Specialist back-of-port logistics services company, South Africa Cargo Services – previously Greystones Enterprises before it rebranded in 2017 – has launched its new 500sqm container freight station (CFS) in Bayhead, Durban. “This complements our newly opened 7 000sqm warehouse at our offices in Congella,” said SA Cargo Services business development manager, Hans Modipane. He told FTW that the CFS was mainly aimed at bulk containerisation of mining commodities such as manganese and ferrochrome. “We are targeting the small to medium-sized miners who transport their mined commodities offrail,” Modipane explained,
pointing out that these emerging producers have to wait up to six months before they can fill – and subsequently book – a rail wagon. “This means their bigger competitors have the edge when it comes to importing or exporting bulk cargo through the port of Durban,” he highlighted, commenting that this negatively impacted cashflow. “Our container freight station now allows them to stockpile their cargo right next to the port and, if needed, consolidate their cargo on to a 40-foot
container to save costs and get their commodities to market much quicker,” said Modipane. He said, by consolidating their bulk cargo, exporters or importers could save up to R6 000 per 40-foot container for transport from Johannesburg to the coast (or vice versa). “We offer a number of flexible logistics solutions that we have found the smaller miners need as well and will facilitate transportation of full loads, LCL loads and even empty containers where needed,” said Modipane. He said the CFS offered
weighbridge services that were fully compliant with the verified gross mass regulation by the International Maritime Organisation’s Safety of Life at Sea (Solas) treaty. “The facility offers storage and stock control measures as well as cargo inspection and laboratory testing where applicable.” He added that the CFS was “fully equipped” with forklifts, container handlers for lifts and Dezzi low-profile loaders for bulk and project cargo handling.
Following the industry’s positive response to its Durban facility, SA Cargo Services is exploring the option of opening another container freight station in Johannesburg’s City Deep area as well as looking at establishing warehouses in the Western and Eastern Cape.
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We are targeting the small to mediumsized miners who transport their mined commodities off-rail. – Hans Modipane
