Zimbabwe is ideally
positioned for the
establishment of
logistics hubs
to serve the region,
according to Paul
Cunliffe, managing
director of 4PL.COM
Logistics.
“The geographic
positioning of Zimbabwe lends
itself to many opportunities,”
says Cunliffe. “Its proximity
to the Mozambican port
of Beira – with the added
advantage of a rail link – make
it an ideal location for a
distribution hub for imports
going into Zambia and DRC
(Democratic Republic of
Congo), as well as exports
from those countries.
“We are
investigating an
opportunity
to secure an
intermodal
facility, which
would allow us
to streamline
this supply
chain and
offer a costeffective
solution to the
region,” he says.
4PL.COM is
helping companies
to move freight
in and through
Zimbabwe by
effectively managing the risks,
he adds.
“Despite the challenges that
accompany doing business
in Zimbabwe we have been
successful in
developing a
model that
works well in
that country.
“The
negative
perceptions
that exist
often open up
opportunities,
and it is a
matter of
mitigating
any risk that
exists,” he says.
Services
provided by
4PL.COM in Zimbabwe include
long haul, bulk, breakbulk and
Hazchem cargo.
“We also offer a dedicated
express service through a
subsidiary Transmart, which
has been in existence for the
past two years.
“It is no secret that the
manufacturing sector is under
huge strain.
“Our express business is
niche. Therefore, focusing on
supporting
existing
manufacturers
who are
attempting
to keep stock
levels at a
minimum
and having a
guaranteed
supply service,
is the way
forward.
“The
differentiator
for us is
that the
trucks leave
on schedule for Zimbabwe
irrespective of cargo volume.
We have our own depot, with
warehouse and handling
facilities in Harare,” he says.
4PL.COM is continuing to
invest in the services it provides
to companies operating in
Zimbabwe.
“We recently acquired a
Hazchem transport business,
which does full breakbulk and
consolidated loads, and have
deployed these assets on the
Zimbabwe route.”
The company has also
opened its own fully staffed
clearing office situated in the
Musina Truck Park on the
Beitbridge border.
“This has afforded us the
luxury of having our customers’
cargo cleared more quickly
than having to outsource.
“We have partnered with
an agent on the Zimbabwe
side of the border who shares
our commitment to always be
accessible to ensure that cargo
is not held up unnecessarily,
and with great results,” he adds.
Cunliffe sees agricultural
imports and exports continuing
to expand.
“We are focusing our efforts
on the agricultural sector and
believe that this is where the
most growth will take place, for
general and Hazchem cargo.
INSERT & CAPTION
We are focusing
our efforts on the
agricultural sector
and believe that this
is where the most
growth will take
place.
– Paul Cunliffe
