TRANSPORT VOLUMES to the war-torn Democratic Republic of Congo are increasing at a regular pace, despite the various constraints and difficulties of operating into and in the country, says Luis da Silva, sales and marketing director of Kabwe Transport International.
"We have also developed our market into Malawi, a country to which we have never been too exposed, and which has opened up new and alternative routes for our fleet. We recently acquired one of the major transport accounts into Zambia, where we offer the customer a full logistic support from the time orders are placed to the delivery point."
Da Silva agrees that there has been a general downturn in the economies of the various countries in the southern and central African region his company serves, But rather than this posing a difficult operating environment, he is satisfied Kabwe has been successful in developing in the specific niche markets.
"Obviously the situation is one where there is a surplus of hauliers. Road transport rate-cutting is the order of the day, but like everything else in life if you buy cheap you will get cheap goods or service," he says.
"Cut throat rates will only lead to a downfall rather than expansion in any industry, and especially in road transport. Our client base is formed mainly from blue chip companies in the region. We have given them the best possible service with a strong infrastructure, and they have supported us in recent trying periods."
A fully computerised warehouse system is currently being installed in the company's
30 000sq m facility in Benoni, which will track the various clients' orders, incorporating bar coding for tighter moinitoring and control.
Da Silva is a recent addition to the group with 16 years of experience behind him, having worked with A A Ferreira Transport for eight years, and a further eight with Wheels of Africa.
Despite downturn, niche markets provide opportunities
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