Collaboration drives down costs

Inland transport costs remain the biggest challenge for Gauteng shippers – and collaboration is seen as the only answer. “Trucking companies will have to collaborate more with each other and also with rail if we want to move cargo efficiently and effectively,” said an industry role-player. “Why invest in ten trucks when there are already 200 running on low capacity? Rather procure the services of others to supplement resources. Collaboration is going to be key going forward.” It’s an established trend in the freight industry. Not only have several shipping lines started collaborating more, but Transnet Freight Rail has signed a memorandum of understanding with logistics specialists such as Imperial and Barloworld to work together.