The project cargo and breakbulk market has experienced a marked downward trend across the borders of South Africa this year. According to Lampie Grobler, operations manager for Frits Kroon Transport, while the general outlook for the industry is relatively good, his company has seen a definite decrease in cargo destined for cross-border haul in recent times. There are many possible reasons for this, including many cargo owners opting to use ports outside South Africa. “Of course there are still a lot of opportunities for people that are willing to go the extra mile,” said Grobler. “But at present the only way to grow volumes is through service delivery and a transparent relationship with one’s clients.” And as more and more transporters try their hands at the highly specialised project cargo industry, Grobler says remaining viable from a price point of view is also becoming increasingly challenging. “It is about offering competitive rates while at the same time having to try and cut down on expenses without pricing yourself out of the game.” Over the years Frits Kroon Transport has established itself in the project cargo arena, having handled countless loads of up to 100 tons, specialising in local and cross-border lowbed services. “When it comes to project cargo,” Grobler said, “there must be a hands-on approach. You also have to be able to deal with any events along the way that can result in massive delays in the cargo arriving at its destination. Experience makes the difference.” The company is currently involved in moving massive mine shells from the manufacturing site in Vereeniging in Gauteng to the Ngezi mine in Zimbabwe. The first shell transported recently weighed in at 78 tons while the two heads, transported separately, weighed 50 tons each. CAPTION Mill shells en route from Vereeniging to the Ngezi mine in Zimbabwe … first shell weighed 78 tons.
