Local forwarder contests shipping cost calculations

JAMES HALL MBABANE – A South African logistics company is contesting assertions by the Swaziland textile industry that it is costlier to move goods overland from Durban to Swaziland than to bring them from China to Durban’s port. “The cost of shipping by sea from Hong Kong to Durban for a container shipment averages between R2500 and R3000. From Durban to Mbabane, inland transport averages between R7000 and R10 000,” Amanda Hilligas, a consultant specialising in AGOA issues, was quoted as saying in FTW (March 18, 2005). Rob Nethercott, director of EGL Eagle Global Logistics Kwa-Zulu Natal, told FTW: “Ocean freight from Hong Kong to Durban for a 20’ container is nothing less than US$1500 + Baf $115 + Port congestion $100 = $ 1715 @ 6.00 = R10 290. These rates are being increased from April 1 with the announcement of a general rates increase of $200, which will result in a total cost of R11 490.”