Zim groupage volumes rise as pallets replace boxes

CHANGED ECONOMIC circumstances may have altered the transport mix into and out of Zimbabwe – but for consolidators business is brisk. “Because of the forex problem, people who used to bring in full loads, a truck filled with 24 pallets, are now bringing in two or tree pallets. Our consolidation business is growing,” said Warren Jayce, new manager for Kaserne-based Leo Shipping. The firm ships only to Zimbabwe, and after eight years knows the customs and routing routines. “Before a truck is loaded we get confirmation from our agent in Zimbabwe that import duties are paid and in place at the border. It’s not fail safe, but it has worked well,” said Jayce. Congestion at the Beit Bridge border post is a perennial problem, but the current surge in pedestrian and private vehicle traffic has not affected road freight traffic. In fact, business is good along the route this year. With little produced within Zimbabwe, the need for imports is strong. “Every Tuesday the rate of exchange changes at the border, but our Zimbabwean partner, Alro Shipping, is on top of it,” said Jayce. Alro maintains a fleet of 42 trucks, while Leo Shipping sub-contracts vehicles when the need arises.