Agency tie-up adds impetus to Chinese market growth

Hike Freight is making significant inroads into the growing Chinese market following a tie-up with Hong Kongbased Rockwood International Freight, says managing director Hilton Tait. “As a Hong Kong/Chinese agent, Rockwood is an ideal partner. It currently owns 30 branches within China, encompassing all aspects of freight forwarding and logistics and employing 650 staff. Rockwood has also been very involved in the South African market throughout its history and views South Africa as an important market,” he added. Hike Freight in South Africa is reaping the benefits of Rockwood’s air and ocean freight buying power, says Tait. “This is important in terms of rates and to secure space in a market which traditionally suffers from undercapacity for air and seafreight.” Following a recent visit to Rockwood Hong Kong as well as Rockwood offices in southern China, Tait believes the company has the right infrastructure to service Hike’s needs. “We are already looking to combine volumes to grow our own LCL services and airfreight consolidations.” Hike is also busy aligning computer systems to incorporate the Rockwood tracking system. The action plan for 2009 and beyond is to keep increasing cargo volumes on this important route, he added.