Wednesday August 23, 2023

Exporting Used Trucks to Zimbabwe: A Case Study

4 minute read

Written by Abby Bolger

Are you a business in Africa looking for a cost effective and highly professional used truck exporter to provide you with the vehicles you need? Here at GRC in the UK, we are proud to have built a large portfolio of satisfied customers. We hear from Takawira, who, back in 2020, purchased the first truck for a successful company in Zimbabwe. Becoming a returning customer, the company has grown from a single to six truck fleet since getting in touch with us here at GRC, owing to the trusted relationship built during the initial sale.

How did you find out about GRC Trucks?

“I found the website through Facebook – GRC’s Facebook page. After beginning my search for a truck cautiously, I was immediately put at ease when I began discussions with at Gary at GRC.”

If you think that you would find it easier to deal with one our agents across Africa, then simply let us know and we will put you in touch with them. However, many customers – including Takawira – prefer to deal with GRC directly.

Are you happy with the service you’ve received from GRC?

“I am very happy with the professional conduct of GRC staff – in particular Gary – and the company’s prices. They are very reasonable and in some instances we have been afforded reasonable payment terms. I do not hesitate to recommend anyone to buy trucks from GRC owing to the professionalism always shown by the company.”

What sort of truck did you buy and what is it used for?

“All my trucks are in Zimbabwe and are contracted by various companies in various industries. The first truck I bought from GRC was a Volvo FL240 10 tonne boxed truck, which was used to transport bread! After this I then purchased a tipper truck, a Scania P380, and the vehicle was in perfect condition when I bought it. Sometime in 2021 I bought another tipper truck (Scania P340), which was also in very good condition. Last year and this year I’ve managed to purchase a 30 tonne refrigerated truck and trailer. Again the condition is excellent. Recently we’ve also acquired a ten tonne boxed truck (CF 65 DAF). We expect it to arrive soon!”

How does GRC’s truck-buying service work?

The first step is to think clearly and carefully about the exact way the truck will be used (whether it is for transporting construction materials or medicines and foods, etc) and choose something appropriate. This decision may involve talking to one of the experts at GRC to make sure you find the perfect truck (or trucks) appropriate to your requirements.

We will also provide a shipping quote which will not only include delivery to port but also the posting and tracking of all necessary documentation to a given address. We make sure these documents arrive with you in time for your vehicle reaching its destination, and we track their journey. We organise transportation to the relevant port, so that your delivery can go as smoothly as possible.

How did the transactions and shipping go?

“The shipping is done by GRC and goes very well. From the UK to Walvis Bay it takes 28 days to ship. From Walvis Bay to Harare without delays it takes about 5 days for your trucks to arrive in Zimbabwe. We haven’t experienced problems in collecting the trucks from Walvis Bay as the pre-clearance is done by our professional clearing agents. GRC also gives you your documents prior to the truck arriving at Walvis Bay, which makes it really easy to clear the truck at the port.”

The Type of Trucks GRC can Supply

1) Tipper trucks

On these trucks, the trailer lifts up to release the payload without any manual or mechanical operation. Tipper trucks are the perfect truck for the construction industry as they can be used to transport and tip materials such as gravel, larger stones and wood etc.

2) Curtainsider trucks

This type of truck allows you to transport goods on pallets – including white goods, furniture, electrical items and some construction materials.

3) Flatbed trucks

Flatbed trucks are perfect for construction materials which will not be affected or damaged by the weather, e.g. bricks, concrete tubes, steel girders etc.

4) Rigid trucks

This type of truck is multi-purpose, for hauling different items which require protection from the elements in some way, e.g. food, clothing, liquids etc.

5) Refrigerated trucks

These ‘fridge trucks’ are designed to transport perishables such as fruit, vegetables, seafood, meat, etc – and they are also used for medical or pharmaceutical products and supplies. The loads are chilled or frozen for perfect preservation during shipping.

6) Tractor trucks

A popular and larger unit, tractor trucks are great for transporting heavier loads over long distances. With several axle configurations available, tractor trucks are a versatile choice.

Where does GRC ship to?

Although we are based in the UK, we can supply vehicles to continents and countries all over the world, including Africa:

Shipping guarantees here at GRC

All necessary documents completed prior to export
Loading and Shipping at the UK Port
Regular updates of your delivery
Safe arrival of your used truck

We have vast experience in shipping top quality used trucks to Africa, wherever you’re located. Just like Takawira, we’re confident that you will be happy with the service you have received from GRC – and that the truck will do a good job for you…