Border delays increase costs

Keeping time when making deliveries
across borders remains a major
challenge for transporters thanks to
the significant delays experienced at border
posts, says Ralston Smith of Tiger Africa.
A road transport and freight specialist,
Tiger Africa runs a range of Superlink
and low bed trucks delivering goods from
South Africa to all parts of East and Central
Africa.
According to Smith the use of trucks
remains a faster and more reliable option
when moving freight in Africa, but border
post delays lead to increased costs.
“A borderless Africa would make operating
a lot easier and facilitate the movement
of goods while also being a lot more costefficient,”
he says.
Frequently using borders such as
Beitbridge, Chirundu, Kasumbalesa and
Nakonde for its operations, Smith says there
are major opportunities in the cross border
industry.
“South Africa is now recognised as the
best conduit into Africa. This is perfect for
the export business, but we must address the
challenge of border delays to streamline our
operations and increase efficiency.”
Tiger Africa recently introduced a
consolidation service into Swaziland, Lusaka
and Harare.