New Zim warehouse to reduce truck dwell-time

In a move designed to reduce truck standing time into Zimbabwe, Manica Africa now has a bonded warehouse – a customs-controlled area allowed to hold uncleared goods – on the Zimbabwe side of the Beitbridge border post, due to start operation from May 1. It fits in with a basic philosophy of the Manica group – that “no truck sleeps overnight at a border”, according to regional transport manager, Niki Warren. “Obviously, she said, “we have positively acknowledged a known fact in the transport industry – that reducing truck dwell-time at the border increases productivity. “It also has to be recognised that truck delays at border posts negatively impact the industry, hence the imposition of punitive demurrage charges by the industry as a way to recover the costs caused by unjustified delays.” There is a series of practical steps laid down by Manica, designed to ensure that a truck will not sleep overnight on arrival at the border Said Warren: “It will be immediately called into the transit shed on completion of export formalities on the SA side, and it will not have to wait for full import clearance formalities. “Toll fees, carbon tax, VID coupons, CVGs and insurance on the Zim side, and other borders where such costs are raised, are all arranged prior to the arrival of the truck to ensure no delays – with the truck offloading as soon as it enters the transit shed, ready to turn back. It will then be supervised out of Zimbabwe at no additional charge.” Also a valuable cost control that will delight truckers is that the driver does not have to carry large sums of money. “We are aiming at offering a seamless, one-stop service – and speed of clearance at both the SA and Zim side of the border – and indeed at all other border posts where Manica is represented,” Warren added. It also means only one invoice for export clearance and transit charges. Security of vehicles offloaded by car carriers – which are currently being vandalised within Zimra yard – is yet another concern addressed in the Manica operational guide. “We have to bring peace of mind to the clearing agents, car carrier, and most importantly to the clients,” said Warren. To achieve this, a handover/ takeover procedure is implemented for receipt of vehicles into the transit shed – ensuring that the condition of the vehicle at arrival is tracked, and an inspection report made available. Tight security is maintained at the transit shed, and the option of open storage or storage under cover is given. Finalising the security, a handover report is completed on release of the vehicle.