New trucks add competitive edge in Zambia

Cargo Carriers subsidiary BHL has expanded its fleet with the purchase of 80 FAW trucks from China. “Going directly to source has enabled BHL to reduce its costs structures and gain a competitive edge in Zambia’s logistics industry,” says BHL managing director Buks van Rensburg. “The trucks are considerably cheaper than equivalent alternatives,” he added. “We tested the FAW trucks in Zambian conditions. They are suited to the African terrain and have far better fuel consumption (about 8%) than their nearest competitors. It’s a big win all round given the rate at which input costs are rising, and the state of the world economy.” BHL provides logistical solutions for the mining, manufacturing and agricultural sectors in Zambia and operates in Zambia, Namibia, the DRC and Mozambique. Cargo Carriers acquired a 55% stake in BHL in June this year. Cargo Carriers is enabling BHL’s rapid expansion while BHL gives Cargo Carriers a broader footprint in sub-Saharan Africa, and the chance to take advantage of the boom in the Zambian mining industry, says Van Rensburg. CAPTION Logistics synergy … Tom Mennie (Cargo Carriers), Murray Bolton (Cargo Carriers); Buks van Rensburg (BHL), Elrich de Klerk (BHL); and Garth Bolton (Cargo Carriers)