Home
FacebookTwitterSearchMenu
  • Subscribe
  • Subscribe
  • News
  • Features
  • Knowledge Library
  • Columns
  • Customs
  • Jobs
  • Directory
  • FX Rates
  • Categories
    • Categories
    • Africa
    • Air Freight
    • BEE
    • Border Beat
    • COVID-19
    • Crime
    • Customs
    • Domestic
    • Duty Calls
    • Economy
    • Employment
    • Energy/Fuel
    • Events
    • Freight & Trading Weekly
    • Imports and Exports
    • Infrastructure
    • International
    • Logistics
    • Other
    • People
    • Road/Rail Freight
    • Sea Freight
    • Skills & Training
    • Social Development
    • Sustainability
    • Technology
    • Trade/Investment
    • Webinars
  • Contact us
    • Contact us
    • About Us
    • Advertise
    • Send us news
    • Editorial Guidelines

Leveraging opportunities is key for road freight sector to grow

08 Apr 2024 - by -
0 Comments

Share

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Google+
  • LinkedIn
  • E-mail
  • Print

We need to keep highlighting the importance of efficient border crossings and collaboration among various stakeholders as these are crucial to streamlining processes in the cross-border road freight industry. So says Natasha Lawrence-Ramiah, ocean and road freight branch manager at SACO CFR in Johannesburg.And, she says, exploring the potential benefits of digitalisation and technology adoption will significantly enhance operational efficiencies.Speaking to Freight News, Lawrence-Ramiah mentions several challenges impacting the movement of cargo across borders. Nevertheless, she remains optimistic about the future of cross-border road freight in South Africa.“The ongoing growth in cross-border volumes has propelled the growth of our road freight department as we continue to work towards improving efficiency and profitability,” she says. “One of the critical factors that has driven this growth is the ongoing focus and support from overseas agents for our local road freight product. Also, as the country’s economy continues to grow, there is an increasing demand for the transportation of goods across borders. “This growth, coupled with the implementation of favourable trade policies, has created opportunities for companies like ours to expand our operations and cater to the volume increase.”Lawrence-Ramiah says ongoing professionalism and training in the sector also makes a difference. “We have a small team, but the increased professionalism and training within the department has been the driver for our customer service and client retention. “ We have invested in training to enhance the skills of our team as well as their cross-border knowledge. This has improved service quality, compliance with regulations and overall operational efficiency.”She says the importance of training in the cross-border sector cannot be underestimated, considering the challenges the industry faces daily. “Managing and processing cross-border documentation and paperwork can be time-consuming and complex, requiring efficient systems and processes.”Furthermore, border delays and lengthy customs procedures have continued to hamper operations, while infrastructure and poor road conditions often result in delays.“Regulatory compliance can be challenging for cross-border road freight operators, leading to additional costs and administrative burden. The risk of theft, hijacking and other security threats along cross-border routes must be considered.“There are opportunities for improvement, such as regional integration initiatives, technology adoption and public-private partnerships,” she concludes.

Sign up to our mailing list and get daily news headlines and weekly features directly to your inbox free.
Subscribe to receive print copies of Freight News Features to your door.

April 2024 Compendium

View PDF
New agreement beefs up permit checks, compliance
08 Apr 2024
Border post upgrades enhance efficiency
08 Apr 2024
Digital permits: the wait is almost over
08 Apr 2024
Leschaco unlocks new opportunities for growth
08 Apr 2024
A transparent, tech-savvy customs process will improve cargo flow
08 Apr 2024
Harmonisation is key to free trade treaty’s success
08 Apr 2024
Groupair SA continues its expansion drive
08 Apr 2024
Rising demand challenges space availability
08 Apr 2024
New terminal buildings for Namibia’s airports
08 Apr 2024
Imports surge as seaport volumes suffer
08 Apr 2024
Committed to infrastructure-led economic growth
08 Apr 2024
East London to get lion’s share of port investment
08 Apr 2024
  • More

FeatureClick to view

Road & Rail 27 June 2025

Border Beat

Forum tightens net against border corruption
25 Jun 2025
Police clamp down on cross-border crime
17 Jun 2025
Zim's anti-smuggling measures delay legitimate freight operations
06 Jun 2025
More

Poll

Has South Africa's ports turned the corner?

Featured Jobs

New

Sea Export Controller (In-house)

Tiger Recruitment
East Rand
30 Jun
New

Export Controller

Lee Botti & Associates
Durban
30 Jun
More Jobs
  • © Now Media
  • Privacy Policy
  • Freight News RSS
  • About Us
  • Advertise
  • Send us news
  • Contact us