Positioned to keep freight moving

Harare-based Alro Transport is using its geographic position to serve as a central hub for growth throughout the region. The Zimbabwean capital is strategically placed on the main trade routes between Beira to the east and Durban to the South, and the growing economies of Botswana, Zambia, Malawi and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Alro trucks can be seen loading various commodities including fertiliser and maize direct from vessels in the Mozambican port of Beira, and machinery and other commodities in Johannesburg for mines in Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Ongoing investment in vehicles and meticulous maintenance programmes have kept the company’s f leet of approximately 80 trucks moving, says director Rob Follett-Smith. The company is able to provide a range of services through its sister company Alro Shipping, offering both international forwarding services, and ships’ line agency services in Zimbabwe for Ignazio Messina, and MOL. There is also a container storage depot on site at its premises in Harare. “The facility provides added f lexibility to both lines,” he says. Alro’s customers and their transport division can draw or deliver containers at any time, including weekends. The company has offices in Harare, Mutare and Beitbridge, and in conjunction with its Johannesburg-based sister company Leo Shipping Services, it handles both consolidated and full loads from South Africa. The consol service is carried out at its warehouses in Johannesburg and Harare. According to Follett- Smith, Beira is rapidly becoming the main import gateway for Zimbabwe and its neighbouring states in the region. For the past few years around 80% of the freight carried by Alro Transport has been to and from Beira, with 20% from Johannesburg. This trend is likely to remain as the port of Beira continues to improve its efficiencies and reliability of service, he says. INSERT & CAPTION Handling consolidated and full loads from South Africa. – Rob Follett-Smith