Kempton Park-based freight forwarding service provider Manta Freight Logistics recently undertook the shipping and delivery of a new trailer-mounted pump solution which was developed by Gauteng-based pump specialists HCP Pumps SA, which is set for final commissioning later this month.

The pump set and turret system will be shipped by ocean freight to a mining operation in Burkina Faso in a 12 m open-top container.

“An open-top container has been selected as the vessel of choice to load the trailer and turret system from above, owing to the bulk size of the shipment,” says Manta Freight Logistics MD Michael Tziranis.

For this client, the company is handling all aspects of the logistics solution – from collecting the parts, comprising the trailer and pump from various international suppliers, to facilitating customs procedures at origin and then booking and moving cargo by ocean and air modalities.

“Our shipments are tracked daily and updates are communicated to our client on expected times of arrival and delivery,” he adds, while noting that Manta Freight is a recognised authorised economic operator (AEO) partner, making its customs and excise operations streamlined.

Being an AEO-certified business, authorised under the intergovernmental World Customs Organisation programme, ensures quicker responses and releases from South African customs and excise authorities, says Tziranis.

“Our clients may require break-bulk, flat rack or open-top ocean containers or packages as small as express courier shipments under five kilogrammes for very important spare parts deliveries,” he adds.

Regulatory Requirements

Manta Freight encourages its clients to conform to National Regulator for Compulsory Specification’s standards, which Tziranis says is an important factor when importing certain products.

Ensuring this conformity depends on obtaining the mandatory letter of authority before transporting items; failure to obtain it can result in goods being detained, which, in turn, could result in higher costs and delayed project delivery.

While most international suppliers are well organised and ensure that their packaging meets the demands for ocean freight or airfreight handling, Tziranis says in cases of insufficient packaging, Manta Freight can notify the clients or suppliers and, consequently, rectify the issue timeously.

“We operate weekly airfreight consolidations from various origins and get the best balance of speed and competitive pricing.”

For ocean freight, the company also offers groupage or less-than-container-load cargo for shipments that are not large enough for either a 6 m or 12 m container.

“When booking ocean freight services, Manta Freight Logistics aims to secure the most direct routes, avoiding lengthy delays at transshipment ports,” concludes Tziranis.