With escalating turn-in fees at inland container depots, the direct delivery of containerised cargo to inland destinations has become a costly exercise. To combat these rising costs, Megafreight recommends cross-docking, which allows for containers to be turned in at coastal depots, where turn-in fees do not apply.
With Cross-docking, a container is moved from an ocean port to a nearby Megafreight facility for unpacking. The goods are loaded directly onto distribution vehicles for final delivery, while the empty container is immediately returned to the coastal depot. Even though there is a cost attached to unpacking the container at a coastal facility, it remains a more cost-effective option.
Once the containers are unpacked, Superlink trucks are used for on-carriage to the final inland destination. The Superlinks have an increased payload, offering our customers the ability to consolidate the contents of multiple containers into a single load. Importantly, not only does this save costs, but it also decreases the number of trucks on our roads, thereby reducing our carbon footprint.
In addition to saving money on turn-in fees and optimising truck loads to inland destinations, cross-docking has several other advantages.
Our curtain-side vehicles allow convenient access to forklifts from both sides, ensuring quick and easy offloading of cargo at the destination.
Also, by using Megafreight’s cross-docking solution, the delivery of cargo can be delayed if necessary. Containers are still returned promptly, however, avoiding the risk of incurring detention costs.
We have reliable cross-docking facilities near all of South Africa’s major ports. Our warehouses are fully equipped to handle anything from stackable, palletised cargo to more labour-intensive commodities. We also offer palletisation and machine wrapping of loose cargo, if required.
To learn more about how you can benefit from cross-docking within your supply chain, contact one of our representatives today. Megafreight is dedicated to finding the best solution for each client, and cross-docking may just be it for you.
Contact us at in**@me*********.za or 086 100 6342 (MEGA)
