Between severe road conditions, complex border customs rules, scarce heavy-duty trailer resources, and unpredictable security risks, a minor hiccup can cost projects millions in delays. Here is how SPEED INT'L navigated these exact hurdles to successfully execute a Ghana to Burkina Faso trucking mission, delivering two 80-ton transformers and critical accessories directly to the site.
👉 The Risk: Shortly after dispatch, the multi-axle trailer carrying an 80-ton transformer broke down on the route. Sourcing specialized replacement parts locally in heavy lift logistics Africa networks is nearly impossible, and backup heavy-haul trailers are not readily available.
✅ Our Solution: Our on-site emergency response team immediately secured the cargo location, dispatched a mobile repair unit, and coordinated local resources. Instead of abandoning the cargo, we actively managed the 10-day repair process while continuously updating the client, ensuring the multi-million dollar asset remained safe.
👉 The Risk: Ghana-Burkina Faso border regulations mandate that all vehicles under a single customs declaration must arrive simultaneously before clearance is granted. The breakdown of one truck trapped the rest of our convoy at the border, causing daily truck detention fees (demurrage) to skyrocket.
✅ Our Solution: While conventional forwarders would pause operations to argue over liability with the trucking fleets, SPEED INT'L prioritized the project timeline. We absorbed the upfront detention costs, paying the fleets in cash to stabilize the situation. We keep the cargo moving first to prevent catastrophic project delays.
👉 The Risk: Managing Tema to Ouagadougou transport often involves unpredictable local environments. Upon arriving at the site, the convoy had to wait for heavy cranes. During this period, armed personnel activity and gunshots were reported nearby. Drivers panicked and prepared to abandon the cargo and flee back to the city.
✅ Our Solution: Our on-ground crisis management took over. We verified the immediate security threat level with local authorities, arranged secure accommodations, and calmed the drivers. We stabilized the human element of the supply chain, ensuring the convoy held its ground until the cranes arrived for safe offloading.
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Get Your Transport Plan NowA: Due to strict cross-border customs regulations, all vehicles under a single shipment must arrive at the border before customs releases the cargo. SPEED INT'L actively manages these delays to minimize overall project disruption.
A: Safety for personnel and cargo is our highest priority. During unforeseen security threats, our on-ground team continuously assesses the situation with local authorities, secures the cargo, and provides real-time support and safe accommodation for drivers.
A: Yes. We specialize in heavy-lift logistics, utilizing multi-axle and low-bed trailers to transport 80+ ton transformers and infrastructure materials from coastal ports like Tema deep into landlocked countries like Burkina Faso.
