Record growth for container freight station

ZacPak Durban has continued to record growth despite decreased volumes in an increasingly competitive business environment. According to Clive Nel, managing director ZacPak Durban, the year kicked off at a slower pace than was expected with a decrease in import volumes. “Business has since stabilised and we have managed to increase volumes to such an extent that the initial forecast for the year is now being realised. It seems that the groupage market is very much affected by world trends, holidays and seasons, but at the same time the service commitments have to be kept to the LCL importer to guarantee the supply of their goods,” Nel told FTW. “In terms of FCL unpacks it has been positive from the get go and we see a further increase from 2013 to 2014 – a clear indication that our business is expanding.” Zacpak Durban – CFR Freight’s container freight station – has continued to extend its capacity to address the ongoing growth. It has expanded from an 8000- sqm warehouse and 14000-sqm yard to the current 12500-sqm warehouse and yard of 20 000 sqm. According to Nel, the growth has been on par with forecasts for the business. “It seems that more freight forwarders are using reliable service providers for cross-docking cargo in Durban to save the Johannesburg empty turn in and are finding that it works to their advantage. Ultimately the service to clients is more effective while the final delivery timeframe to consignees is reduced,” explained Nel. He said the ongoing delays in the movement of containers at the Port of Durban remained a concern. “ZacPak itself, during 2013, experienced down time in the region of 60 days due to terminal handling delays. What is more worrying is that there are not many improvements or solutions expected soon.” INSERT & CAPTION It seems that more freight forwarders are using reliable service providers for crossdocking cargo in Durban to save the Johannesburg empty turn in. – Clive Nel CAPTION An aerial view of ZacPak’s Durban premises