The positive things which emerged from the findings of the study are that the SARS claims that there would be a 75% reduction in delays for an operator through pre-clearance. Additional time savings at border posts could also be achieved if the freight industry made full use of the facility to have in-transit and ex-bonded warehouse consignments examined and sealed at the point of dispatch. In such cases, instead of all consignments having to be examined at the border, spot checks could be done. Measured in monetary terms, this constitutes a major saving for operators who can make use of it, said C-BRITA's Corrie Wilsenach.
The smaller operators could benefit greatly by reducing their turn-around time for the smaller fleets, thus allowing them more trips.
In addition, because there would be fewer physical inspections, examination staff could be redeployed to other sections.
Another positive aspect is that SARS is in the process of
developing capacity to build up a profile on individual operators thereby allowing it to target those freight operators who have a
tendency towards dishonesty.
Authorities from member states will also be able to exchange information and thus regulate the industry more effectively, said Wilsenach.
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