Transit time has become one of the biggest challenges for LCL imports in Gauteng. According to Sean Menzies, Johannesburg branch manager of neutral consolidator CFR Freight, this was a particular issue for cargo consigned through Durban. “There are several contributing factors to this,” he told FTW. “The congestion issues at the port continue to impact as does the weather. There have also been labour issues to contend with.” The delays, however, put tremendous pressure on forwarders meeting their clients’ import lead times, he said. “Inventory in transit is one cost element that all good forwarders seek to eliminate for their clients,” explained Menzies. “With this in mind, we have introduced a routing option via Port Elizabeth for all our Europe and North America cargo. This has resulted in transit time savings of up to 10 days.” Menzies said finding solutions for the go-slows and strikes at the port was essential as it was affecting the supply chain and ultimately the economy. It also had an impact on all parties in the industry who had to continuously find ways to make up lost time. “Although Gauteng is going through challenges at present and is feeling the impact of the delays, it is a resilient region and our outlook for the province remains very positive.” Willie Nel, managing director of ZacPak, said the Port of Ngqura was an increasingly good option for LCL imports for Gauteng – not only in terms of the speed of delivery but often costs were not that different. “The port is also quite efficient compared to Durban,” he said.
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Gauteng is a resilient region and our outlook for the province remains very positive. – Sean Menzies