Payfreight specialises in Zambian consolidations

KEVIN MAYHEW
IN THE business of load consolidations, sisters Kym Robson and Sharon Charlton are something of a rarity as siblings who have conquered the niche. Their company, Payfreight, operates the Gauteng-Lusaka/Ndola/Kitwe run exclusively and is possibly the largest independent consolidation company servicing just this route. Consolidating at its premises in Alrode South, Gauteng, Payfreight operates a minimum of two vehicles to Zambia each day – with more available on contract if the need arises. Consolidators of general cargo – including certain types of industrial perishables – the company celebrates its 14th year in business this March. It also has consolidation facilities in Zambia. With 2005 having been a good year for them, they expect the foreign investment in Zambia to extend Payfreight’s growth path during 2006. “We remain confident about the route we service because it is constantly expanding as people invest more and more in Zambia’s economy – including a significant amount from South Africa,” says Robson. Its client base includes many companies that have been with them from the start. In Zambia the majority of their clients use the services of Customized Clearing and Forwarding, owned by Valerie Sesia. “We have enjoyed a friendship with Valerie for 30 years and a successful business relationship with her for 12 years,” they told FTW.