Apuye, GM, Transcontinental Express Courier Laments Delay at Airport

The firm ensures that customers’ goods are save right from when the goods arrive at the airport up until the point of delivery.

Fidelis Apuye, general manager of the courier outfit is bringing his experience of long service with the Cross River State government to bear in repositioning the company to be as competitive and viable as its contemporaries.

Speaking to Nigeria CommunicationsWeek, Apuye revealed that the strength of the company lies in transparent honesty with which they handle their clients. He said that a client will be ready to do business with any company if he discovers the company is honest. To him honesty is an important ingredient in the business of courier.

Secondly, the target of the company at all times he said is to satisfy their customers as they deliver goods in all parts of the country.

With the advent of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) courier practice has assumed another dimension. Computer has indeed revolutionized the courier practice. With ICT, better and faster means of communication has since evolved. With internet and other ICT tools, the scope of courier practice has also been widened - bringing to the system glamour and ease of operations. The information age has necessitated that fast and modern means of transportation evolved.

Apuye maintained that technology has helped courier operations to overcome all those problems that appear impossible in courier business. "Take away technology and tell me how I can phone somebody in Owerri and inform him that his goods are arriving. Without technology, tell me how you can use the computer and assess information as fast as possible. Without technology, how will plane leave New York and arrive here the following day?" Apuye asked.

However, even with the aid of technology that has improved courier practice tremendously, there’s also the Nigeria factor hampering the business. The challenges according to the courier Icon consist of difficulty in clearing goods at the airport. Apuye said they have presented the problem to the parent body, Association of Nigerian Courier Operators (Anco) and the body has been trying to solve the problem but the solution is not yet there. Apuye is vexed with issues which he does not understand which go on at the airport. For instance, when a plane arrives at the airport, goods should be cleared with dispatch. Because of the delay at the airport he said some times weather conditions affect the goods which more often than not leave the goods in bad condition.

In a particular incident, he lamented that he had to personally appeal to a client whose goods were damaged by the rain before he accepted the goods.

The clearing fee charged at the airport should also be reviewed. Apuye is of the opinion that if the government can come to their assistance and reduce the cost of clearing that the sky will be the limit of courier operators.

Transcontinental courier does not believe in having its hands in many pies. It believes in specialization. Apuye said the company does not deliver Express and Mail even though they may consider that in future as they expand but the company for now is into haulage and logistics which they have comparative advantage over their competitors.

Applying economic term, Apuye said goods are not produced until they get to the final consumers and because of this, the firm ensures safe and fast delivery of clients’ goods no matter where they are coming from.

Summarily, Apuye said the firm has consistently kept its head above the water not minding the challenges in the sector.