New vehicles brought in as Zambia emergency freight grows

Specialists in the movement of cargo to Zambia, Ka Go 2, has recorded a very good start to the year, particularly in the emergency and express field. “Express freight is a big part of our business to Zambia,” says director Richard Hall. “We’re sending at least two vehicles a week – and it’s a mix of cargo ranging from TV sets to spares for the mining industry. “Our emergency fleet gets up to the Copperbelt in three days,” says Hall, and is a particularly useful service for urgent mining-related spares and equipment. The company is one of a select few that offers an emergency option, and has done since it was launched three years ago. While business on the route declined by 15-20% thanks to the recession, a spurt at the end of last year helped to lift revenue to reasonable levels, says Hall. “And because declining volumes meant we didn’t have to turn trucks around so quickly, we sent vehicles into the Congo to load there – so we played it as it went.” 2010 is by all accounts looking positive, says Hall. “We have recently been inundated with calls for express loads and have invested in a few new vehicles to cope with the growth. “Our express and emergency fleet is up to 10, which we believe is an optimal number. “If we are inundated we have contractors we can call on when we need them.” And for the moment Zambia will remain the company’s focus market. “We have a big yard with offloading facilities and a bonded warehouse and offices – and are looking at putting in a small fleet in Zambia for distribution of cargo from Zambia to the Congo. “We’re not planning to branch out just yet – our focus is rather to keep service levels up to scratch.”