Cross-border transporters are facing a raft of new challenges when it comes to border congestion, systems harmonisation, infrastructure developments and access to government officials. African Transport Operations Agency‘s (ATOA) Chris Zoeller said that in some cases communication about new regulations and policies had gone backwards. “We often find out changes that affect us – and our customers – while the trucks are already on the road. These curve balls have to be managed in an industry based on knowing all the costs and challenges upfront to ensure we deliver an efficient service in a very competitive environment,” he said. Eugene Duvenage, air export and development manager for Röhlig Grindrod, told FTW the new Contra Marca regulations in Mozambique – where every transporter travelling through the country has to register with Mozambican customs – had created major confusion and congestion at the border posts. “Although things have improved, they remain a challenge,” he said. Duvenage echoed the frustrations voiced by many transporters over the recent introduction of compulsory escorts while transiting Zimbabwe. Furthermore, “decidedly unharmonised” systems are another major challenge, according to several agents and operators FTW spoke to – mostly off-the record for fear of victimisation – with many highlighting that the much-touted modernisation system was often down, with physical checks now taking twice as long as they did pre-modernisation.
