A decided swing to Port Elizabeth as the preferred port of entry for motor vehicles is becoming more evident. This has become especially apparent as the benefits of re-routing from Durban equalise out any advantage Durban once enjoyed.
According to CX's Regional manager in P.E., Eric Landman, Nissan SA is the latest motor manufacturer to switch to importing through P.E.
Previously all completely knocked down vehicles (CKDs) came in via Durban, as breakbulk in wooden crates, and were then road hauled to the factory in Pretoria.
Now they are containerised, and CX has been awarded the contract to rail them direct to the special Nissan siding near the factory. Already three shipments have been safely delivered along this route.
Samcor has always used P.E. for motor imports, with about 1000 teus being railed each month.
Another advantage the Eastern Cape port enjoys is that all traffic is virtually regarded as priority - there being few storage facilities. As containers are taken from the vessel they are loaded directly onto rail and away they go!
