Agents concerned over impact of toll roads on tariffs

With infrastructure issues dominating the agenda for most Gauteng shippers, the opening of new roads has been a welcome development. But the expected associated costs are already causing headaches. “We are concerned about the knockon effect of the road tolling on heavy vehicles,” says operations director of Cargocare Freight Services, Sue Wood. “There is very little that agents can actually do about this challenge except to support the Road Freight Association in its lobby with Sanral and hope that we get some kind of rebate. “As much as we understand the theory of charging higher rates to those road users with vehicles that generate the greatest wear and tear on the roads, at the end of the day the additional costs will have to be borne by the consumer.” It comes at a time when business is beginning to expand once again. “In fact we have certainly gained ground across the board,” says Wood. “Our exporters are enjoying the benefits of our full Part 108 regulated agent status, while we are working hard to smooth out the projected transit delays that are likely to affect import cargo from the US due to the 100% screening regulation which came into effect on August 1.” There is no doubt, says Wood, that importers of goods from China have been impacted by the mysterious Chinese surcharges which are coming to light on their “freight prepaid” freight bills. “This of course will be affecting importers across the country, not just in Gauteng. We have alerted local importers to this situation and encouraged them to take the matter up with their suppliers where they have been affected,” she told FTW. Cargocare in the meantime is gearing up systems and staffing for expected good growth over the year ahead.