Australian-based customs broker, Platinum Freight Management is launching its first permanently staffed international office in Auckland.
The company has grown from an office of one in Sydney in 2000 to become an independent operator with presence in nine major states and territories in Australia and now in New Zealand.
Australian-based Platinum Freight Management chief executive officer Peter McRae will officially open the Auckland office this week.
“For clients trading from global ports as far as China and North America, having one representative across the Tasman Sea is increasingly critical to effective importing and exporting logistics,” says McRae.
It has plans to launch additional global offices in the coming year, in line with a growth strategy to enter regions where there is significant existing and potential client activity.
Platinum says it is responsible for managing all export and import customs clearance processes for its clients – from independent operators to large national businesses, including logistics and transport, quarantine inspections, risk assessment, compliance and auditing to government regulators standards such as the New Zealand Customs Service and Ministry of Primary Industries.
The company offers each client one broker ‘touchpoint’ through all stages of the import/ export process. This gives clients seamless job delivery with no double-handling of administration and lower fees.
It also employs brokers fluent in Mandarin for communication with Chinese manufacturers and logistics.
The company holds accreditations to work with the New Zealand Customs Service. It also holds accreditation for US and Canadian markets, offering insight and expertise in the global marketplace.
It has developed a number of client programmes including the Green Customs and Green Cargo initiative that provides discounts to importers of environmentally friendly goods such as water tanks, solar panels and bicycles. Also a young entrepreneurs programme to educate and offer discounts for young businesspeople entering the importing/exporting business.
In addition, Platinum Freight also donates five to 10% of profits each month to community-based organisations and other social initiatives.
McRae also lectures in Australian TAFE Colleges and offers education seminars to clients about Customs laws and processes, a service that he says will likely roll out in New Zealand in the coming year.
