An increase in breakbulk
volumes is being closely
monitored by the container
industry as the world economy
remains weak and price
seemingly continues to play a
crucial role in the movement
of cargo.
According to Lee Viljoen,
CHC Container Depot sales
manager, there seems to
be a definite trend towards
breakbulk at present,
especially in the light of the
container industry’s logistical
challenges.
“Of course there will
always be a need and demand
for containerisation. However
due to the volatility on certain
bulk commodities, breakbulk
movement is in demand and
on the increase. This is adding
strain to container freight
rates.”
Another major challenge at
present is the decision by Sars
and several shipping lines to
implement a ruling that all
uncleared groupage containers
and customs-stopped
containers be moved by carrier
haulage to the licensed depots
at the Port of Durban. “This
has posed a problem for most
consolidators in the industry
as efficiency levels have been
compromised,” said Viljoen.
“Because of this they have no
control over urgent shipments
and carrier haulage is more
expensive. The end result
is consumers are hit with an
additional cost and have to
work around a further delay in
the supply chain process.”
On the up side, she said,
is the increased volume of
transhipment and overborder
cargo coming through the
Durban hub.
“Selected shipping lines are
investing in new services to
feed the East and West African
coasts due to major projects
and development in Africa
and that does bode well for the
container market.”
With this in mind CHC
Container Depot has upgraded
its facilities across the country
in recent months and now
offers state-of-the-art depots in
Johannesburg, Durban, Cape
Town and Port Elizabeth.
“CHC Durban has just
completed its new warehouse
which has a
6000 sqm capacity and can
handle 60-100 containers per
day,” said Viljoen. “CHC Cape
Town has obtained a
20 000sqm facility in
Montague Gardens to assist
with its growth strategy.”
CAPTION
Lee Viljoen … ‘Facilities upgraded
across the country.’
