Timisoara-based shipping company Dunca Expeditii forecasts turnover growth of 50% for 2005, to 15 million euros.

"This development of the turnover from the 10.5 million euros we logged in 2004 is due to the increase in the vehicle stock, to the higher number of kilometres travelled, as well as to the higher fuel prices, which have directly impacted this indicator," stated Dunca Romeo Dan, general manager of Dunca Expeditii.

Despite this 50% turnover increase for 2005, Dunca Expeditii has been harmed by the increase in fuel prices on the international markets, which has caused it losses, in the sense of a lower profit margin.

The Timisoara-based shipping company believes that the only problem of the transports market is the lack of discipline. "Neither domestic carriers, nor foreign ones abide by current regulations. With a view to Romania"s joining the EU, carriers are not familiar with the current legislation and are not completely committed," explained Dunca.

The company plans to make use of the growth potential of the Romanian logistics market over the next few years. "Our long-term plan is to develop and strengthen a company that may be capable of delivering integrated transportation and logistics services. On the medium and short term, we want to boost our existing vehicle stock by 50% and finalise the construction of a logistic centre in Timisoara, with a surface area of 15,000 square metres," said Dunca. In 2004, Dunca started operating in the domain of logistics as well, having Procter & Gamble Romania as its main customer.

Established in 1994, Dunca Expeditii operates in the domain of internal and international transportation of general commodities, hazardous materials (especially liquefied gas or compressed gas) etc. The Timisoara-based company is the only carrier of liquefied gas for Linde Gaz Rom