Logistics operator to launch express service

Johannesburg-based R&G
Logistics is in the process
of developing a express service
for, among others, medical
equipment, mining machinery
spares and urgent confidential
documents.
Operations director of the
100% blackowned
company,
Gladys Ncube,
told FTW that
cross-border
growth was
currently being
driven by
the slump in
South Africa’s
exchange rate
against the
US dollar.
“Most African
countries trade in dollars and
the rand’s low rate of exchange
ups the demand for goods by
our neighbouring countries. We
hope to take advantage of that
by offering a new express service
to markets that need goods
urgently,” she said.
The biggest cross-border
opportunities were currently
offered by Zambia due to
the reopening of mines
and construction of the
new Kazangula bridge, she
added. “The contractors
need machinery and mining
equipment urgently and our new
express service
can meet those
demands.”
Congestion
at borders and
slow payment of
customs duties
in destination
countries
continued
to challenge
operators –
largely the
result of
restrictive government policies
and regulations at every entry
and departure point, she said.
The answer, in her view, is
establishing partnerships on
the ground with locals who can
better navigate the complexities
of their countries’ legislation.
“We exported cargo from South
Africa to Angola some time
ago and encountered major
problems from the Angolan
customs services operators who
wanted to prevent our goods
from being cleared because
the quality inspection
documents were
not showing up on
their system. We called in
the assistance of our logistics
partner in Luanda and they
were able to reduce our
standing time from six weeks to
only two,” said Ncube.
INSERT & CAPTION
The reopening of mines
and construction of the
new Kazangula bridge
in Zambia offer big
opportunities.
– Gladys Ncube