Warehousing is one element of CMKCD's one-stop solution

Intermodal inland haulage operator Cargo Movers Kaserne Container Depot (CMKCD) provides a lot more than cartage and storage. “We use the depot as a staging facility for final delivery,” director Kerwin Naidoo told FTW. “Several major importers and exporters bring in large numbers of containers which they store in the depot. We then arrange for delivery as and when their warehouse calls for them. “We offer our customers leniency in terms of storing containers and a free period for certain shippers. We also do a lot of empty storage for shipping line customers as well as maintenance and repairs.” And according to Naidoo, demand for empty storage has been picking up. “Lately there seems to have been a shortage of empties in Johannesburg – in the past two days we have moved 1600 empties from the coast to Gauteng.” The current economic downturn is clearly a factor, with a significant drop in the number of imports. According to information relayed to Naidoo by a customer, in one province in China160 000 companies closed down in one month. “That market had a major impact on South Africa.” Naidoo believes the industry is already responding to the impact of the economic downturn. “Road hauliers are being affected drastically – not so much on exports but on imports. “And because of the shrinking volumes, some operators are dropping rates to ridiculous levels.” FTW understands that some hauliers are moving cargo on the Durban–Johannesburg run for as little as R800 – compared to the R2 500 average before the downturn. “A number of transport companies have also decided to shut up shop because they’re running at a loss. Equipment is being sold for next to nothing – but it’s unlikely that people will buy up equipment now so even that industry will take a big knock.” According to Naidoo, TFR is putting together a plan to attract more container traffic – and rail contractors are waiting for their new contracts. While tariffs must increase, the level of the increase is likely to be less steep than last year, in his view. He believes that flexibility and service are what provide competitive edge in a tight market. “We are very flexible in terms of operating hours. Initially we were a 24-hour depot but for security reasons we reduced our opening times. We currently operate until 8-9pm in the evening, servicing vehicles and doing pre-loads so that we can forward plan. “We’ve also beefed up our IT programme which impacts positively on security and information flow. “Our objective is to provide a one-stop shop. We can stage containers, assist in port release and then arrange for cartage and delivery to final destination. “Whatever the customer’s need we will sit down with him and find a solution.”