OVERVIEW
Transport and logistics Plans are in place to shift freight from road to rail.
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he decision by Imperial Holdings to create a separate stock exchange listing for its automotive division marks an interesting departure for one of the biggest logistics companies in South Africa. Imperial Holdings employs 49 000 people and Imperial Logistics, apart from its large South African footprint, has a presence via multiple companies in other African countries and in Europe, the Americas, the Middle East and the Far East. The Motus division represents 22 OEMs through 358 vehicle dealerships and runs two car rental companies, Europcar and Tempest. Companies like Imperial Logistics and Barloworld carry just about anything while other listed companies specialise. Cargo Carriers has a fairly broad range of specialised services: fuel, steel, chemicals, gas, powders and services to the mining and sugar industries. Other companies specialise even further, for example CSS Logistics operates 12 refrigerated warehouses around South Africa. Laser Logistics describes itself as a specialist in distribution for retailers and wholesalers in the clothing, footwear, lifestyle, electronics and appliance markets.
Industry news •
DHL Express has launched a green distribution centre in Johannesburg. Energy consumption will be reduced by 55%.
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SECTOR INSIGHT A new Special Economic Zone will boost logistics in Limpopo.
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The inland manganese terminal at Lohatlha in the Northern Cape has been taken over by Transnet Port Terminals. Allowing miners to move ore by rail reduces costs. Transnet also operates inland terminals in Brits (North West) and Newcastle (KwaZulu-Natal). The building of the MusinaMakhado Special Economic Zone (SEZ) will boost Limpopo’s role as a transport and logistics hub. The Musina Intermodal Terminal, which was officially opened in June 2017, is 15km from the busy Beit Bridge border crossing.
