Considering that the needs of mining companies are complex and unique, with operations often needing transportation to remote locations as well as the effective management of multi-modal projects, global logistics company DACHSER is able to facilitate the movement of very large machinery and parts. 

The company, which has over 40 years of experience in managing these complexities, is further able to provide specialized insurance for higher risk logistics needs. 

“We also have significant experience in providing targeted logistics solutions for mining and related companies, which ultimately save on costs,” says DACHSER South Africa MD Detlev Duve. 

For example, he explains that break bulk is essential when it comes to moving large, heavy or unusually shaped equipment and goods, without dismantling the load into smaller shipments. 

“This is a clear benefit for companies that need to transport large or complex capital equipment, such as turbines, as it can avoid the costs of disassembling, packing, offloading and re-assembling. We have completed a number of multi-modal break bulk projects for mining and related companies.” 

DACHSER South Africa offers road, air and sea freight through a global network, with services including comprehensive transport logistics, warehousing, contract logistics services and industry-specific solutions.  

The company’s sea freight, break bulk services, cross-border road freight services into Africa, customs services and end-to-end global procurement and distribution solutions are particularly relevant for the mining industry, Duve comments. 
“We provide a highly competitive road freight service, transporting everything from foodstuffs to chemicals to mining machinery. Road freight in Africa can be challenging and requires a network of support partners, a team that has up-to-date information on multi-country customs and border control changes or requirements, a strong tracking process, and hands-on knowledge of diverse infrastructures,” he elaborates. 
For airfreight, the company transports a wide variety of goods and offers freight consolidation via ten gateways worldwide. 

“We offer direct and charter shipments with a full or partial airfreight charter,” Duve says. 

When it comes to sea freight, DACHSER offers consolidated, or LCL, and container, or FCL, freight services.  

“We have service agreements with the most important shipping lines, and fixed capacity arrangements with selected shipping lines. We further offer critical advice on insurance and other value-added services.” 

While the company serves clients from every sector, Duve comments that DACHSER is “particularly strong” in the mining, manufacturing, agriculture, medical and automotive sectors, as the company is well-equipped to deal with the complexities of logistics from moving major capital equipment to raw materials. 

SUPPLY CHAIN & ECONOMIC ACTIVITY
Economic activity is certainly growing post-Covid, Duve says, adding that as it grows, the demand for effective logistics escalates even further. 

However, he says that logistics is a sector that has been massively impacted and reshaped in the wake of the pandemic.  

Backlogs, port issues, and escalating shipping costs are some of the challenges that need to be navigated. DACHSER has, in response, continued to invest in technologies that streamline and improve logistics operations and supply chains. 

 Meanwhile, forces impacting the supply chains include more complex international supply chains, advancing technology, environmental and sustainability concerns, and an increase in rules and legislation.  

Duve explains that new technology is causing a shift in the South African logistics industry, with logistics providers extending their business functions to offer the optimal combination of technology, warehousing and transportation services.

“The pandemic has accelerated intensive digital transformation, with the need for increased visibility coming in as the top trend,” he remarks. 

“Logistics these days is as much about technology as transport. Across the supply chain, technology that improves information handling and decision-making lets organisations gain a deeper insight into trends, customer behaviours and process effectiveness. Organising the data provides new supply chain clarity and responsiveness.”  

Additionally, environmental impact is also a growing political, corporate and client concern. 

“We are seeing increased legislation, a focus on social responsibility, governance and a call from customers for high environmental principles. These environmental elements have an influence on the supply chain in a number of ways. To ensure long-term success, supply chain managers must own sustainability,” Duve comments. 

Over the course of the next 12 months, Duve says the company will be focusing on managing sea freight rates and service stability. 

  “There is also growth in the less-than-container-load cargo business to and from South Africa,” he notes.