Joint venture pushes rail option on Jo’burg-Maputo route

Getting cargo moving on rail again is one of the aims of a new initiative between Transport Logistics Mozambique and Nzenga Junction. The two companies have just launched a Container Unit Train service between Maputo, Mozambique and Alrode, Johannesburg. Says Nzenga Junction’s Kevin Davy: “In recent years we have not been set up to move cargo on rail between Maputo and Johannesburg. This initiative will see cargo moving off the road and back on rail. We have high expectations of this new concept.” Promising to add value to their customers, the two organisations have joined forces and will offer complete supply chain management which includes making available empty rail wagons, daily tracking reports, monitoring and expediting wagons and storage and handling facilities. “On the South African side we will take charge of the cargo once it arrives via rail in Alrode, off load for the customer and do a road transfer to its final destinations where we will turn the empty containers around,” says Davy. “On the Mozambican side Transport Logistics Mozambique, which is a division of Trans Regional Holdings, will do exactly the same.” Davy says for export purposes Nzenga Junction will ensure empty containers are available at the customer’s warehouse for packing, and these will be transferred to Alrode for rail shipment to Maputo. “This is about adding value to customers by having a scheduled service in place that offers a complete containerised cargo service including packing and storage,” says Davy.