Groupage service to DRC takes off

Overborder specialist Dynamix Freight Africa has added a weekly consolidation service to the DRC to its service portfolio, complementing its FCL option using Super-links and triaxles on the route. Initially the groupage service covers Lubumbashi, but it will be extended to other destinations on demand, says managing director Kay Sendel. “Cargo is routed via both Botswana and Zimbabwe, and over the past year we have achieved a transit time of 7-12 days per trip,” says Sendel. The route has clearly proved to be a lucrative option. “It’s taken off tremendously,” says Sendel, “due to mining investments and the subsequent strengthening of the local economy.” He acknowledges that the year ahead is not without challenges. “There’s the political scenario in the DRC as well as the global financial crisis which has also hit the DRC hard, with commodity prices taking a dip. Yet the forecast for the mining industry in the long run is positive and more investments will take place.” Dynamix has been involved in food projects for the southern DRC as well as business for the mining houses. “Both have increased our volume substantially over the past year and we believe that this will continue in the year ahead. “Although the year has started slowly, we are seeing more business coming through now.” Sendel would like to see more investment in road infrastructure to speed up the turnaround time of trucks. “No doubt future investments will take place in the DRC.”