Spotlight On Townlink Freight

Townlink Freight is a Malawi originated privately owned and independent Freight Forwarding and Customs Clearance Company. It’s now Malawi’s fastest growing brand in the logistics sector.

James Chiomba is founder and Managing Director of Townlink Freight. The company provides a diversified range of services across Malawi and beyond; freight services, international haulage, customs clearance and logistical services in partnership with a network of agency partners worldwide. According to Chiomba, the company has made great strides in the market, working with small and large customers.  Under his supervision; management continually trains staff and equips them with skills in compliance with freight forwarding and customs procedures to ensure clients experience first-class customer service. He narrates that this customer focus strategy has brought in accelerated and unprecedented growth of market share of the business in the industry.

Chiomba stresses that his company realizes that clients need peace of mind whilst they process movement and clearance of their goods, so when clients testify to the fact that they are satisfied with the service given, it motivates and encourages his team to even go an extra-mile. “That is our promise.” He said.

“We realized early on that every customer needs excellent and personalized service. And so, we advise tailor-made solutions and best fit options for clients to increase efficiency and effectiveness, in the process of delivering value which clients need. We work closely with clients to understand their core needs, whether it is a long-term contract or a one-off transaction. We also do business at competitive rates and use one point of contact throughout the logistics process, just to serve clients better.” He emphasizes.

KEEPING PACE WITH THE MARKET TRENDS

Chiomba believes that by its very nature, freight and customs clearance is just like any service that one can provide in any industry. It’s about speed of service delivery, reliability, trust, efficiency, cost control, network and so much more. It’s about identifying the best freight options and distribution partners globally, listening to what the client wants and executing in such a way that exceeds customer expectations. “We’re happy that our clients look to Townlink Freight as freight solution partners and a reliable logistics alternative, and this enables us stay ahead of the competition. Townlink Freight will always put customers interest first, executing their orders in the swiftest way.” Vows Chiomba.

THE INDUSTRY SCENARIO

The state of the logistics industry is not as buoyant. It is still recovering from the effects of covid 19. The Russia, Ukraine war has just worsened the situation. However the growth of e-commerce means that there is greater need for efficiency in the logistics sector, more products need to be moved from one place to another and swiftly. It means the market is growing which is good for the industry.

So, the better organized players in the industry and the better service providers will survive the storm of Covid 19 and the Russia, Ukraine war and continue to grow and gain larger market share. 

The logistics sector has gained a lot of prominence in the recent years. With the advent of technology, the world has become one big market so much that items can be sold easily to clients at global level using technology. Freight and forwarding companies are therefore critical in the global economy by enabling commerce to take place. Logistics industry is now one big sector generating employment and making life easier for people across the world.

WHO IS JAMES CHIOMBA?

James Chiomba is a shrewd entrepreneur and a visionary leader. He is founder and Group Managing Director of Townlink Freight and BD Cargo. His leadership skills involve coaching, delegating and motivation. He believes in democratizing management and team cooperation more than unilateral action, when it comes to decision making. He’s firm, formidable and an astute manager, a customer focused and good team player.

Chiomba is God fearing, born and brought up in Blantyre from a dedicated Christian family. He is a qualified customs and logistics professional with several years of experience helping individuals and organizations import and export cargo and all associated items in the commodities supply chain, with peace of mind.

Chiomba, under parents care, he lived in Soche East, Nkolokosa, Namiwawa and Mpingwe residential localities. His passion for entrepreneurship stems from his childhood years. People noticed those traits early on in his life. Apparently entrepreneurship runs in the family tree, some people say. It is said that most of his grandparents were big traders, including his father.

Chiomba believes that his companies will one day venture into manufacturing. “If only we can have enough electricity capacity, we should one day own a factory. One of the challenges we face as a country is too much load shedding which is not good to run a factory, and also, we urge government to come up with deliberate policies to empower indigenous Malawians to venture into manufacturing. Once we rollout a factory, which I plan to achieve, then I would take my retirement.”  Chiomba tells MyManInAfrica magazine.

WHAT IS YOUR VISION?

Our vision for Townlink Freight is to create a customer focused and Africa wide logistics brand that meets the needs of suppliers, distributers, transporters, exporters, importers and individuals in the commodities supply chain by providing consistently, quality services such as; air freight, ocean freight, road freight, international cargo haulage, customs clearing and warehousing.

WHAT IS THE IMPACT OF TOWNLINK FREIGHT ON THE ECONOMY?

If Malawi’s economy is to thrive and achieve its full potential, the ability to move goods swiftly to and from out of the country is important. Nations can only operate at full potential when there is ease of doing business; connecting economic opportunities by having efficient logistics companies like Townlink Freight.

In Malawi, getting cargo into Malawi and moved to the final destination is often a big challenge. As Townlink Freight, through our branch network, partner transporters and leveraging on the power of rail, we’re able to provide world-class logistics solutions that meet the needs of our suppliers and customers. We shorten the turn-around of commerce which impacts positively on the country’s economy.

As Townlink, we combine the most efficient transport modes based on each client’s needs. Our freight haulage services operate on routes between supplier terminals, port terminals and railway terminals. We also provide fit-for-purpose storage solutions.

HOW DOES TOWNLINK FREIGHT DIFFER FROM YOUR BIGGEST COMPETITORS

Firstly let me describe in simple term what our company does. Townlink Freight is a business in the logistics industry, helping owners of goods and owners of means of transport. We are at the forefront helping cargo owners in efficient movement of goods to the buyers by completing a number of procedural and documentary formalities. Now how you do these formalities and represent stakeholders in the supply chain is what matters.

Our clients trust us because over the years we have given them a service that is reliable and suits their needs. At Townlink Freight, we’re flexible and honest and honestly, this is the foundation about which our company has thrived. We are commitment in what we do so our clients have peace of mind.

COULD YOU TELL US MORE ABOUT TOWNLINK FREIGHT?

Townlink Freight in a nutshell is a leading company providing group activities covering all aspects of cargo handling from clearing and forwarding to container freight stations, to warehousing and shipping services.

Our primary business lines are clearing, road, and air and sea transportation to all over the world. We pride ourselves of well trained personnel in all manned border entry points of Malawi. Our professional team of highly motivated and experienced staff works effectively both in a team and on individual basis. This at the end is what makes us and defines us, Townlink Freight. 

WHAT IS THE MISSION OF TOWNLINK FREIGHT?

To constantly exceed customer expectations by providing superior logistical, freight forwarding and global transportation solutions including cargo brokerage and logistics services.

COVID 19 AND THE UKRAINE WAR HAVE AFFECTED THE LOGISTICTS INDUSTRY. HOW ARE YOU NAVIGATING THESE CHALLENGES?

Like any other business, we have also been affected greatly but the good thing is that air freight has been afloat because we have other clients who import regularly. This business sustains our administrative bills and operations but of course not enough to embark on major projects. So, yes the war has had a negative impact but we recognize that every problem we have faced as a business in the past came to an end and this too, will end one day.

PEOPLE INTERESTED IN FREIGHT SERVICES, WHERE CAN THEY FIND YOU?

We have offices in all three major cities of Malawi namely; Blantyre, Lilongwe and Mzuzu. Our head office is situated at Chitawira behind Peoples Trading Centre. We are conveniently represented also in all manned borders of Malawi.

WHAT CAN YOU SAY ABOUT THE DEVELOPMENTS AND CHANGES YOUR COMPANY HAS GONE THROUGH SINCE INCEPTION?

I must say that the journey has been interesting. Townlink Freight is a spinoff of the now separate company BD Cargo. We started BD Cargo in 1999 and it was then based in Limbe. Due to some other reasons, in 2010, we had two business units under BD Cargo; the clearing section and the equipment hiring section. Overtime, we decided to split and create two separate companies and this gave birth to Townlink Freight. So, Townlink Freight was birthed to focus on customs clearing and freight forwarding where as BD Cargo concentrated on equipment hiring and container sales.

Sometimes when I sit down and reminiscent the business turbulence I have been through as founder, I admittedly say “This can only be GOD.” From a small office in Limbe in 1999 to Chitawira in 2008 and from operating alone in the office to now a big office with 42 staff compliment on pay roll, a lot of changes have been made.

WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE PLANS?

Our future plans are to have our own office establishment in Blantyre and Lilongwe and also have our own container depot to compete well with some bigger companies. And finally, I would want to attack other countries economy. What do I mean? That is, we should get ourselves an office in Mozambique at the port of Beira and Nacara. I think this would make our business buoyant.

IN YOUR ENTREPRENEURIAL JOURNEY HOW DID YOU OVERCOME CHALLENGES

One has to put on a thick skin of resilience, persistence and above all remain focused to overcome challenges. Most entrepreneurs get derailed by their success. They seek gratification from the public which lead to failure. To show their success, others tend to over diversify, they want to trade in anything that catches their attention, leading to thinly spreading their limited resources across a number of businesses. It takes a lot of focus, resilience and experience to build a thriving business.

ENLIGHTEN US, JUST A PIECE OF ADVICE TO THOSE WHO ARE STARTING-OUT IN ENTREPRENEURSHIP, ESPECIALLY YOUNG PEOPLE?

Young people should be focused. Obstacles are many and every one runs into obstacle on his trajectory to growth. But the way you deal with them will determine whether you stumble and fall or overcome them unscathed. If not managed well these can stall our focus, stop our mental energy and sometimes thwart our most important initiatives.

YOU’RE A GROUP MANAGING DIRECTOR, COULD YOU SHED SOME LIGHT ABOUT BD CARGO AS A COMPANY

My entrepreneurial journey has been very interesting. I have started quite a few businesses that didn’t take off as expected, but BD Cargo has been the game changer. I started seeing growth with BD Cargo which I started in 1999.

At inception, BD Cargo was based in Limbe and at that time the services were predominantly clearing and forwarding services. It should be noted that it was only after we had seen a gap in the private plant hire  and heavy machinery sector that we decided to seize the opportunity by getting into the ring and compete with the ‘big guys’, then the industry was monopolized by Asian entrepreneurs. Heavy machinery hire industry demands for big capital to start, so it was not easy making an entry. I was young at that time but I was not intimidated. They say where there is a will, there is a way.

We moved to Chitawira in 2008 but we were still operating both business units under BD Cargo. In 2010, a decision was made to establish Townlink Freight as a spin-off of BD Cargo; so BD Cargo would concentrate on Plant Hire and Townlink Freight operating as a customs clearance and freight forwarding company. That is the genesis.

It wasn’t easy to penetrate the market as BD Cargo, because of stiffer competition from other established players. Some of the strategies we implemented included charging lower prices; it eventually worked well for us. Upon seeing that orders were many, we adjusted our rates a bit so that we can still be competitive. Other strategies included setting aside a budget for good marketing, recruiting competent staff who are empowered and are passionate about taking the company to greater success. Because of hard work and shear tenacity, BD Cargo is now one of the leading heavy machinery and plant hire companies in Malawi.

WHY SHOULD THOSE LOOKING TO HIRE HEAVY MACHINERY CHOOSE BD CARGO?

We consider many factors when setting a price. So, we’re flexible when it comes to pricing to suit the customer needs. When billing, we have the following parameters; hourly and daily rates and operators allowance. At times, we forego operators’ allowance. We also offer 10% standard discount for non- profit organizations that do charity work. 15% is given as discount to church establishments as part of our marketing effort.

ANY MORE NEWS FROM YOUR COMPANIES YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE?

Our companies were established on the foundation of honesty and trust. We strive to uphold these principles no matter the case. Regarding clearing companies, these have been branded as crooks; we have taken it as a great task with our employees, not to indulge in any dishonest activities, so far so good and our customers are happy with the service we provide.

We cherish the business support we get from individuals, the corporate world and government institutions. I would like to assure them that we will never disappoint. When they are not happy with our service, I urge them to let us know so that we can improve. There is always room to improve. We also work well with our bankers and because of the support we get from the market; our bankers are willing to finance our undertakings especially to acquire more equipment.

Townlink Freight is a Malawi originated privately owned and independent Freight Forwarding and Customs Clearance Company. It’s now Malawi’s fastest growing brand in the logistics sector.

James Chiomba is founder and Managing Director of Townlink Freight. The company provides a diversified range of services across Malawi and beyond; freight services, international haulage, customs clearance and logistical services in partnership with a network of agency partners worldwide. According to Chiomba, the company has made great strides in the market, working with small and large customers.  Under his supervision; management continually trains staff and equips them with skills in compliance with freight forwarding and customs procedures to ensure clients experience first-class customer service. He narrates that this customer focus strategy has brought in accelerated and unprecedented growth of market share of the business in the industry.

Chiomba stresses that his company realizes that clients need peace of mind whilst they process movement and clearance of their goods, so when clients testify to the fact that they are satisfied with the service given, it motivates and encourages his team to even go an extra-mile. “That is our promise.” He said.

“We realized early on that every customer needs excellent and personalized service. And so, we advise tailor-made solutions and best fit options for clients to increase efficiency and effectiveness, in the process of delivering value which clients need. We work closely with clients to understand their core needs, whether it is a long-term contract or a one-off transaction. We also do business at competitive rates and use one point of contact throughout the logistics process, just to serve clients better.” He emphasizes.

KEEPING PACE WITH THE MARKET TRENDS

Chiomba believes that by its very nature, freight and customs clearance is just like any service that one can provide in any industry. It’s about speed of service delivery, reliability, trust, efficiency, cost control, network and so much more. It’s about identifying the best freight options and distribution partners globally, listening to what the client wants and executing in such a way that exceeds customer expectations. “We’re happy that our clients look to Townlink Freight as freight solution partners and a reliable logistics alternative, and this enables us stay ahead of the competition. Townlink Freight will always put customers interest first, executing their orders in the swiftest way.” Vows Chiomba.

THE INDUSTRY SCENARIO

The state of the logistics industry is not as buoyant. It is still recovering from the effects of covid 19. The Russia, Ukraine war has just worsened the situation. However the growth of e-commerce means that there is greater need for efficiency in the logistics sector, more products need to be moved from one place to another and swiftly. It means the market is growing which is good for the industry.

So, the better organized players in the industry and the better service providers will survive the storm of Covid 19 and the Russia, Ukraine war and continue to grow and gain larger market share. 

The logistics sector has gained a lot of prominence in the recent years. With the advent of technology, the world has become one big market so much that items can be sold easily to clients at global level using technology. Freight and forwarding companies are therefore critical in the global economy by enabling commerce to take place. Logistics industry is now one big sector generating employment and making life easier for people across the world.

WHO IS JAMES CHIOMBA?

James Chiomba is a shrewd entrepreneur and a visionary leader. He is founder and Group Managing Director of Townlink Freight and BD Cargo. His leadership skills involve coaching, delegating and motivation. He believes in democratizing management and team cooperation more than unilateral action, when it comes to decision making. He’s firm, formidable and an astute manager, a customer focused and good team player.

Chiomba is God fearing, born and brought up in Blantyre from a dedicated Christian family. He is a qualified customs and logistics professional with several years of experience helping individuals and organizations import and export cargo and all associated items in the commodities supply chain, with peace of mind.

Chiomba, under parents care, he lived in Soche East, Nkolokosa, Namiwawa and Mpingwe residential localities. His passion for entrepreneurship stems from his childhood years. People noticed those traits early on in his life. Apparently entrepreneurship runs in the family tree, some people say. It is said that most of his grandparents were big traders, including his father.

Chiomba believes that his companies will one day venture into manufacturing. “If only we can have enough electricity capacity, we should one day own a factory. One of the challenges we face as a country is too much load shedding which is not good to run a factory, and also, we urge government to come up with deliberate policies to empower indigenous Malawians to venture into manufacturing. Once we rollout a factory, which I plan to achieve, then I would take my retirement.”  Chiomba tells MyManInAfrica magazine.

WHAT IS YOUR VISION?

Our vision for Townlink Freight is to create a customer focused and Africa wide logistics brand that meets the needs of suppliers, distributers, transporters, exporters, importers and individuals in the commodities supply chain by providing consistently, quality services such as; air freight, ocean freight, road freight, international cargo haulage, customs clearing and warehousing.

WHAT IS THE IMPACT OF TOWNLINK FREIGHT ON THE ECONOMY?

If Malawi’s economy is to thrive and achieve its full potential, the ability to move goods swiftly to and from out of the country is important. Nations can only operate at full potential when there is ease of doing business; connecting economic opportunities by having efficient logistics companies like Townlink Freight.

In Malawi, getting cargo into Malawi and moved to the final destination is often a big challenge. As Townlink Freight, through our branch network, partner transporters and leveraging on the power of rail, we’re able to provide world-class logistics solutions that meet the needs of our suppliers and customers. We shorten the turn-around of commerce which impacts positively on the country’s economy.

As Townlink, we combine the most efficient transport modes based on each client’s needs. Our freight haulage services operate on routes between supplier terminals, port terminals and railway terminals. We also provide fit-for-purpose storage solutions.

HOW DOES TOWNLINK FREIGHT DIFFER FROM YOUR BIGGEST COMPETITORS

Firstly let me describe in simple term what our company does. Townlink Freight is a business in the logistics industry, helping owners of goods and owners of means of transport. We are at the forefront helping cargo owners in efficient movement of goods to the buyers by completing a number of procedural and documentary formalities. Now how you do these formalities and represent stakeholders in the supply chain is what matters.

Our clients trust us because over the years we have given them a service that is reliable and suits their needs. At Townlink Freight, we’re flexible and honest and honestly, this is the foundation about which our company has thrived. We are commitment in what we do so our clients have peace of mind.

COULD YOU TELL US MORE ABOUT TOWNLINK FREIGHT?

Townlink Freight in a nutshell is a leading company providing group activities covering all aspects of cargo handling from clearing and forwarding to container freight stations, to warehousing and shipping services.

Our primary business lines are clearing, road, and air and sea transportation to all over the world. We pride ourselves of well trained personnel in all manned border entry points of Malawi. Our professional team of highly motivated and experienced staff works effectively both in a team and on individual basis. This at the end is what makes us and defines us, Townlink Freight. 

WHAT IS THE MISSION OF TOWNLINK FREIGHT?

To constantly exceed customer expectations by providing superior logistical, freight forwarding and global transportation solutions including cargo brokerage and logistics services.

COVID 19 AND THE UKRAINE WAR HAVE AFFECTED THE LOGISTICTS INDUSTRY. HOW ARE YOU NAVIGATING THESE CHALLENGES?

Like any other business, we have also been affected greatly but the good thing is that air freight has been afloat because we have other clients who import regularly. This business sustains our administrative bills and operations but of course not enough to embark on major projects. So, yes the war has had a negative impact but we recognize that every problem we have faced as a business in the past came to an end and this too, will end one day.

PEOPLE INTERESTED IN FREIGHT SERVICES, WHERE CAN THEY FIND YOU?

We have offices in all three major cities of Malawi namely; Blantyre, Lilongwe and Mzuzu. Our head office is situated at Chitawira behind Peoples Trading Centre. We are conveniently represented also in all manned borders of Malawi.

WHAT CAN YOU SAY ABOUT THE DEVELOPMENTS AND CHANGES YOUR COMPANY HAS GONE THROUGH SINCE INCEPTION?

I must say that the journey has been interesting. Townlink Freight is a spinoff of the now separate company BD Cargo. We started BD Cargo in 1999 and it was then based in Limbe. Due to some other reasons, in 2010, we had two business units under BD Cargo; the clearing section and the equipment hiring section. Overtime, we decided to split and create two separate companies and this gave birth to Townlink Freight. So, Townlink Freight was birthed to focus on customs clearing and freight forwarding where as BD Cargo concentrated on equipment hiring and container sales.

Sometimes when I sit down and reminiscent the business turbulence I have been through as founder, I admittedly say “This can only be GOD.” From a small office in Limbe in 1999 to Chitawira in 2008 and from operating alone in the office to now a big office with 42 staff compliment on pay roll, a lot of changes have been made.

WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE PLANS?

Our future plans are to have our own office establishment in Blantyre and Lilongwe and also have our own container depot to compete well with some bigger companies. And finally, I would want to attack other countries economy. What do I mean? That is, we should get ourselves an office in Mozambique at the port of Beira and Nacara. I think this would make our business buoyant.

IN YOUR ENTREPRENEURIAL JOURNEY HOW DID YOU OVERCOME CHALLENGES

One has to put on a thick skin of resilience, persistence and above all remain focused to overcome challenges. Most entrepreneurs get derailed by their success. They seek gratification from the public which lead to failure. To show their success, others tend to over diversify, they want to trade in anything that catches their attention, leading to thinly spreading their limited resources across a number of businesses. It takes a lot of focus, resilience and experience to build a thriving business.

ENLIGHTEN US, JUST A PIECE OF ADVICE TO THOSE WHO ARE STARTING-OUT IN ENTREPRENEURSHIP, ESPECIALLY YOUNG PEOPLE?

Young people should be focused. Obstacles are many and every one runs into obstacle on his trajectory to growth. But the way you deal with them will determine whether you stumble and fall or overcome them unscathed. If not managed well these can stall our focus, stop our mental energy and sometimes thwart our most important initiatives.

YOU’RE A GROUP MANAGING DIRECTOR, COULD YOU SHED SOME LIGHT ABOUT BD CARGO AS A COMPANY

My entrepreneurial journey has been very interesting. I have started quite a few businesses that didn’t take off as expected, but BD Cargo has been the game changer. I started seeing growth with BD Cargo which I started in 1999.

At inception, BD Cargo was based in Limbe and at that time the services were predominantly clearing and forwarding services. It should be noted that it was only after we had seen a gap in the private plant hire  and heavy machinery sector that we decided to seize the opportunity by getting into the ring and compete with the ‘big guys’, then the industry was monopolized by Asian entrepreneurs. Heavy machinery hire industry demands for big capital to start, so it was not easy making an entry. I was young at that time but I was not intimidated. They say where there is a will, there is a way.

We moved to Chitawira in 2008 but we were still operating both business units under BD Cargo. In 2010, a decision was made to establish Townlink Freight as a spin-off of BD Cargo; so BD Cargo would concentrate on Plant Hire and Townlink Freight operating as a customs clearance and freight forwarding company. That is the genesis.

It wasn’t easy to penetrate the market as BD Cargo, because of stiffer competition from other established players. Some of the strategies we implemented included charging lower prices; it eventually worked well for us. Upon seeing that orders were many, we adjusted our rates a bit so that we can still be competitive. Other strategies included setting aside a budget for good marketing, recruiting competent staff who are empowered and are passionate about taking the company to greater success. Because of hard work and shear tenacity, BD Cargo is now one of the leading heavy machinery and plant hire companies in Malawi.

WHY SHOULD THOSE LOOKING TO HIRE HEAVY MACHINERY CHOOSE BD CARGO?

We consider many factors when setting a price. So, we’re flexible when it comes to pricing to suit the customer needs. When billing, we have the following parameters; hourly and daily rates and operators allowance. At times, we forego operators’ allowance. We also offer 10% standard discount for non- profit organizations that do charity work. 15% is given as discount to church establishments as part of our marketing effort.

ANY MORE NEWS FROM YOUR COMPANIES YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE?

Our companies were established on the foundation of honesty and trust. We strive to uphold these principles no matter the case. Regarding clearing companies, these have been branded as crooks; we have taken it as a great task with our employees, not to indulge in any dishonest activities, so far so good and our customers are happy with the service we provide.

We cherish the business support we get from individuals, the corporate world and government institutions. I would like to assure them that we will never disappoint. When they are not happy with our service, I urge them to let us know so that we can improve. There is always room to improve. We also work well with our bankers and because of the support we get from the market; our bankers are willing to finance our undertakings especially to acquire more equipment.