Having offices in both the UK and Zambia helps keep clients’ freight moving and helps save costs, according to Matt Edwards of Cargo Management & Logistics (CML).
“We are usually able to negotiate better shipping rates from our offices in London than a forwarder in Zambia can simply because we are meeting and dealing directly with regional shipping lines offices on a regular basis. It is all about relationships,” he says.
Both CML UK and CML Zambia have maintained relationships with hauliers and are able to negotiate road freight rates, according to Richard Powell CML Zambia.
The combination of international and local know-how has seen the company continue to diversify and to reduce its dependence on the mining industry. As a result, CML has expanded its footprint in the region and volumes have grown annually.
“We are seeing steady growth in the volumes of cargo being distributed through our warehouse hubs in Lusaka and Ndola. This is both bonded and cleared cargo.
“This growth has been particularly strong in Ndola, where we continue to receive and distribute large quantities of mining chemicals, and are serving as a staging post for mines in DRC and Zambia,” says Edwards.
CML now handles a wide range of cargo to and from Zambia and the neighbouring countries. This includes frozen chicken, medical supplies, compounds, sanitary ware, steel and manufacturing equipment.
Powell says the company is geared up for an expected increase in demand for project cargo as the government’s programmes to revamp healthcare facilities and stimulate manufacturing and agricultural production start having an effect.
CML is able to provide strategic logistics support out of the UK because staff visit the ports and suppliers serving Zambia as part of their ongoing training, according to Edwards, who is based in London but regularly travels in the region.
“We ensure that our staff in Zambia also have first-hand experience of the different routes and ports,” adds Powell.
CAPTION
Richard Powell and Matt Edwards … geared for an increase in project cargo.
