Zambia hub speeds turnaround and keeps customers smiling

Speeding up truck turnaround, reducing damage to cargo and providing a more streamlined operation for clients was the motivation behind the launch of Cross Loading two years ago. Set up in Chingola as the distribution arm of specialist cargo consolidator Ka Go 2 Go, its growth has been unprecedented, says Ka Go 2 Go’s Ken Hall. “The concept of a distribution hub is certainly not new – and on the Zambia route it made a lot of sense. “Instead of our trucks arriving in Zambia and taking three or four days to deliver their cargo, they now offload and come straight back for the next load. “This means that we don’t need to load the cargo in the order it is likely to be unloaded, there’s less danger of damage to cargo, the customer gets his cargo quicker and our trucks are gainfully employed on their longdistance routes.” It’s a win-win situation for all, says Hall. “Cross Loading effectively operates as a distribution management company for Ka Go 2 Go and Cargo 2 Congo.” And the growth is evidence of customer buy-in “Initially there was some resistance,” says Hall. “Customers couldn’t understand why cargo bound for Kitwe or Ndola was being sent to Chingola. But now that we’ve demonstrated that it’s quicker and more secure, they’ve all bought in completely.” Within a year of moving into its premises – comprising a warehouse, offices and a yard, Cross Loading had outgrown the facility. “We have now relocated to new premises which we have refurbished and upgraded and we probably have the nicest facilities on the Copperbelt,” says Hall. “There are six warehouses, the yard is cemented and we have a lovely office block. In fact a lot of our bigger clients have taken offices there and the list is growing. “It’s turned into a very nice hub for Zambia – and for Ka Go 2 Go it’s worked out well. Sometimes we get three big trucks into our depot and within 24 hours we’ve delivered all the goods.” In the past truck turnaround could take two to three days. If a truck is carrying bonded cargo it will continue to the clearing agent’s bonded warehouse. Cross Loading operates two vehicles, ideally sized for distribution of smaller loads. Larger cargo will remain on the long-haul truck and be delivered directly to the client. “It’s probably a unique concept in the Copperbelt,” says Hall, “and our expansion has been self-propelled. “It’s come a lot quicker than expected, and as a result we have set up a workshop on site with a very experienced trained mechanic. The Chingola hub is your centre pivot point for cargo going into the Congo.” And it’s all come together at the best possible time. “Business has picked up significantly this year,” says Hall. “In fact in April we had the best ever month in the history of the company. It is also heavily involved in the distribution of cement in Zambia and DRC. “We’ve certainly grown a lot bigger than we thought we would, thanks to a very loyal client base built on personal relationships.” It’s very much a family-type operation, with Hall heading up the company with both his sons, his son in law, wife and nephew all working in the organisation. The success, he says, is a simple formula: “We’re not too big and not too small – which means we can cater for every size of operation.”