Ef forts to streamline cargo transit at border checkpoints are gaining momentum as experts and policymakers aim to ease bottlenecks and improve trade efficiency, especially with increasing cross-border volumes.According to Paul Cunliffe, managing director of 4PL Africa, border delays are eliminated if focus is placed on pre-clearance before cargo leaves. "This results in quicker transit times, better planning for receiving customers, no demurrage expenses, and improved relationships between customers and service providers."He emphasised that since the transportation industry is inherently risky and challenging, it's crucial to streamline the supply chain and improve efficiency at border posts to enhance operations significantly. "Efficient suppliers have opportunities," he explained to Freight News. "Without efficiency, the odds are against you, especially in cross-border operat ion s."Border crossings continue to pose significant challenges for cross-border operators. "In general, border delays are the biggest challenge for cross-border operations," stated Cunliffe. "However, there are ways to tackle this issue, and customers can minimise unpleasant experiences with proper planning and ongoing collaboration with transporters."Southern African border posts, particularly those in South Africa, have attracted significant attention, with the Border Management Authority (BMA) committing to upgrading infrastructure at six land borders. The aim is to reduce delays and enhance the f low of cargo. Cunliffe noted that changes are already noticeable at the Beitbridge border post, which has been historically notorious for long delays. "Real progress is evident at Beitbridge, thanks to outsourcing processes," he said. However, challenges persist at the Groblersbrug border post leading into Botswana and transit to Zambia, primarily due to congestion. Nevertheless, these challenges have been mitigated by utilising the Kopfontein route.Addressing delays and inefficiencies at border posts remains crucial. "Volumes f luctuate according to seasons but also because of the efficiency of the ports," said Cunliffe. "This year, we saw a drop in fertiliser volumes out of South Africa; it was attributed to the commodity being redirected to other ports due to inefficiencies."He said there would be varying pressure on cross-border volumes depending on how efficiently the ports improved their operations.
