RTOA warns cross-border transport operators

The Road Transport Operators Association (RTOA) has warned cross-border transport operators against violating third party country rules.

 

RTOA executive director Shadreck Matsimbe sounded the warning recently following increasing cases of Malawian registered trucks being locked up in Zambia and other neighbouring countries for contravening laws.

Matsimbe said about 15 trucks, plying their trade between South Africa and Zambia, have been held in Zambia because drivers contravened the laws of that country.

“Most importers go for Malawian trucks because they are cheap. I have, however, noted that 10 to 15 of our trucks are held up in Zambia.

“There might be more Malawian trucks contravening foreign rules only that they are not caught because they travel at night,” he said.

The Zambian Government has since called Malawian Government to a meeting in March to discuss the matter, according to Matsimbe.

Third country rule bans operations of trucks registered in a third party country to transport goods between two other countries as a protective measure for local trucking companies in a particular country.