Inefficiency continues to load road transport costs

Delays at ports, depots and border posts continue to pose a massive challenge to the road transport industry, according to Gerald Naidu of South African Inland Logistics. “The delays add significantly to the cost of transport and have to be taken into account when determining rates.” Calculating for delays can also be a difficult task as it is a variable that changes all the time. “In fact, certain parts of the port are ‘no go’ areas with the turnaround simply not there, resulting in frustrations all round,” said Naidu. He, like many others who remain reliant on the road transport industry to move cargo, believes a more efficient system would go a long way to addressing the rising costs associated with this mode of transport as fewer delays will ultimately bring costs down. According to Naidu, there is a definite trend towards using both road and rail for moving cargo. “We still use road far more than rail, but there is a place for both modes of transport,” said Naidu. “It depends on the nature of the cargo, the timeline involved, and ultimately the client’s demands.” He said they were in a good position to gauge both modes, having dedicated long-haul vehicles that run between Durban and Gauteng as well as an established rail account with Transnet Freight Rail. “We are working more aggressively towards establishing a dedicated local fleet in Gauteng. We have acquired additional vehicles which will be used exclusively in the local Johannesburg market.” CAPTION Gerald Naidu … ‘definite trend towards using both road and rail.’