Expectations of a crackerjack year for cross-border transport

Zambia, Zimbabwe,
Mozam-bique, Malawi –
all the traditional routes
are continuing to grow despite
economic woes and political
insecurity. Last year was a
crackerjack year and we expect
the same for 2009,” says a bullish
Alwyn Nel, managing director of
Kingfisher Freight Services.
“In the latter part of 2008 there
was so much going through that we
had a major shortage of vehicles.
The hold-up in truck availability
was usually caused by empty
inbound trucks being delayed
at the border posts, something
that is almost beyond imagining.
The offloading of bulk cargo at
agents’ premises in South Africa
is also very time-consuming and
sometimes trucks have to queue
for two days.
“There are still inherent delays
at border posts, especially at
Beitbridge and Kazangulu. This
should however come as no
surprise to transporters so they
should pre-plan for it and manage
their operations so that it isn’t such
a major factor.
“The orders we have for 2009
include some nice parcels, with
maize and fertiliser taking up a
good percentage of our fleet. Even
though copper is down in Zambia
there is still all manner of goods
moving there, including mining
machinery, white goods, building
material and lots of aid from the
United Nations. Over and above the
domestic stuff we are also moving
a huge amount of transit bulk cargo
coming from overseas.”
The cargo is a mix of old and new
orders, says Nel. “We have handled
new stuff this month that we have
never handled before. We are even
hiring more staff. Unfortunately
when there is a downturn a lot of
people become negative and they
don’t actually do anything. It is
tough out there but with hardship
comes opportunity. You have to be
smarter and think out of the box
and you will do well.”