Durban Freight Procedures -& working with Cats

Bern has been handling freight for quite a few years now. She has worked under extreme pressure and difficult work environments. But her experience in Durban has been different t to say the least.



Bern’s evening operational procedure.

1. Remove cat from out bound box where the waybills are kept for capturing

2. Make sure all documents still intact without shredded/ chewed/ paper

3. Remove cat from box again

4. Go to medicine cabinet to get plaster for ripped hand

5. Re-print all complaint sheets, which we attach to deliveries destined for the customer care company we handle collection on behalf of

6. Remove cat again.

7. Shriek uncontrollably as cat is now ripping Bern’s arm apart

8. Quick trip to after hour’s medical centre – R350 later and pain pills from chemist extra R120.00

9. Walk in and gingerly look at cat – make sure to keep her distance. Reach out and gently tip cat out of out bound freight box…….

10. Say .... F... it you can have the bloody out bound box...., - grab the waybills from the cat’s claws – waybills are now in tatters.

11. Try to work on Michelle’s computer, and reprint everything

12. Remove another cat from Michelle's chair

12. Get attacked for her efforts

13. Return trip to medical centre – stitches and strange looks from the medical staff.

14. Find an open off hours bottle store – buy as much southern comfort as your now empty wallet will allow- realize that a thimble full is all you have enough money for and settle for a free calendar they hand out. After all, you deserve something for the trip

15. Return home; almost forget to open the gate as she drives in to the driveway.

16. Only just remember to open the gate, cursing because she is sure she left the gate open for her speedy return

17. Walk into the house and comment that the gate was closed. Michelle reminds her that closing the gate is not an option for Safety in South Africa

18. Glare at the cat, and very quietly under breath swears obscenities…

19. Stand and capture with bandaged fingers with blood dripping on key board

20. Take a tranquilizer and just give up – shouting that the waybills can be sent to Cape Town without being captured and G help anyone who asks why there are no pre-alerts on the system.

21. Get ready for bed – all the cats follow……. Humph at the unfairness of it all. Reach for more pain pills and then have to give up the bed for 5 cats who rule!