BOTSWANA IS this year’s biggest growth market for one 17 year-old consolidator that focuses on overborder service from SA. While other countries’ economies are picking up, the country with one of SADC’s most consistently well-performing economies is still going strong, according to M&B Transport Services. “We specialise in cross-border from Johannesburg and Durban to Swaziland, Botswana and Lesotho. Business is picking up and in Botswana we see our biggest growth. M&B carries all types of general cargo except perishables,” said general manager Daniel Singleton. Lesotho cargo volume is increasing, though we've noticed a decline in volumes from Swaziland compared to previous years, he said. After almost two decades of overborder service, Edenvale-based M&B Transport Services knows the ins and outs of customs. “It is generally the same time and distance from Gauteng to Maseru, Manzini or Gaborone, but the variable is the borders. For Botswana customs is done on the SA side at Zeerust, and you’re still 100 km from the border. Experience and correct paperwork definitely cuts down delays. “M&B strives to provide good quality service at affordable rates, but fuel is becoming a major cost component as are transport costs,” said Singleton. “Currently our fuel levy is revised on a monthly basis, but even with a fuel levy we believe we are still very competitive with rates.” The company – with a fleet of 25 trucks – leaves Johannesburg daily for each destination. Reinforcing its clientfocused approach, it has created a Customer Service Department to ensure optimal service levels at competitive rates, he added.
