As we all know Covid-19, commonly referred to as Coronavirus, has been sweeping the globe with devastating effects on both humans and the economy. The highly infectious virus has crippled the social movements of people and limited the number of resources available and being produced. The travel restrictions and bans have citizens and business owners in a frenzy has the threat continues to grow at an exponential rate. With all the chaos surrounding South Africa, the movement and continuation of supply chain is critical. Jacobs Transport provides container transport services which will meet all your transportation needs.

What is Covid-19?

Covid-19 is the name given to the novel strain of Coronavirus which is currently spreading across the world at a rapid rate. It is a new strain which had not been previously identified in humans. Coronaviruses are zoonotic, meaning it is transmitted from animals to humans and are responsible for causing illnesses which range from a common cold to severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). Symptoms include dry cough, fever, fatigue, difficulty breathing and can thereafter develop into cases of pneumonia and SARS.

Origin and Arrival of Covid-19 on South African shores

The first cluster of infection cases were reported in the city of Wuhan in China on the 31^st of December 2019, however the earliest case of infection was traced back to November of that same year. What started as an epidemic (outbreak contained to a specific area/ continent) quickly became a pandemic as it crossed continents and brought countries such as Italy and Iran to a screeching halt. South Africa was unfortunately presented with its first case in March 2020 and has since been trying to combat the spread of the virus by introducing social restrictions, in hopes of slowing down the spread of the virus to a manageable rate. With the arrival of Covid-19 in the country, necessities and perishable goods have been flying off the shelves. Now more than ever, businesses are relying on the timely movement of goods and resources to meet the demand of the South African citizens.

Impact on Transportation networks

The greatest and most immediate concern for the transport sector during this difficult time is to maintain the supply chain of items in demand such as medical supplies (gloves, masks), food and personal hygiene products (soaps and sanitizers). The transportation of goods will need to be conducted in the safest way possible for all parties involved whilst following the new guidelines proposed by the President where applicable. Transportation companies have to take on the responsibility to function and ensure the movement of essential items as store owners and their customers depend on the arrival of such goods. Container transportation allows for the safe movement of a variety of goods. The utilization of containers will offer the following advantages as challenging times fast approach;

• Fast transportation at affordable rates: All goods transported within the container are documented and declared. This lessens the workload and formalities it entails, making it much easier for the sender and recipient and limits the contact time during the delivery.
• Versatile mode of transportation: Containers are able to be moved over land, water and air and can be used in the transportation of a wide spectrum of goods ranging from dangerous substances such as hydrocarbons to fragile goods and food items.
• Safety of cargo: Opting for container usage protects goods and acts as a barrier against adverse weather conditions such as rain and hail, theft and damage due to handling. The risk of goods deterioration and loss of product is significantly reduced when choosing this mode of transportation.

Along with services provided, transportation companies have to ensure the safety of their staff and take various preventative measures during this time. Driver health and safety standards should be increased especially in areas with a high infection rate. The loading, unloading and handling of documentation should be changed to ensure minimal contact and interaction. Companies must accurately trace and record the movement of both goods and workers to document any possible risk of infection. New enforcement and regulatory procedures relating to vehicles, cargo goods and workers should be clearly communicated to avoid any confusion and possible fining. The new restrictions and procedures taken by the transportation company should also be well communicated in advance to the recipient so amendments and arrangements can be made accordingly.

Here at Jacobs Transport we pride ourselves on tracking each and every container in our care, a security measure which will now be beneficial in providing our clients with peace of mind during the current state of affairs. We are able to transport goods and necessities timeously, whilst ensuring that the utmost care and consideration is taken. Give us call if you would like to make use of our container transportation service.

Planning to move to your new house or looking for a container for your business? Perhaps you’re looking to haul bulk goods, or to store your stuff for a short period? Hiring a shipping container could be a viable option. Many people consider hiring a shipping container as an alternative to buying for utility and affordability. Although they are widely available these days, choosing the right container from plenty of them can sometimes be challenging.

So, what things need to be considered when hiring a shipping container? Well, here is a simple checklist to ensure that you meet your container needs.

1. Size of the container:

First, determine the size of shipping container you will need. This will require you to have a plan around what you are going to put in the container.

It’s better to spend your money on hiring one single large and long unit rather than going for several small shipping containers. Make sure your chosen container can handle all the weight you intend to carry. People commonly use  6m by 12m long containers as containers with these lengths are readily available and widely used in the freight industry.

2. Quality of the container:

Perform a quality check on the shipping container you are hiring. Scrutinize the unit from top to bottom and ensure that it is suitable for your needs. While inspecting look for durability and sturdiness to resist harsh weather conditions along with holes or cracks that can lead to damaged goods.

3. Duration of usage:

How long you are going to use the container for is another factor to take into account, especially if you are looking to hire rather than buy. All you need to do is to fix a date with the container hire company stating the approximate usage duration of the container.

A good idea while hiring a container is to extend the hire period a bit beyond your actual intended use. This way you have time up your sleeve when you need to use the container for longer than you anticipated. Sometimes container providers offer a discount on longer-term leases, making container hire a cost-effective option.

4. Perform a security check:

A must while hiring a container is performing a security check. The door of the container is the most dangerous area, but make sure the entire container is safe from unauthorized access; look for a lock box joined with the container doors to ensure the padlock is safe from being tampered with unlawfully.

While hiring a shipping container, it is wise to talk with your shipping container provider about insurance obligations. Also, make sure that the insurance covers all risks associated with your stock of stored or shipped goods while using the container.

5. Prepare the site to receive delivery:

When dealing with a container service provider, make sure that you inform them about the sort of site access you have, as making them aware of this will assist them in arranging the delivery of your shipping container.

If your site has any obstacles like overhanging trees or power lines, notify them so that they can plan to deliver your container in the safest manner possible. Make adequate room for the truck to allow for easy loading and unloading of the container.

6. Choose the right shipping container provider:

Make sure that you hire the right shipping container supplier. Look at what services they offer customers. Do you have a container that you need to be moved? At Jacobs Transport, we offer container movement services both nationally as well as cross-border container transportation services. Call Jacobs Transport today, to ensure your container is transported safely, timeously and in a professional manner to its desired destination.

Now you have a checklist of what to do while hiring a shipping container. So what are you waiting for? Make the best use of the list and choose the shipping container that is most suitable for your needs, call Jacobs Transport today!