Border delays continue to stymie smooth logistics operations

A unified solution at border posts
in southern Africa will make all
the difference in ensuring the
smooth movement of cargo across the
region, says Chris Chiinda, director of
Cee Cee Freight & Suppliers.
“Borders remain a major
headache,” says Chiinda. “We face
various challenges in the freight
forwarding industry but delays
at border posts is probably still
the biggest of all. Add to that the
challenge of capturing data for two
different countries and it just takes
even longer.”
Based in Lusaka in Zambia, the
company’s main line of business
is transport logistics, clearing and
forwarding of shipments working
across southern African countries.
“The reality around the movement
of goods is that a truck will cross
to Zimbabwe or Zambia, and in
both countries paperwork will have
to be captured and redone due to
the lack of a uniform system. We
believe that once a solution is found
to this problem, the days of delays
will be over. It is critical that we
adopt a common entry procedure for
southern Africa.”
But, despite this continued
challenge, the road freight industry
continues to grow from strength to
strength, says Chiinda.
“Rates have become more
favourable, and with more entrants
to the market competition has
increased, which is a good sign.”
But with more trucks on the
road, it is more important than ever
before to upgrade and maintain
infrastructure at all times.
“Good roads with reasonable
toll fees and fair road blocks to
safeguard the goods and the services
being offered in southern African
countries is imperative to our
industry,” says Chiinda. “Without
a doubt we must also improve our
railway systems as we need both
modes of transport.”