Celtic Freight has opened what commercial manager Aileen Ryan calls the “perfect” 80 000-sqm terminal in Johannesburg.
“We have built and designed the yard around our specific needs.
“Building the depot ourselves rather than purchasing an existing facility meant we could create what we believe is the perfect cross border, consolidation specialist trucking facility,” she says.
The cargo yard has 20 000sqm of concrete surface to allow the free movement of the facility’s two reach stackers, and to accommodate the unpacking and repacking of transit containers.
“Having two stackers on site, two weighbridges and ample space has meant that we can now speed up the offloading of delivery trucks and not hamper the loading out of our crossborder fleet.
“The receiving cargo area is on one side of the warehouse, and loading out the other side so a smooth flow is achieved.
“We also separate full loads and consolidation cargo deliveries, again avoiding congestion and ensuring smoother management,” she says.
Security has been greatly enhanced with high-definition cameras recording the receiving, storing and packing of cargo in the warehouse.
The site was selected for its position: “With easy access to the major highways, this yard just off Great North Road in Benoni is perfectly suited to easy delivery for our clients, the freight forwarding industry, and is easy access to the R21 for our cross-border trucks to begin the long journey north to Zambia,” she says.
Clients are encouraged to visit the facility to view operations and to find out more about the Zambian/DRC route. “Having our customers – and especially the freight forwarders – come and visit gives us the opportunity to display and discuss the intricacies and difficulties of transporting cargo to and from Zambia.
“So a visit is as much a marketing opportunity for us as it is a great educational tool for the operations and sales personnel of the companies we service,” she says.
On a lighter note, Ryan concedes that the new comfortable offices with ample open plan area are a pleasure to work in, not to mention the opening of a small pub downstairs, “The Container”.
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We can now speed up the offloading of delivery trucks and not hamper the loading out of our crossborder fleet. – Aileen Ryan
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Celtic’s new, purpose-built warehouse in Johannesburg.
