Big copper contract moves on DRC-Jo’burg route

A contract for the movement of large volumes of copper from the DRC to Johannesburg, with lime on the return route, is keeping Zambia-based clearing and forwarding agent Cee Cee Freight on the move. And there are several good reasons why the company is keen to expand its share of this type of cargo, says managing director Chris Chiinda. “With a contract of this magnitude you are able to project how much profit you will make because the cargo is already there and you can utilise your trucks to maximum capacity.” Cee Cee was established more than six years ago. It signed up the copper deal last year and it will run for two years. The company is currently negotiating a major fertiliser contract for the government which would add considerable volumes to its transport base. “In the rainy season the government provides farmers with subsidised fertiliser which is not sourced locally. It moves from China to Durban and is trucked to Lusaka. “It could involve up to 50 000 tons which would significantly boost our business base.” And while speed is of the essence for cargo of this nature, border delays, roadblocks and poor infrastructure continue to stymie smooth movement of cargo, says Chiinda. “We don’t object to roadblocks which are essential to ensure that trucks are roadworthy, but staff inefficiency leads to unnecessary delays. “Transit time at the border should be no longer than 24 hours, but trucks are sometimes delayed for three to four days if there’s a problem.” Transit time from the DRC to Johannesburg, with 48 hours at each border, translates into two weeks. “This could be cut in half if there were no border delays,” says Chiinda. Recent moves to introduce electronic border clearance in the BLNS countries is a positive step forward, as is the one-stop border post at Chirundu, but harmonisation of customs regulations would be the first prize, and that’s a long way from realisation, he said.