Steel import boom grows transport business

There has been a major increase in steel imports, particularly out of the Port of Durban, which has provided new opportunities for P&J Botha Transport to grow its operation in the city. “We’ve found that with local steel producers struggling to secure orders because of the high rates – mainly due to labour costs – local consumers are opting to import steel from Korea, India and China, amongst others,” said Alwyn Botha, managing director at P&J Botha Transport. “As a steel transport specialist, with strong strategic partnerships forged with local businesses in Durban, we are well-placed to take advantage of the opportunities – at competitive rates,” he added. Botha said that the company was able to offer competitive rates by optimising its transport runs. “We will transport steel for exports to Durban and return inland with full containers of general cargo, imported steel, breakbulk or “anything that can be transported on a tri-axle trailer,” he said. Ongoing challenges to any transport company’s sustainable competitiveness remain the everincreasing fuel prices, coupled with the new e-tolling system, he told FTW. “We are able to balance the scale by reducing other costs by using newer equipment, which results in fewer breakdowns and therefore reduced overhead costs,” said Botha. The company also has its own workshop, carrying only the brand of parts used by P&J Botha’s fleet, which can speedily address any breakdown with the added benefit of bulk spares purchases. CAPTION Alwyn Botha… taking advantage of steel import growth.