Cross Country moves in on breakbulk market

Clive Emdon CROSS COUNTRY Containers, a landside transport and logistics company that specialises in containers, is planning to enter the breakbulk market in the Eastern Cape. Recently acquired by the Grindrod group, it is currently focusing on developing freight synergies with its new owners, says Port Elizabeth branch manager Wayne De Donker. “It is important for us to develop a close working relationship with other Grindrod companies.” He said Cross Country would provide a full logistics solution, including warehousing, handling and road and rail transportation for shipping companies and clearing and forwarding agents as it enters the break-bulk market. It is expanding its trailer fleet to acquire flatdecks “to give us maximum mobility”, De Donker said. To date it has specialised in container transport and logistical services to the freight industry. These include local delivery and long-distance haulage of imports and exports as well as the railage of full and empty containers to and from port and rail terminals on all domestic and southern African routes. Its cartage business is conducted through owner-drivers who are provided with trailers for deliveries, insurance, fuel, and accounting and management services.