Supply chain and logistics operations have been at the front line of the coronavirus pandemic. Essential supplies have continued to move despite significant transport disruptions and restrictions. In the midst of uncertainty these complications have instead accelerated the need to innovate.One such success story comes from Crossroads, which used its southern African regional footprint to its advantage, making sure it met the regulations of different countries while continuing to move fuel successfully from one country to the next. According to Robert Benade, managing director of Crossroads Namibia, the approach also saw the company meeting the various localisation requirements of the different countries.“As the impact of Covid-19 was being felt in the region, fuel supply from South Africa into Botswana became challenging. Namibia could assist as fuel is sourced from different suppliers and so, as volumes from South Africa decreased, volumes from Namibia increased.”To deal with Botswana’s requirements that all truck drivers be tested for Covid-19 at the border – sometimes causing delays of several days due to outstanding test results – the company opted to employ more drivers to make up for the delays.On the Namibia side the government required all drivers arriving from other countries to quarantine.“In Walvis Bay we rented a house for our drivers to quarantine in and in Windhoek we used a bed and breakfast facility for our drivers,” said Benade. “This self-quarantine ensured an efficient system. We also had doctors visit staff in the quarantine facilities to ensure they were well at all times.”Boiki Tema, managing director of Crossroads Botswana, said the system had proved to be extremely efficient for the company. “It really was the easiest and most cost-effective approach, allowing us to deliver efficiency while handling increased volumes from Namibia.”Also, having a presence on the ground in Botswana allowed the company to source more business locally.“Moving cargo – especially a commodity like fuel – was not always easy amidst all of the restrictions implemented by the various governments, and it was inevitable that cost increased during this time. The cost, however, was balanced out by the efficiencies introduced by our approach,” said Tema.According to Arend du Preez, CEO of Crossroads Africa, the management teams, during lockdown were also in daily contact with each other, sharing experiences between South Africa, Botswana and Namibia and continuously refining solutions to ensure ongoing efficiency.“Flexibility is incredibly important in the supply chain, especially during uncertain times. Moving cargo becomes a balancing act of cost and efficiency I believe our solutions were innovative.