Cross-border volumes are on the increase, according to Willnes Eybers, borders manager at GoBorders.This comes as trade slowly returns to normal after two years of extreme upheaval and disruption as a result of the outbreak of Cov id-19.Eybers told Freight Newsthat a rise in volumes was good news for the freight and logistics sector, which had been badly affected by the global pandemic.“We are seeing more containerised cargo crossing the borders. This is due to the ongoing challenges faced in the ocean freight sector and to vessels changing routes.”Eybers said there was still lots of volatility in the market and that this required companies like GoBorders, one of the few agents operating at border posts that can offer bonds, to work long hours to pull out all the stops for customers.“We are extremely positive about the cross-border trade environment,” he said. “It is, however, essential that the private sector and statutory bodies work closely together towards common goals. This will see the f low of cargo at borders improve significantly. “The necessity for checks and balances at border posts is understandable as it ensures that countries are safe on both sides.”But, he added, private companies needed to make their voices heard by becoming more involved in the decisions taken and implemented at border posts. This would allow for industry needs to be met and would improve efficiency. “The private sector has valuable input that could make a difference in delivering efficient border posts.”Another challenge for many customers was hub stops, said Eybers. “It is an ongoing issue. Turnaround time at a border for any transporter is instrumental. Every hour standing there is an hour when they could have driven. The general time for turnaround is about four hours, but this is often not the case; it takes far longer.”He said the situation was exacerbated by the fact that at most border posts there were no decent facilities for truck drivers, be it ablutions or even just places to rest and buy food. “They have to sit in their vehicles and wait to be released to cross over. Often, the cargo is released but then they still cannot leave as the connection to the customs system is not up to date.”Eybers said decreasing waiting times at borders and improving the f low of cargo would further boost volumes and would result in even more cross-border trade.
