Communication at the heart of Delta's speedy turnaround

JOY ORLEK THE RECENT clearance of 400 trucks over a three month period – at an average 20-30 minutes each – through the Mozambique and South African border posts was all in a day’s work for Komatipoort-based Delta Clearing. “Our agency specialises in all crossborder customs clearances for imports and exports and can also provide transport and other ancillary services,” says marketing manager Eddie Ferreira, who believes that communication lies at the heart of efficient and speedy border operations. And this involves the exporter, transporters, customs and Mozambican port agents. “We are currently clearing 20 000-30 000 tons of chrome per month – an average of 35 trucks a day – for the Nkomati mine project,” said Ferreira. “With good communication between ourselves and clients we ensure that trucks are not delayed at the SA clearing facility. As an EDI-approved agency, clearance is further streamlined.” While border clearance is its prime focus, Delta last September diversified into the courier field with the launch of a courier service from Komatipoort to Maputo. Using a closed panel van with capacity for 1 700kg, cargo is loaded at night, processed at 7.30 the next morning and delivered in Maputo by 14:00 the same day. A relatively new company, Delta has grown rapidly and now employs eight full-time staff at its commercial clearing facility, providing many years of combined expertise in the field.