The transport sector should prepare now for SADC regional economic growth expected over the next four to six years. That’s the view of GSF Trucking MD Dhiren Krishna who believes that in the transport sector expansion strategies must pre-empt economic growth. “Over the last decade, the SADC has recorded average growth of 3% per capita – and member countries’ growth of just under 5% over the last decade means that across the spectrum, from heavy industry (mining, minerals and resources) to consumables, perishables and consumer goods, cargo needs to be moved across the region, both on the import and export fronts.” The company’s expansion, both in terms of f leet and infrastructure, is aligned to its forecast for business growth in the region, says Krishna. Launched with one truck 16 years ago, the Durban-based company today has a modern f leet of over 60 rigs, low-bed trailers, abnormals, a 45-ton container handler and f leet support vehicles based at its 12 000 sqm Durban depot. “The acquisition of a R6-million Kalmar container handler capable of stacking containers five high means that we are geared to not only transport cargo, but to store containers and tailor a delivery schedule aligned to the customer’s supply chain requirements,” says Krishna. He sees perishable cargo handling as another area where GSF can offer complete turnkey solutions. “We recently acquired 15 brand new gensets and are acquiring another 15 to enable us to offer our clients a reliable perishable handling service, catering for fruit, meat, fish, vaccines and antiretrovirals.” The company has opened its own operation in Cape Town, and Johannesburg is in the pipeline. “We are also looking at taking advantage of Department of Trade and Industry programmes and establishing an operations footprint in Zambia to streamline and optimise our SADC operations.”
We are looking at establishing a footprint in Zambia to streamline and optimise our SADC operations. – Dhiren Krishna
