Overborder specialist plans warehouse expansion

Brisk Zimbabwe business keeps trucks moving OVERBORDER TRANSPORT and warehouse specialist Image Freight & Logistics has revealed big expansion plans as it moves into its fourth year of operation. The company’s owned fleet of eight flatbeds and two tankers operates regular services to Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Namibia, Botswana, Swaziland and Mozambique. And contrary to the prophets of doom in Zimbabwe, the company is doing brisk business with the region, says owner Anthony Sivalingam. “Our trucks are moving into Zimbabwe daily and we have no problems with payment, despite that country’s strict foreign exchange laws.” Zambia is an equally strong market, says Sivalingam, with regular full loads and consolidations moving on the route. Warehousing is seen as a major growth area, and plans are afoot to purchase a facility in the near future. “We’re looking at 5 000m2, and are keen to enter into a joint venture with our major customers. “It’s all part of the one-stop shopping concept that we’ve offered from the start,” he said. Supporting this philosophy, Image Freight recently opened an independent customs clearing and forwarding company, Shilo, which adds a further dimension to its service portfolio. All trucks are Hazchem compliant and have been fitted with C-Trak satellite tracking. Sivalingam has a strong background in abnormal loads, which is another company speciality. In line with growth prospects, he predicts that the fleet will double to 20 by the year end, as South Africa’s trade growth with southern Africa continues to escalate.