Inconsistency in axle weight allowances adds challenge for hauliers

Adjustment will be key for
companies wanting to remain
viable in the cross-border market
in coming months, says Gordon Jay of
Transworld Road Freight.
Launched in 1993 with three depots
in Johannesburg, Cape Town and
Windhoek, Transworld Road Freight
has continued to grow through its
ability to adapt and adjust to the times,
says Jay.
“Cross-border cargo has become
very competitive in recent years with
many companies having entered the
market when things were booming,”
says Jay. “Last year’s fuel price saw
some of these companies disappearing,
but competition remains strong.”
With its core business being
groupage, Transworld Road Freight
is a customs-accredited and registered
remover in bond.
“I expect 2009 to be a very tough
year with the world entering into a
recession. I think the fuel price will rise
again and so things will be tight,” says
Jay. He believes 2009 will be a year to
consolidate the company’s position in
the market place.
“Our main obstacle is still crossing
the border posts. Delays are common
and during the peak period we had
delays all the time. The different
methods of weighing axles in Botswana
has also caused us some problems,”
said Jay. “We cross the weigh bridge at
Pioneer gate and they weigh individual
axles and let us go through. When we
reach Mamuno they weigh axle sets
and fine us for being overloaded on one
or other axle set. To us this looks as if
it is planned, as they hit us with hefty
fines and hold our trucks till we have
paid. Because of the urgency of moving
the freight we are forced to pay without
being afforded the opportunity to state
our case. Insurance is also becoming
unaffordable.”
Being able to deal with such issues
while still offering a competitively
priced service will make all the
difference in the coming months. “Of
course having a positive cash flow will
be a definite advantage.”