Road steps in where rail can’t deliver

“When rail can’t, we can,” says Corné Pretorius, managing director at Kodav Logistic Solutions. Long delays on the Zimbabwean rail systems have resulted in bulk commodities moving from rail to road, he says. Kodav is investing to meet the needs, and added tipper trucks to its fleet in May this year. “We have just placed an order for more, this time building 45-cubic-metre tippers instead of 40-cubic-metre machines. “We have also recently included refrigerated and part loads in our offering,” he says. According to Pretorius, Kodav has seen “significant growth”, but there is room for more. “We have definitely had a lot more interest from potential clients than previous years.” Cargo being moved by the company includes fertiliser and foodstuffs such as fruit juice, cold drinks, spices and sauces, and chocolates. Moving freight into and through Zimbabwe is “always challenging. There are a few new rules to abide by, but one adapts. “Our current business model is working, and we will continue with it for the foreseeable future. If the market dictates, we will adapt and make sure we are not left behind,” he told FTW. Kodav provides road, rail, bulk and project cargo, warehousing and consulting services.