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.