The partnership between Hayterdale Trails’ Great Zuurberg Collection and logistics giants DPD Laser is poised for the long haul following the latter’s acquisition of Fast + Furious last year.
Logistics company DPD Laser will be on board for the PwC Great Zuurberg Trek and the Rubicon Great Zuurberg Trek E-edition this year after its acquisition of Fast + Furious in 2021. Photo: Supplied
Fast + Furious had become an integral part of the Addo-based company’s stable of boutique events, which includes the PwC Great Zuurberg Trek and Rubicon Great Zuurberg Trek E-edtion.
DPD Laser chief executive and group director Phil Hayes said it was a privilege to continue with the relationship that Fast + Furious had established.
“We want to be associated with such events due to the intimacy that race director Trevor Hayter and his team have managed to create,” said Hayes.
“Riders and sponsors really benefit due to the nature of the field, which lends itself to more networking and a better experience for all.”
He confirmed that the existing arrangement would remain in place “but we hope to make it even better going forward”.
“We have seen the exposure that this event brings to all its sponsors, as well as the benefits that Fast + Furious gained in previous years, so we look forward to growing this partnership.
“The GZT organisers have created a really special offering where the participants feel that they are taking part in an elite and personal event,” he said.
“We are looking at even more opportunities to go the extra mile for the cyclists to enhance this whole experience.”
The transport of high-cost equipment such as bicycles fell well within the company’s capacity, said Hayes.
“We have recently expanded our specialist expertise into the distribution of larger, high-end products, so the distribution of expensive bicycles from various locations in South Africa is certainly within our range.”
He added that the acquisition was driven by the demand to service SA’s e-commerce growth, which had exploded since March 2020.
“The importance of express and ‘to consumer’ distribution has never been greater than at this time,” explained Hayes.
“This is an acquisition born out of necessity and the need to assist South African businesses and consumers in the toughest period of the last few decades.
“In the past 16 months, we have worked incredibly hard at supporting our customers and their clients through the various Covid-19 waves and subsequent lockdowns.
“Consumers need products to live and work, and they need safe, ‘contactless’ delivery, which is where we focused our attention.”
He said they were aiming at reaching deeper into SA via the network expansion and capability brought by Fast + Furious.
“We are excited about the possibilities and the extent to which the two businesses complement one another. This new arrangement means that we are able to build a network that can reach the far corners of South Africa.”
The acquisition augments DPD Laser from 900 to 1 500 staff members, sees 700 vehicles increase to nearly 1 100 and expands 15 national branches to a presence in more than 25 areas. It is estimated that 12-million parcels will be delivered in the next 12 months.
For Hayter, it will be business as usual.
“We are delighted to have new partners on board. They are certainly committed to developing the relationship which already exists.
“The transport of bikes for both the GZT and E-edition is a critical element of our offering and we are excited to continue this arrangement with DPD Laser.”
The PwC GZT takes place from May 27 to 29 and the Rubicon GZT-E from June 3 to 5, around 70km outside Gqeberha.
