ES. Tell us a bit about your journey into the world of logistics and how that crossed paths with the logistic industry?
Ruan King. We have been at the front of various exhibitions across the years where we have been privileged to move cargo across the world, some notables are IDEX – ABU DHABI, LAAD – BRAZIL, DSA – MALAYSIA, EUROSATORY – FRANCE, DSEI – LONDON. In addition, also Various military shipments which includes AMRAP Vehicles, Ammunition & Weapons
ES. How and when did you get into the shipping and transportation business?
Ruan King. I have been in the industry for 18 exciting years. I started off in 2005 as a junior consultant “an export controller” supporting senior leadership in various freight forwarding projects. I gained critical experience exporting military related cargo, project abnormal cargo, charter flights, cargo for events and cargo for exhibitions. Looking back, I am still learning every day, but I am grateful for those years of fining my craft and learning how to not only do the job but excel within the industry.
ES. Kindly brief us about the company, its specialization, and the services that your company offers.
Ruan King. King Cargo Projects is a freight forwarding company that was established in 2019. Our focus is project type cargo such as Dangerous Goods & Abnormal Loads, Military related cargo and of course exhibitions and events. We offer turnkey solutions, from door to door including customs clearance services, transportation by air, road, and sea.
ES. What is your biggest USP that differentiates the company from competitors?
Ruan King. At King Cargo Projects, we drive every project across the finish line by applying our company’s core values; Our team is service-driven, always manages open communication, produces comprehensive project solutions and are very well experienced. These values combined sets the King Cargo Projects team apart from other industry players.
ES. What are your growth plans for the next year?
Ruan King. We plan to expand our reach in the exhibition industry for both local and international exhibitions. King Cargo Project has recently established a sister company, King Cargo Onsite who specialise in logistics on-site at exhibition and events around South Africa.We are excited about this new venture and plan to expand as our economy slowly recovers from the Covid 19 – Pandemic.
ES. According to you what are the top challenges faced by the logistics Industry today?
Ruan King. Without a doubt the Covid pandemic was and remains our industry’s biggest challenge. This is an enormous obstacle that we and the rest of the industry will need to learn to live with. A lot of industries have been affected of which the events and exhibitions industry have been one of the worst. With the current restrictions we need to be agile and open for new and different ideas or we will be left behind.
ES. On another note, what do you enjoy the most about your work? Please share your hobbies, what keeps you busy when you are away from work?
Ruan King. After all the years of being in the industry I have learnt that I have a passion for exhibitions. Each exhibition is different, and the type of cargo varies which poses it challenges but it is unique to other logistics industries. Regardless of the long hours and being away from home, I enjoy the travelling, experiencing different food cultures, exercise and golf.
ES. What would be your message to the industry?
Ruan King. We have come so far with the challenges we faced with Covid over the past 2 years. Some of us have accepted new challenges and some of us have tried everything possible to keep our heads above water. We need to stay focused and determined on our goals and the results will come. Whether it be now or later the point is it will come.
