Groupage company CFR Freight has partnered with a Zambian transporter to extend a consolidated cargo service beyond Lubumbashi in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
CFR road freight manager Hilton Tait said the service had become a strong consideration because of demand for cargo reaching Kolwezi further north-west. However, several concerns had to be resolved first.
“There was one option available via a transporter but it had limitations. “The frequency was erratic and there were large gaps between departure dates as the haulier waited until they had a full load of consol cargo.” For many shippers it meant opting for a dedicated truck at prohibitive cost. Also, the service CFR initially considered using only went as far as Lubumbashi, until a third party service in Kitwe was identified.
“We can now offer a more frequent service as all DRC cargo will be routed into Kitwe on the weekly consol service.” In addition to CFR’s north-south consol service now going beyond Lubumbashi to Kolwezi, cargo is also handled on a delivery-at-place or DAP basis. Commenting on their partner in Kitwe, Tait said “it is an established company that currently runs a road freight service in the DRC and are looking for additional cargo to improve their service and reduce their costs”.
As for transit time, he added that it took roughly 10-12 days for goods to reach Kitwe from Johannesburg. Transhipment from there takes a further 7-10 days if it’s going to Lubumbashi, with an additional two days for cargo going to Kolwezi. Getting goods through customs on the border of Zambia and DRC could take up to four days, Tait said. “Nothing is cleared if duty and VAT aren’t fully paid.”
Although the service was only launched on October 1, CFR had already received bookings, Tait added.
We can now offer Goddard a more frequent service as all DRC cargo will be routed into Kitwe on the weekly consol service. – Hilton Tait
