Page 54 - Logistics News - Issue 01 - 2024.indd

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Overnight road services – a

viable alternative to airfreight

IN A landscape where businesses demand swift and
dependable logistics solutions, Seabourne Logistics Garry Harris, Director
is offering an innovative overnight road service (ONR), at Seabourne
setting new industry standards and delivering goods Logistics ZA.
punctually and rapidly. Designed to provide quick and
efficient deliveries throughout South Africa, reaching The company has invested heavily in the
destinations typically serviced by air, the overnight development of this service. All line haul vehicles
service creates a competitive edge in today’s fast- are equipped with long-range tanks and anti-fatigue
paced market. cameras that are consistently operated by a double
crew, whose activities are closely monitored by a
“The success of our overnight road service can 24-hour control room. Iveco Turbo Daily 50C 70
be attributed to our dedication to quality, reliability vehicles with reinforced heavy-duty tow bars and 1.5-
and cost-effectiveness,” says Garry Harris, Director ton trailers are operated within their warranty period
at Seabourne Logistics ZA. “We understand that our on the overnight road service, ensuring reliability.
clients’ success depends on their ability to have goods The fleet is subjected to bumper-to-bumper service
delivered on time and within budget and we take that checks every second to third day, depending on the
responsibility very seriously.” rotation schedule.

Transporting goods overnight by road presents The vehicles have dimensions measuring 4,5m
numerous benefits. The foremost advantage is its (length) x 1,7m (width) x 1,9m (height), with a carrying
cost-effectiveness, offering potential savings of capacity of 2.5 tons and 16 cubic metres of space.
up to 50 percent compared to airfreight services. The trailers have dimensions of 3,3m (length) x 1,6m
Moreover, it excels in cargo handling, boasting greater (width) x 1,7m (height) and can carry 1-1.5 tons with
space and flexibility than airlines. This facilitates the 9 cubic metres of available space. To enhance their
transportation of hazardous materials and liquids, robustness, the rear sections of the vehicles are
which may be subject to stricter airborne regulations. equipped with aluminium cladding walls and Marley-
type floors, complete with sunken securing points.
“While road transport does have its limitations, it
is considerably more accommodating, permitting the “Businesses, driven by price sensitivity and
carriage of items like aerosols or lithium batteries that competition in service delivery, are increasingly
may be restricted on flights. Importantly, our service opting for this intermediate service that ensures next-
consistently upholds high-quality standards, ensuring day delivery,” explains Harris. “It holds great value in
minimal disruptions,” continues Harris. industries like the automotive sector, where the quick
movement of parts is crucial. It offers convenience
Seabourne has created distribution hubs and and flexibility, allowing for multiple deliveries in a
fulfilment centres that are strategically positioned single trip to remote places often left out of next-
across the country to cater to its growing clientèle. day delivery. More so, we’re constantly working on
Not only has it increased the service’s reach, but expanding our service reach and footprint across the
also allows for more efficient transportation country, providing our clients with a cost-effective
networks. solution,” concludes Harris. •

52 I S S UE 01 – 2024 www .l o g ist i csn e w s .c o .z a