National logistics strategy pushes integration message

ALAN PEAT LAST WEEK the minister of transport, Jeff Radebe, stood by his promise and launched the national freight logistics strategy (NFLS) – “the culmination,” he said, “of a huge effort by all concerned to address the problems in moving freight across the country and around the world”. It articulates a framework for the management and development of the freight system. It is aimed at promoting the physical, operational and regulatory integration of railways, road transport, ports and air freight. Radebe said the strategy would harmonise the freight industry, which was at present fraught with inefficiencies, infrastructural shortfalls and the lack of an integrated plan. Outcomes expected of the NFLS include: • Increased capacity to move freight in SA; • Reduced costs for the movement storage, handling and processing of goods; • Appropriate allocation of costs not reflected in pricing; • Reduced transit handling and processing time for goods.