Door-to-door Zim service demonstrates road’s flexibility

Road transport remains a cost-effective means of crossborder transportation for consolidations as well as full loads – despite the challenges, says Julie Langlois, marketing director of Linked Logistics. “These range from fuel increases and congestion at the border to customs stops which delay the movement of vehicles, but it comes down to having the right experience and being able to handle the issues as efficiently as possible.” Linked Logistics comprises Beitbridge Border Clearing Agency, Professional Clearing and Regional Link, with BBCA and PC handling the clearing side of the business and RL co-co-ordinating the forwarding and clearing. “Road transport may not always be able to compete with the speed of airfreight, but with limited rail infrastructure, southern Africa remains reliant on road, she says. Having evolved its road transport service to Zimbabwe into a door-to-door option, clients can have their goods collected from their suppliers and delivered to their doorsteps, says Langlois. Tracking of cargo has become essential – not just from a safety point of view but also for planning purposes. “We have recently launched a client liaison service where we will provide tracking updates from the time an order is placed with a supplier, to warehouse delivery and to delivery at the final destination.”