Strong call for overborder consolidations

LEONARD NEILL
MANY IMPORTERS are unaware that dutiable cargo can be stored in a bonded warehouse without payment of duty until the goods are removed. That, says Customs Services managing director Chris Scott, helps with cash flow.
“There are, in fact, many warehousing issues of which the average importer or exporter is unaware, and often these can be turned to their benefit.
“Shippers are however fast realising the growing need for warehousing specialists to take charge of their goods. Instead of manufacturers and importers holding stock, they are looking to logistics providers like us to do the work.
“We also find in our two warehouses on our property that there is a greater need for the consolidation of cargo. When it comes to over-border consignments for destinations in Zimbabwe and Zambia, for instance, load sizes are often far less than a full container. At the same time trucks moving northwards don’t run every day. So the exporters are happy to leave their cargo in our hands and have them dispatched on the weekly schedules.”
Customs Services also undertakes contracts to operate warehouses at other points, especially those in a manufacturer’s environment.
“Warehousing is a professional operation,” says Scott. “It calls for efficient distribution and security and the introduction of cost saving methods wherever possible.”
And there are no short cuts when it comes to security. “We employ armed response, internal alarms and strict control at all entrances. It is an integral part of the supply chain.”