A range of options helps minimise delays

Richard Powell is using the
knowledge and experience gained
previously as an area manager for
a Kitwe-based transport company
to significantly reduce the loading
time for trucks at local mines.
It’s one of the early successes of
the man who has been at Cargo
Management and Logistics
(CML) Zambia since April this
year.
During his career in the
logistics industry, Powell earned a
promotion to purchasing manager
for Zambia. He then decided
to continue with his studies in
the UK, obtaining diplomas in
purchasing management and
logistics and freight forwarding,
before returning to Kitwe,
Zambia.
His qualifications and
experience are proving to be
invaluable, as CML is now able
to negotiate more competitive
rates on services for its clients
– and for the company itself.
“These savings help retain CML’s
competitiveness in the marketplace,
while still offering the
highest level of service,” said
Powell who warns cargo owners
against the dangers of taking
the lowest quote for transport and
security services, in particular.
He is full of praise for the
CML team which, together with
the UK-based management, has
retained all its existing customers
and has in fact increased its
business. “In Zambia, without
teamwork, you have nothing.”
says the Zambian manager.
This teamwork has landed
CML a contract to unload cobalt
and copper concentrate carried
by barge across lake and then
transhipped onto road transport
bound for South Africa.
“CML is always looking at
alternative options to offer its
client base to minimise delays,”
says Powell. “We are increasing
our emphasis on airfreight, in
addition making greater use of
Walvis Bay for imports from
Europe and the Americas in order
to reduce delivery times.”