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.”