Zimbabwe consolidator guarantees departures

For too long the mere mention of shipping consolidated loads to Zimbabwe has brought a negative reaction from importers, exporters, transporters and clearing agents alike – and not without good reason, according to Hans Jooste, sales director of the overnight express specialists, Transmart. “Unspecified departure dates, delays at border posts, unscheduled and often unexplained stop orders by customs officials, non-paid import duties and a host of other impediments have all made logistics a nightmare,” he told FTW. “For so long, in fact, that it has almost become an acceptable norm. “Importers and exporters alike have succumbed to this quite unwillingly as they feel they have no other option, and shrug this off as ‘the nature of the beast’.” But Transmart has put together a service that will overcome all these nightmares, Jooste added. “After 17 years of carving a solid reputation in overnight express in SA,” he said, “we are applying the same level of efficiency into our new Transmart Africa service to Zimbabwe. We offer a scheduled, weekly, cross-border road service to our depots in Bulawayo and Harare. We depart every Friday with a designated date of delivery to depot, with freight being available for collection (or onward distribution) the following Monday.” This service is specifically designed for consolidated loads ranging from parcels to pallets of stackable cargo not exceeding 12 tonnes per truck. “Of course,” said Jooste, “we are adaptable, and can arrange shipment of nonstackable, fragile cargo and other loads. “The advantages to our customers are being able to plan for that specific date, organise their shipment requirements accordingly, and plan ahead for receipt and distribution. It helps reduce and minimise stock holdings, allowing for a justin- time (JIT) delivery, helps reduce capital expenditure on stock holdings and handling as well as freeing up valuable floor space.” Jooste described the service as ideal for rush orders of goods for smallto -medium size business, lodges, hotels and larger corporate entities. It is also offered to Transmart’s general competitors and logistics partners who, from time to time, may require urgent delivery or are overrun on cargo destined for these regions. CAPTION Ready to roll … Trucks depart every Friday with freight being available for collection the following Monday.