It may be too early to tell the impact of the Western Cape’s Provincial Freight Strategy (PFS) on cargo movement, but its positive effect is already apparent across the province.According to Corrine Gallant, Western Cape deputy director for freight, prior to the adoption of the PFS just over a year ago, there was no single, coherent overarching strategy for freight in the Western Cape.“The consequence was a lack of institutional structures for coordinated freight planning and oversight, and very limited information on freight movement.“The PFS has been very well received and there has been an improvement in the general awareness about the responsibilities of all stakeholders to participate in improving freight transport outcomes. There is also a greater realisation that an effective, safe and cost-effective freight transport system is not a result of government efforts alone, but requires all stakeholders, including the freight industry, to work together.”Gallant said initial implementation focused on getting the basics right. This included the development of a Freight Demand Model (FDM) to improve information on the movement of freight to assist with informed decision making.“The FDM has already had a major impact on improving freight transport planning and setting of specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound objectives for freight in the Western Cape.”