Corruption not the Cause of High Costs of Trucking

By West Africa Trade Hub, www.watradehub.com

For policy makers in West Africa, the key conclusion of this report is that the cost to deliver a container from Tema to Ouagadougou is about five times the cost to deliver the same container from Newark to Chicago, a route of roughly equal distance. This is despite the fact that trucker salaries in the USA are roughly 25 times higher. And the trip takes as much as four times longer.

In 2005, “everybody” knew that the high cost of transport and logistics in West Africa was due to official corruption at roadway checkpoints. The authors of this report have researched that question and, according to their findings, it seems “everybody” was wrong.

BECOMING A RESPONSIBLE, CONFIDENT AND SAFE DRIVER

By Adewale T Akande, www.globaleduven.com – adewale_akande@hotmail.com

Driving is a serious responsibility with physical and mental abilities impacting on the driving activities of a driver. It is more than moving a vehicle and knowing how to use the accelerator, brake pedals and steering. Driving is at best when you have knowledge and required skills to drive competently in accordance with those rules and regulations guiding the public roads. A safe and responsible driver have responsibility which makes him a good citizen. Driving is a learned skill acquired with much practice. It is also more important to drive with due regards for safety and convenience of other road users. Driving entails concentration, calmness, and with consideration and respect for others. And at the same time, a driver should ensure proper and total control of his vehicle at all times. That means a driver must not allow anything to take their attention from the road, therefore good anticipation and concentration will help to prevent these usual incidents becoming accidents on our roads. The safety of others depends on you when you are on the wheel.