Abnormal load specialist plans fleet expansion

Abnormal load specialist Frits Kroon is upbeat about the year ahead with business in December and January showing positive signs. “We’re expecting a very good year,” director Frits Kroon told FTW, and are planning to expand the fleet to cater for the expected increase in volumes. “We only started feeling the impact of last year’s recession in June/July, but by December volumes were picking up and we’re very positive about the year ahead.” The company’s specialised fleet of lowbed abnormal trucks caters mainly for the mining industry. “The yellow metal industry is our major focus – and the recession we felt was mostly related to the fall in the copper price and its impact on the mining industry. “But by December things were already looking up.” The company adapts its transport routes to suit the types of cargo and the bridges and ferries that can be used, and for the most part there are few complaints about border efficiency. “Our biggest gripe is the cost of Zambian permits. They’re not difficult to get – just very expensive and there’s little hope of a change to the status quo. “If we move goods to the DRC we go through Zambia – to route through Angola is not worth our while.” And according to Kroon, transiting borders is generally smooth going. If the paperwork is up to speed, things usually go without a hitch. It’s largely about experience and knowing the route. Frits and his wife Tanya frequently travel to Zambia. “The more often you go there the better you get to know the problems that lie ahead. In Botswana and Zambia the roads have been significantly improved, in his view, and a strong police presence during the recent December holiday period provided a welcome boost for law enforcement on the roads.