‘Rail service inconsistency hurting SA’

One of the major challenges facing this industry is the rail service between Durban and Johannesburg, says freight forwarding specialist UML. Director Claude Nuttall says the current slow movement and the inconsistency of the rail service has forced consolidators into transporting containers via road which is costly and could be avoided if the rail system improved. He says as specialists on the USA import route, UML has seen an acceptable increase in shipments over the past 12 months “We anticipate further growth from our project freight division which specialises in moving out-of-gauge cargo, such as flat rack and open top containers,” he said. “Our weekly seafreight consolidations are closed at source and dedicated DCL staff handles all cargo at our own dedicated DCL-owned terminals in the USA.” He says DCL terminals around the world are designed specifically to simplify the delivery of cargo. “Off-pier locations eliminate delay, confusion and unloading charges, yet are close enough for rapid handling,” he added. “Due to DCL’s strong buying power worldwide with all the major shipping lines enables the company to offer South African importers very competitive FCL rates from any point in the USA to SA.” DCL operates from over 30 Container Freight Stations in the USA and all cargo is bar coded and scanned upon receipt, up until arrival at final destination.