Cargo To Africa

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  • Digging Out the Container Ports of Africa

    Over viewing some of the busiest ports of Africa

    Africa is the world’s second largest continent covering 20% of the earth’s land and 6% of the earth’s surface. It has over 100 ports and amongst them some are mainstream. The water surfaces that are linked to this continent include Atlantic Ocean, the Indian Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. As being surrounded by such important water reservoirs, Africa becomes a very important cargo shifting region.

    It is not important for its own import and export but also as a terminal for travelling ships to another region. Africa’s 90% cargo activity is conducted through sea, which makes this medium as a key source for the economy of the African countries. So, development of ports is very important for the trade of this region. Cargo to Africa is the best source of cargo shipping.

    Saldanha Bay:

    It is one of the largest and deepest natural ports in Africa with depth measuring 23m. An artificial breakwater improves the conditions within the bay, but during winter the severe conditions makes the ships to anchor or stand out to sea. The shippers are advised to always have crew on board in case of any emergency. The port provides general facilities and have the capacity to entertain large ships.

    Cape Town:

    The cape town port is very well equipped and is a full-service general cargo port. It operates the whole week and 24-hour facility is also present. The facilities offered at this port includes a 200-ton SWL floating crane, two graving docks, a syncrolift as well as onshore and quayside areas dedicated for this activity.

    Mossel Bay:

    This port is situated between Cape Town Port and Port Elizabeth this is the only port that operates two berth points within the port limits. For the repairs of container ships the maritime engineering firms are always present to help the shippers in any situation.

    Port Elizabeth:

    This port is geographically well positioned which makes it a terminal that can handle multi-cargo. Meaning that not only one type but of many type cargo can be handled at this port. The cargo that reaches this port include dry and liquid bulk, general cargo and container cargo.

    East London Port:

    It’s a strategically situated port, and it is the only commercial river port on the South African coastline. This port is centrally located both nationally and internationally. Its strategic importance lies in the fact that it acts as a gateway between Africa and the global market.

    Durban Port:

    Amongst the busiest ports in Africa Durban Port is very popular for its cargo traffic. It is one of the busiest ports in Africa. It is a multi-cargo port with ship repair yards and facilities. It offers itself as a potential offshore service point for the ones in trouble.

    Port of Richards Bay:

    Today, Port of Richards Bay is one of the world’s leading bulk ports. It is a very old port which was mainly established for exporting coal.

    The plans which are under consideration include improving the repair services and to provide additional infrastructure within the port as well as take advantage from the Industrial Development Zone.

  • Focus on Trade with Africa to Increase Cargo Business

    Airlines are spreading their network throughout the continent

    Recently many assurances have come forward by authorities in United Kingdom that there would be no big change in trade relations of the country with South Africa and other countries of the region after Brexit. It means no downward trend will be observed even some experts have predicted that there would be possible increase in business volume between the regions.

    Most of big industrial countries and their airlines have been eying at the future of African markets so they continue to move on with their plans to spread out network so that they can take advantage of their strong base in coming years. New destinations have been added in list of many renowned airlines that have aspirations to focus on eastern Africa in coming years. In this way the basics have been getting right to launch this forgotten continent as potential market for multinational companies.

    High end products and perishables

    At present, the continent imports are expensive and high end products and exports consist of perishables. Trade from UK to Africa is no exception, so the freight forwarders are very much aware of the flexibility and volatile conditions of this route.

    For this, air cargo is much more important than other means of cargo. Government support is necessary for success of making this growing market into a reliable source of agricultural products. Mainly the region sends yield of fields so to enhance the production required measures always come from authorities in power. Economic cycle pushes each segment to boost the whole economy that ultimately produces strong middle class with reasonable power to buy things.

    Cargo Transportation Volume

    There are many efforts on behalf of trade ministers of both sides to explore all possible sectors of trade and industry that could be venues of cooperation in order to increase volume to its actual potential. The future of digital economy has been eyed at so focus would remain to transform the overall perception by including modern technology at every level.

    This flow of modernity surely is from UK to African nations. Small and medium sized businesses are getting assistance, business environment has been encouraging and access to finance has been made easy. With such crucial and basic steps local industry would create jobs for people in Africa.

    Spotlight Back on Commonwealth Nations

    Before joining the European Economic Community decades ago in 1973 goods transportation were mainly with Commonwealth nations but afterwards all those arrangements were undermined by this economic confederation. Now once again concentration is back on the same to keep industry in England worth producing jobs and revenue.

    Reallocation of resources from previous routes to the new destinations is also requires serious effort but usually there is flexibility to do so. After being free from rigorous and strict rules of food imports of food items of European Union there is likelihood of getting in agreements with African nations for import of those items that have limited shelf life. For this purpose there should have been suitable facilities at freight forwarding points so that the quality may sustain for the end consumer.

  • Future Prospects of Cargo Handling for Africa

    Air Freight from England to Africa will be double in coming years

    The old standard procedures have been replaced by the ways modern technology is involving and new operating rules. Now almost every single product can be transported to every part of the globe wherever a particular item is in demand.

    People related to Air cargo business have taken it to such levels that allow traders of all types to find new markets in different regions for items they have been dealing in.

    In pursuance of a cool chain with temperature maintaining facility from end to end has been provided on different airports for medical science products and other perishables. To cut short the time required for operations trained and well-equipped workers are today present at every stage.

    Due to wide scope in the field many new companies have joined the business so a sense of competition is also there to serve better the clients to retain their share of business.

    Potential of the continent

    Cargo from United Kingdom to African nations are on the rise as the continent is habitat of fifteen percent total world population and air freight share is just three percent. So there is huge potential that need to be exhausted. The recent repot of international air transport agency about African air cargo to and from Asia has suggested notable growth as compared to previous year first month.

    In the same way business sector of England is ready to find out areas where it can stuff its products. Introduction of new products through modern means of communications in the region has created reasonable demand so there is good amount of freight forwarding activity both in seas and by air for many countries of this land mass.

    Free Trade Zone in Africa

    One of the big steps that are part of plan is making Africa free trade zone and it would further improve relations with Commonwealth countries of the continent. After leaving the economic union of Europe such undertakings were likely to be initiated by the country that has competitive industrial base. With aforesaid countries, England has been planning to create a zone that has no barriers of trade so that could become hub of business activities in the continent.

    Trade relations with developing nations have become much more important particularly after Brexit. This plan of free zone would engage twenty-six countries in total, so a good presence of region certainly makes it a success for everyone.

    Renewal of Economic Agreements with African Nations

    With such trade agreements, there will be great increase in cargo services transportation through both means air and sea. The present resources allocated to this route for goods transportation would also become too little and hopefully new companies will join in to fill the vacuum.

    When United Kingdome joined European Union, it came out of all agreements that it would renew now for its future business. Thus there is much more to do on part of UK to sustain its exports and industrial output. That is why the authorities have been acting proactively to make sure that there will be no issue with companies having base in the country.

  • The Cargo and Logistics Specialists for Post Disaster Era

    The importance of cargo companies in disasters

    The post disaster era always poses difficulties for relief work and there are only two main participants who reach the place before any other. Did you know who they are? The paramedics and cargo with relief stuff. Although the emergency services work ends after a short time but cargo companies continue with their services for delivering relief to the area for a long time. Same has happened in the case of previous disasters in the American states, and companies that send cargo to Africa from the UK have played a vital role in this regard and sent relief goods to the areas.

    Post-disaster challenges to Cargo

    Cargo companies always face very critical challenges when there is no transport, roads and even addresses to deliver cargo. Even the most modern technology remains useless when the means of communications, safety and security are not good. He said that there was only consistent mean of communication was writing to the next party, otherwise the military satellite phones were not even working.

    A cargo Specialty

    Humanitarian relief cargo is difficult, but still promising domain of work being a cargo company. Many global cargo companies have elected for-profit humanitarian cargo divisions, but it is confirmed by experts and forwarders that only several of them are regularly active while the remaining are only earning profit.

    Maersk line, for instance in a proposal to behave faster and make expressed choices about sourcing and routing of alleviation objects, has developed Mass Response Vigilance Mapping, documenting measures for six catastrophe-prone countries to support identify the closest source port or transportation factor, Maersk feeder, and/or replacement routing choices to be used in case of disaster. The largest cargo forwarding companies such as agility, UPS, and Maersk have their disaster teams to respond to any disaster across the globe.

    How cargo and supply chain geared up?

    The world’s cargo companies and supply chain have geared up their emergency plans, and most of them changed their routes to cover these destinations. companies deliver their services to the rehabilitation process and cover the cargo from across the globe, and continue with making progress by providing their post-disaster services.

    The disasters and tragedies that always ruin the lives and infrastructure and destroy the cargo transit networks and mobility system. UPS, and Maersk Cargo companies impel the invasion of relief supplies and cargo for recovery.

  • Air Cargo Africa 2017

    Record presence of International Exhibiting Companies

    To let the world know how capable African continent is to become one of the greatest markets of world products and to explore the possibilities for air cargo industry in this regard there was “Air Cargo Africa 2017” held from 21st to 23rd February.

    It is a mega event this time and for last three years to provide a platform for world leading companies and air freight key players of the region to communicate possibilities to exploit the real advantages for their activities and cargo to Africa. To strengthen networking in the region it is the best place to know where in this emerging new world market companies should focus.

    Visitors from twenty-nine nations of this part of the world and thirty-two other countries that were interested in finding business opportunities gathered there. Apart from that a record eighty international exhibiting companies were present there and that proved it a successful event for air cargo activity enhancement.

    Leading Cargo Entities at Event

    The industry-leading cargo carriers and award winning services has participated in the gathering in Johannesburg. It is Saudi Cargo Company that is an independent entity and has ambitious plans to make most of its resources in this business since its inception in 2008. With such highly reputed participants there are definite chances of improved facilities for the region where huge potential has been explored. A good number of debutants were also there to take part in this conference that would decide future of the industry particularly in this part of the globe.

    Challenges and Opportunities of Cargo Industry

    Numerous subjects related to this very activity remained under discussion among the participants during three days. Apart from focusing on opportunities the challenges were also concern of the representatives present there. All these activities are directly related to the economic activity of Africa and its future shape. The contribution towards growth of airfreight industry is due on all key players and it is so as they want to get benefit.

    South African Airways Cargo General Manager stated as being major player the authority would be glad to take significant steps to set example for others. Industry forecast department of International Air Transport Association IATA has identified this region as the fastest growing for air cargo operations. The annual increase in air freight volume is expected at 3.2 percent and it has pushed further the players to concentrate there.

    Consistent Economic Growth is base for air cargo activity

    Similar kind of report of International Monetary Fund has been released about Sub-Saharan countries with facts of last five years of economic growth that is 4.8 percent and it is really encouraging as no other emerging region near to that mark. That is why this part of the world has assumed critical importance for this very sector.Previously participants were mainly from the countries of the continent but now record participations from around the globe have made it worth noticing for those that have missed it. The untouched natural resources also have great potential to turn around fate of the region by manifold increase in economic activity.

    Previously participants were mainly from the countries of the continent but now record participations from around the globe have made it worth noticing for those that have missed it. The untouched natural resources also have great potential to turn around fate of the region by manifold increase in economic activity.

  • Shipping Valuables to Africa

    Easy tips to follow for a first timer to avoid vague circumstances.

    Sending cargo to Africa from UK is not a difficult task, as the procedure is usually straight forward. Apart from some custom clearance difficulties, the whole region is considered as having apt environment for trading.

    Many say that there is going to be hard times for relations between the two after Brexit but till now there are no physical proofs of the case. The things that would matter in the near future are the trade policies of the two regions.

    As before Brexit UK was following the European Union policies, but what will happen now is of major concern. Another aspect comes from the Africa, that how they will balance their relations. As EU have a major hand in bringing the voice of Africa region known and handle their affairs.

    Anyhow for now the trading is commencing and for new comers some very useful tips can lend a hand to understand the procedure and avoid the uncertain situations that checks your patience at every stage and your persistence assures a favorable result.

    Avoid Extra Charges:

    It is easy to avoid those extra charges that can raise the rate of your cargo transportation. The door to door service can become expensive when the loading time increases. To avoid the delay in loading, gather all the goods for the shipment before hand for a quick loading. This will on one side take less time and be pocket friendly. The time limit depends on the cargo company for loading, but to be on the safe side the quicker the best should be your target.

    Declare Organic Cargo:

    One should declare any organic cargo that is included in the shipment. The reason is that every perishable goods have its own handling, and to avoid any harm to your items one should make sure to mention any such item in the packaging list. To be more careful mention it to the truck loader also so that he may know how to handle the package.

    Pack Items Properly:

    Packing the cargo goods is a very important step for assuring the safety of the freight. If you are not sure of doing it in the right way then take help from the professionals of the cargo company. But if you are sure of your own skill then pack the items according to the requirement of the consignment or it will damage your freight items.

    Uncontrollable Delays:

    There are situations where a human being is helpless to take control of, the first of which is weather and the second is some unexpected technical problem in the ship. The cargo company has no control over a bad sea condition and delay is the result.

    In case of a technical problem, if the matter is very serious and assistance is required from the headquarters then this will take time and can postpone the delivery. Another condition is the custom clearance, which can take unexpectedly long time and ends up in the hold up of the cargo. For all the delays of this type one should remain mentally prepare so that one can remain calm and let the freighter to his work.

    Know the rules well:

    Knowing the rules and regulations provides help in preparing the documents necessary for the cargo transportation. In case door to door service is employed the main headache is on the service provider to prepare the documents. But at one point or another one has to plunge in to keep the process moving by providing proper documentation.

  • Ethiopian Airlines Opening new Destinations to Expand Air Cargo

    Positive plans to increase the cargo capacity in Africa by adding 98 cities and the best air crafts

    A rapidly growing airline in Africa, Ethiopian Airlines, has made up the plans to increase the cargo capacity to the African trade lanes with the launch of services to seven new destinations. This air cargo booster plan is aimed to start in the first five months of this year and will play important role to increase Cargo to Africa.

    New Places to be opened by African Airlines

    A hubbed airline, announced that they are planning to open new areas between January and June. The areas which they are going to add to increase air cargo are Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe), Antananarivo (Madagascar), Conakry (Guinea), Osla (Norway), Chengdu (China), Jakarta (Indonesia) and Singapore.

    New Cities with The Best Aircraft

    Ethiopian Airlines is very eager to take lead to promote the air cargo industry in Africa, and their move to open the new destinies is a clear sign that they are doing well.

    They are aiming to offer their services to 120 international destinations by 2025. With these new additions, it is also going to offer the flights to 98 cities with the best fleet of Boeing 777, Airbus A350, B787 and Bombardier Q-400 Aircraft.    

    What Ethiopian Airlines Chief Executive Said?

    The Chief Executive of Ethiopian Airlines, Tewolde GebreMariam said, “Africa’s share of Global Aviation is the smallest which is only around 3%. As the largest Airline group in the continent, we are highly concerned on the low base of air connectivity in the continent.”

    He further added, “Looking beyond the current economic slowdown especially in the oil export dependent economies of Africa, we firmly believe that the continent will become the magnet for foreign direct investments, trade and tourism, which are the engines of air travel growth and in turn efficient air connectivity also drives socio-economic development and we are happy to contribute our share in 21st Century African Transformations.”

    IATA Statistics to Show Cargo Load Factor

    In the last November, the statistics of IATA showed that the cargo load factors declined year on year for the 19th consecutive months to reach 25.3%, the lowest level of any region which is nominated by the airlines organizations.

    However, the efforts of the continent’s largest airline group are up to the mark and these will surely put the air cargo industry to the next levels.

  • Kingston Harbor a Busy Port in Jamaica

    A naturally safe and favorable port is there for cargo ships.

    A harbor that is safe for container ships and can accumulate large vessels is considered ideal for the import and export of goods. Such a port gives surety of the safe arrival of ships and safety of the containers. Kingston is one of such harbors that is a naturally coastal area and almost landlocked. Its area is 16 km in longitude and 3.2 km wide. It offers a stable ground for the accommodation of large ships even close to the shore. The harbor is large enough to entertain over 500 feet vessel size with turning facility and excellent shelter. It is ranked as the seventh largest harbor in the world.

    Available facilities:

    The port offers many basic facilities that give it a plus point. There are cranes available to carry a load of 100 plus tons. These cranes are both fixed and mobile. The long shore port service is available as well as electrical repair and navigational equipment is also present.

    Provisions:

    The basic requirements of the ships are all supplied at the Kingston port as, fuel oil, deck, water, diesel oil and engine are all present if required for the maintenance of the ship at the spot. Although the ship repairs are limited but they can provide with the first aid for the ship. The marine railroad size is medium and dry-dock size is small. There is proper garbage disposal at the port which means a clean environment and surrounding.

    Communication sources:

    Almost all types of communication services are present at the port. These include telephone, radio, air, telegraph, radio tel and rail. Especially the air facility is very feasible if others fail this can be very handy when e.g. there is a major failure in the ship and cannot be fixed temporarily one can send a message back home for its repair.

    Distributions Services:

    For improved distribution services the authorities have decided and set in action to make the port a commercial free zone and distribution Hub. The distribution and logistic services are being planned to become a major service and revenue centre. The cargo or the imports will be shifted from the terminal to the zone and from there the procedure of stripping, repacking and consolidating will be carried out and then forwarding to the companies or clients anywhere in the world, duty free.

    New Opportunities:

    It is said that the expansion of Panama Canal will prove to be a business enhancer for the Kingston Port. It will prove to be a growth opportunity for the port as well as the regional industry. The Concession Agreement for partnership with terminal link CMA CGM will help in the expansion of the terminal route of Kingston Container Terminal if there is timely financial provision, networking with international counterparts to attract business to Jamaica and improved efficiency through proper technology.

    Kingston Container Terminal Ltd:

    The Port Authority of Jamaica owns Kingston Container Terminal which is run by the company Kingston Container Terminal Ltd.

    KCT is considered one of the major transshipment ports which consists of three ports the north, south and west terminal. More lands are being acquired to lift the capacity of the port from current 1.5 million to 3.2 million.

  • How to Get your Parcel Delivered Safe in Africa?

    In order to revive from any hustle, pack your parcels wisely before you send it to anywhere in Africa, you can do it safely and easily by following these instructions below

    Is it very difficult to send your parcels safely to the ones you love in Africa? Don’t need to be worried, you are definitely doing some mistakes in packing. Packing performs an important role, do you know the right way that how to pack your parcel? Most probably not. Here is the guide to pack it safe and secure for the African countries.

    Why parcels get damaged in Africa?

    For safely get your cargo delivered in Africa, cautious packing of the freight is very essential. Suitable packing performs a predominant role for the delivery of items and delicate matters. In view that when it comes to the cargo deliveries to Africa, it is very core point to pack your cargo accurately when you consider that majority of airports in Africa uses manual cargo management  techniques to handle your cargo where the chances of damage are continually excessive.

    Get your parcel ready

    Designated packing of the cargo is a priceless option for the safe delivery that you’re sending. So, get your parcel ready for cargo to Africa. Listed under are some predominant advices regarding the wrapping of the parcel or the bundle for door to door delivery in Africa.

    Know your Parcel dimensions before you pack it

    The metric measurement system usually used for calculating the dimension of parcel and weight. Most cargo parcels measure in centimeters. Size in height and width are additionally calculated prior to supply. The customer might also calculate the freight himself by utilizing a measurement tape, always available in your home, calculation components:  Girth= (2 x width) + (2 x top).

    How to ship you cargo?

    Now it is the next difficult task after packing your cargo to Africa that find out how to ship your cargo to Africa? Listed below are some golden strategies for the cargo transport in order that it is going to aid the patrons to organize the freight for delivery.

    1. Decide upon a flawlessly new and a good box of wooden or metal such as the barrels.
    2. Before you decide on a recycle box, wrap it with some additional parcel packing or wrapping tape for firming.
    3. Personally pack items with softening fabric (e.G. Bubble wrap)  for more firmness and safety if your goods are fragile.
    4. Sharp and irregularly designed stuffs will have to be protected and taped to defend the stuffs from stabbing the field.
    5. Celica jell pockets are very fundamental for moist free packing. Packed the articles in a plastic bag to maintain them from moist.

    Weight check after packing

    Dimension and weight of the cargo box you’ve got packed is foremost for cargo cost. Standard system and distinctive carrier is restrained to 25kg.  However, if the bundle weight surpasses the 25 kg then it’ll better not to forget to paste a heavyweight package tag. In this the customer will follow the heavyweight supply offerings.

    If the bundle is over 50kg in weight, then it’s compulsory for the sender to notify the Parcel delivery team in advance for reserving and organisation of exact automobile for the delivery of this heavy bundle deal.

  • Benue Cargo Airport Construction! A milestone for Cargo to Africa

    The Benue Cargo Airport will be a milestone for cargo to Nigeria from the UK

    The construction of an N36 billion Makurdi cargo airport in Nigerian state will be a great achievement for cargo deliveries and the state has been flagged off to construct the new one. The Benue Cargo Airport will be a big achievement for cargo to Nigeria from the UK.

    The construction contractors Pureza Investment International Ltd (PIIL) and Barr Brian Mbeya, at the ground breaking ceremony at the construction site said that they have the potential of improving the farming business in the area.

    Pureza is a local firm and they have identified the local investment chance and the investment sources for foreign investors. Mbaya said that the extensive negotiation and meetings have helped them to capture financial and technical support. He also gave a statement about the new arrivals.

    What Contractor says about the airport?

    According to the managing director of the contracting firm, the project will take around 38 months because it is a public private partnership financed project. It was acquired from Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority in 2013.

    According to that policy, government has to handle the situation. Under that policy, the authority will be bound to renovate and update several airports for cargo and built some new airports as well. The Makurdi airport is based on the heart of the Nigerian cargo zones.

    The Government’s point of view

    According to Mbaya, the Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom, knew the importance of the project and being a former minister of state, he is supporting due to its enormous financial benefits. Dr Shija has stated that the questions asked to the government of Nigeria must be entertained and they deserve to get the quick response.

    He believes that the state government is selling the idea as a political stunt and they are getting benefit from it as well. The National Civil Aviation Policy reviews all segments of the aviation industry and provided the feasibility study for cargo airports in exact and aviation substructure in over-all in Nigeria.

    What Airport extension actually involves?

    The major plan of the airport extension is not only to enhance the performance of existing airports but it actually means that the cargo terminal must be separate from passenger operations. There will be three terminals at the airport, first part is for the passengers only and the other one is for cargo deliveries.

    The airport has received a new status of international airport, so that it was necessary to give a massive retouch to airport to meet the international requirements for international airports and the prices for those cargo deliveries from outer world to Nigeria. Dr. Shija has now not partially taken credit over the cargo airport.

    The federal government has attracted the airport venture to Benue and has already supplied giant land upon which the airport is to be developed. Secondly, the 15% fairness contribution, though not to be made now, will probably be paid later through the revenue generated from the airport, so the Benue State govt holds a vital stake within the challenge as a key business associate.

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