Skewed traffic flows create problems for Zimbabwe transporters

KEVIN MAYHEW
THE DECISION by the Zimbabwean government not to accept food imports has created a situation where there are more goods coming out of the country by road than going in, according to the managing director of Shipping Consolidated Holdings SA, Bill Benson.
“This has caused a sharp drop in transporters that are able to do the routes, due to a lack of return cargo from South Africa into Zimbabwe. Those that are left have found costs are escalating due to the under-utilised return legs,” he said.
In most cases rail is not an alternative because of pilferage and damage from shunting.
He also noted that the Spoornet locomotive shortage appeared to be easing but past problems with the rail operator’s service had already cost his clients and himself export business.
He foresees a future for strong rail and road multimodal solutions.
Durban-based Shipping Consolidated Holdings caters for importers and exporters as well as clearing and forwarding agents with insufficient warehousing space. It handles breakbulk or unitised cargo.