Moz increases weight limit for trucks on Beira corridor

Years of lobbying for an increase in the
weight limit for trucks moving to and
from Mozambique is paying dividends,
with news that the Gross Combination
Mass (GCM) of trucks on the Beira
Corridor to Harare has been increased
from 48 to 56 tons.
This means that Zimbabwe, Zambia
and the DRC can be supplied from
Beira with 56 ton interlinks or other
vehicle combinations, according to
Barney Curtis of the Federation of East
and Southern African Road Transport
Associations.
However, Mike Scott of logistics
major Cargo Carriers says the
issue in Mozambique is not only
the weight limit but there could be
a stipulation that prohibits threevehicle
combinations. “You can use
a rigid and drawbar trailer – which
is a two-vehicle combination – but
interlinks may not be welcomed.” It
is not uncommon for the authorities
in Northern Mozambique to interpret
official regulations from Maputo in a
different way. And this is an issue that
still requires clarity.
Mozambique has for many years
had a GCM limit of 48 tons because its
roads and bridge infrastructure, which
was based on Portuguese standards,
was developed to a lower standard than
other countries in East and Southern
Africa, Curtis explained.
“Some years ago, when the N4
corridor from Maputo to Gauteng was
upgraded, the limit on this corridor only
was raised to 56 tons,” said Curtis.
“We have, for many years, lobbied to
have the Harare-Tete-Malawi corridor
also increased to 56 tons, but have been
repeatedly told that the Samora Machel
bridge at Tete was not in good condition
and could therefore not accommodate
56 tons.”
Several hauliers on the route
endorsed this view – although some
agreed that upgrades had resulted in
marginal improvement.
“Despite repairs effected during the
past year, truckers were told that the
hanging cables needed replacing and
that 56 tons would not be allowed until
this was done,” said Curtis.
“There’s also talk of a new bridge
being built but this will be some time in
the future.”
The hanging cables are to be replaced
later this year after which Fesarta may
again lobby for the 56 tons, he added.
While it has been common
knowledge that Mozambique legislation
provided for 56 tons on the Maputo
Corridor, the extension of this to
include the Beira Corridor to Harare
has been welcomed – but with some
reservations.
“We must note that the road from
Beira to Inchope is in bad condition and
this must be taken into account when
planning any transport operations,” says
Curtis.
“And while this is good news for
Zimbabwe and other countries to the
north, we need to consider how this
affects the transportation of goods from
Beira to Malawi.
“The main route Beira-Vanduzi
turnoff-Tete- Zobue/Mwanza- Blantyre,
is still restricted by the Tete bridge to
48 tons.
The alternative route – Beira-Inchope
turnoff-Caia- Milange/Muloza-Blantyre
- is now presumably open to 56 ton
combinations.
“But, the route from Caia to the
border at Milange is bad and not suited
to heavy combinations. In fact it may
not even be suited to 48 tons.”
There is also lack of clarity on
which other major corridors have also
increased to 56 tons – for example
Maputo to Swaziland.
Clearly at this stage there are more
questions than answers.
All in all Curtis believes that
these developments will make the
Mozambique corridor a more popular
transport choice.