Heavy agricultural, mining and construction equipment destined for clients throughout the SADC region is being routed through Durban to take advantage of value-added services such as bonded storage facilities provided by Leschaco. The equipment is only released once the shipper has received payment, Leschaco regional manager Simon Chalker told Freight News.Over the past 40 years, Leschaco has built up a presence at all the South African border posts, which provides f lexibility. Cargo can be rerouted when there are delays at a particular crossing, he says. Having a physical presence at the border also ensures that there is regular interaction with the local customs officials.This is important because one of Leschaco’s strengths is the movement of equipment into South Africa for repairs and refurbishment and the re-export of the machinery or parts, says Chalker. This requires specialist knowledge, meticulous attention to paperwork, and preparedness on the part of customs. Leschaco has offices in 24 countries around the world, all of which use South Africa as a preferred transit point for southern African cargo being transported by ocean LCL and air, he says.It is not only the paperwork that has to be compliant. Customs will compare the serial numbers on components which were given temporary export permits for repairs.“All components have to be engraved with permanent serial numbers.“There are also different requirements at each border post. Leschaco has a specialist department in Durban which deals with the ever-changing regulations on a daily basis.”To keep a constant f low of heavy machines and urgent parts moving across borders, Leschaco has opened deferment accounts with the South African Revenue Service at critical border posts, in addition to one of the biggest road bonds in the region.The South African office also handles heavy machinery and out-of-gauge loads moving through the other regional ports.Leschaco has regular regional consolidation services as far as Malawi, including a weekly load into Angola through Namibia.The sheer volume of freight moving in and out of South Africa will ensure that it remains the regional transit hub for consolidated cargo, Chalker believes. ER
