Mines sideline freight forwarders

Zambian freight forwarders
are feeling the pinch as mines
cut costs by dealing directly with
transport companies.
A number of people
interviewed in Zambia by FTW
commented on the trend, which
is also being followed by some of
the larger importers of goods and
machinery.
Trucking companies are keen
to sign the business due to overcapacity
on some of the routes,
which is putting pressure on
prices and margins.
A similar trend is emerging
elsewhere.
The consensus is that the
forwarding companies who
want to retain a share of the
market are going to have to
reinvent themselves and to offer
a higher level of services at more
competitive rates.