built a track record of applying fresh thinking to overcome challenges and deliver superior service. Their ability to develop innovative solutions to any challenge has won the appreciation and loyalty of clients.
