Shippers advised to look at total package

Cargo owners and shippers are advised to take the “total package” into account when selecting a port of entry and exit for exports and imports. Total costs are a combination of haulage fees, stoppages at border posts, port congestion, harbour fees, shipping fees and port delays, says Ruud Walgaard, director of Reload Logistics. Added to these costs is that of security for high-value cargo. Reload Logistics uses only security certified hauliers to carry high-value cargo in order to reduce the risk of loss. And the combination which provided the best value a month ago could well have changed, he warns. “It tends to go in cycles between the ports of Beira, Dar es Salaam, Walvis Bay and Durban. Logistics service providers should be monitoring the trend all the time in order to offer the best solution to their clients,” he says.