Big benefits as CFR gets accredited

September 10 marked a milestone for the airfreight division of independent groupage operator CFR Freight which officially began operating as a Part 108 regulated agent. The company is using Rasco, the sniffer dog option, as its primary screening source, Johannesburg branch manager – airfreight David Gurney told FTW. “We researched all the available options and believe that Rasco is the most effective available.” The need for Part 108 accreditation has been an expanding global policy led by the International Civil Aviation Organisation, says Gurney. “It’s a necessary step not only from the point of view of the global society in which we live, but also in terms of our status as a serious player in the marketplace going forward.” The poor response to Part 108 has been well documented in the media, but the Civil Aviation Authority appears to be tightening the reins, says Gurney. “They will come down harder on noncompliance and since we’re one of the few accredited local consolidators, we feel we’re ahead of the race.” “The advantages for us and our clients are significant,” says general manager – airfreight Dave Graham. “We now have the ability to build Unit Load Devices (ULDs) on site without having to tender loose cargo. And that has two benefits – improved security and improved efficiency. Because textiles in particular are highly pilferable cargo, it maintains the chain of custody and security of the product from the time we receive it off the trucks directly to destination. It also streamlines procedures from a process point of view because the airline is receiving built-up pallets as opposed to 3 000 loose boxes at a time.” The strength of CFR Freight on the US lane has seen the company loading 20-25 pallets for the States in the past few weeks. “We see our accreditation as another initiative in our effort to professionalise our airfreight offering,” said Graham.