GROWING COMPETITION and rate erosion have forced road hauliers to improve efficiency in their bid to cut operating costs and extend profit margins. Overborder groupage specialists Professional Consolidators have achieved this through the implementation of several measures, says m.d. John Kennedy. Clients and border clearing agents are notified ahead of cargo dispatches. Customers and border documents are carefully checked prior to shipment. Original documents are handed over to Beit Bridge clearing agents before the truck arrives in Zimbabwe. A dedicated staff of six at Beit Bridge is on hand to expedite the movement of traffic, and mini containers have been introduced to carry small consignments. Professional Consolidators, established 6 years ago, often operates up to three consolidations into Harare every day, and one into Bulawayo. This experience, says Kennedy, has made the company acutely aware of the cost of border delays to clients.
The recent acquisition of a 25 ton forklift machine facilitates the handling of containerised cargo which can be pre-loaded on the ground. Containerisation provides greater security and less overall product damage to the benefit of the client, says Kennedy.
To speed up communication the company's branches are all connected by a radio service, while e-mail and cellular technology is also widely used. In addition to Zimbabwe, Professional Consolidators offers a consolidation and full load service to Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique.
