In this article
Every logistics company describes its network. Ours is easy to explain because it follows the way goods actually move in our region: from the Indian Ocean ports of Mombasa and Dar es Salaam, along the Northern and Central Corridors, across the borders of East Africa, to customers in Rwanda, Burundi, Uganda and eastern Congo. This article describes the Haraka Freight network: where we work, how a shipment moves through it and what that means for your business.
We have kept it factual. Where we mention a country or a service, it is one we offer. For a summary page, see our network.
Who we are
Haraka Freight International Ltd is a fast-growing logistics company based in Eastern Africa that specializes in freight forwarding, customs clearance, warehousing, trucking, and distribution. Our major services also include IOR/EOR shipments, DDP shipments and local and regional distribution. Our focus is on customers with global sourcing and supply-chain management needs, and on building end-to-end international logistics services that add value for them.
Haraka means "quickly" in Swahili, and our tagline sums up what we aim for: making transportation fast and safe.
Our head office is at Ituze House, KG 11 Avenue, Bibare, in Kigali. Kigali sits between the two great corridors from the coast and next door to the borders with Burundi and the DRC, which makes it a practical base for managing regional shipments.
Where the Haraka Freight network reaches
| Country / area | What we provide |
|---|---|
| Kenya | Transportation, warehousing and distribution; cargo through the port of Mombasa and from inland origins |
| Uganda | Transportation, warehousing and distribution; transit along the Northern Corridor |
| Tanzania | Transportation, warehousing and distribution; cargo through the port of Dar es Salaam and from inland origins |
| Rwanda | Head office in Kigali; customs clearance, trucking, warehousing and distribution |
| Burundi | Transportation, warehousing and distribution |
| Goma and Bukavu (DRC) | Transit commodities to both cities |
How a shipment moves through the network
Here is how a typical shipment, an imported container for a customer in the region, moves through our network. Every shipment is planned individually, but the stages are the same.
- Enquiry and planning. You tell us what you are shipping, from where, to where and by when. We recommend the gateway, the corridor and the mode, and explain why.
- Origin and documents. We check the supplier's draft documents and any destination requirements before the goods ship.
- The port. At Mombasa or Dar es Salaam, we coordinate release with the shipping line, customs and the port, with the destination declaration or transit entries prepared in advance.
- The corridor. Trucks carry the cargo along the Northern or Central Corridor under customs control.
- The borders. We coordinate each crossing, closing one transit and opening the next.
- Clearance. In Rwanda we clear the goods ourselves; for other destinations we coordinate the clearance with the relevant authorities.
- Warehousing, if needed. Goods can be stored and released as you need them.
- Delivery. To your warehouse, shop, factory or project site, with the release and delivery documents.
For regional trade that starts inland, for example goods bought in Nairobi or Arusha, the journey starts at step 4 with collection from the supplier.
Services across the network
- Freight forwarding by air, sea and road, including FCL and LCL containers and project cargo.
- Customs clearance, including a stand-alone clearing and brokerage service.
- Road transport: full and part loads, door pick-ups, container stuffing and heavy cargo.
- Warehousing and distribution, with packaging and repackaging.
- Importer of Record (IOR/EOR) and DDP shipments for global companies.
- Cross-border logistics across the region.
- Cargo insurance for the whole journey.
Freight, warehousing, accounting, packaging, and distribution are just a few examples of what we can do to ensure your success.
The corridors we use
Our network is built on the region's two main corridors:
- the Northern Corridor, from Mombasa through Kenya and Uganda, coordinated by the Northern Corridor Transit and Transport Coordination Authority (opens in a new tab);
- the Central Corridor, from Dar es Salaam across Tanzania, coordinated by the Central Corridor Transit Transport Facilitation Agency (opens in a new tab).
Rwanda, Burundi and the DRC are members of both corridor agencies, which means we can offer a real choice of routes for most destinations. Read our hub on East Africa logistics corridors for the full picture, or browse our freight routes.
What working with Haraka looks like
One contact. You deal with one team in Kigali for the whole journey, whatever the number of countries involved.
Custom-tailored solutions. Our dedicated team of professionals works to fit a wide range of cargo requirements, from a single pallet to project cargo.
Honest advice. Borders, ports and roads in our region change. When they do, we tell you, and we suggest an alternative.
Clear quotes. We itemise our quotes so you can see what is included and compare like with like.
Easy to reach. Call or WhatsApp us on +250 781 905 793, email info@harakafreight.co.rw, or visit our office, Monday to Saturday from 8 am to 5 pm.
Who uses our network
Our services are designed for importers and exporters, distributors and retailers, manufacturers sourcing inputs, project and construction teams, local and overseas cargo agents who need a partner in the region, and global companies that need an Importer or Exporter of Record. If your goods move into, out of or across East and Central Africa, the network is built for you.
Conclusion
The Haraka Freight network connects Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi, and carries transit cargo to Goma and Bukavu, through the ports of Mombasa and Dar es Salaam and the corridors that lead inland. From our base in Kigali we plan each shipment, move it through the region and deliver it, with one team responsible from start to finish. To see how the network can work for your cargo, request a quote or contact our team.
Sources: NCTTCA (opens in a new tab); CCTTFA (opens in a new tab). Company information from Haraka Freight International.
Frequently asked questions
Which countries does the Haraka Freight network cover?
We provide transportation, warehousing and distribution services in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi, and we transit commodities to Goma and Bukavu in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Where is Haraka Freight based?
Our head office is at Ituze House, KG 11 Avenue, Bibare, Kigali, Rwanda (P.O. Box 7357). We are open Monday to Saturday, 8 am to 5 pm.
Which ports does Haraka work with?
We handle cargo through the two main East African gateways for the Great Lakes region, the port of Mombasa in Kenya and the port of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania, and we move goods overland from inland origins in both countries.
What services are available across the network?
Freight forwarding by air, sea and road, customs clearance and brokerage, IOR/EOR and DDP shipments, warehousing, trucking, local and regional distribution, and cargo insurance.
Can Haraka handle cargo that starts outside Africa?
Yes. We arrange international air and sea freight from suppliers worldwide into East Africa, then manage the port, the corridor, the borders, clearance and delivery.
Published · Last updated
Haraka Freight International Ltd is a logistics company based at Ituze House, KG 11 Avenue, Bibare, Kigali, Rwanda. We handle freight forwarding, customs clearance, IOR/EOR and DDP shipments, warehousing, trucking and regional distribution in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi, with transit cargo to Goma and Bukavu.
