CFR achieves record volumes as groupage booms expanding direct route network

JOY ORLEK
THE GROUPAGE market is booming as more and more companies buy into the Just In Time concept, bringing in smaller consignments more frequently to keep inventory at a minimum.
That’s according to independent groupage operator CFR Freight which is reaping the benefits of this trend with record volumes achieved during the past three months, says Durban branch manager Clive Nel.
In response to customer demand, the company is constantly expanding its direct route network.
“We have successfully introduced a direct service to Luanda and started closing direct boxes to the Seychelles, while a direct service from Mauritius also recently came on stream.”
The Far East and Middle East have shown particular growth, says Nel, but CFR’s traditional markets served by a comprehensive route network including a growing number of direct options have all contributed to the growth.
Also pushing up groupage demand is the stronger rand. “Some importers are not buying as much FCL from South Africa because of the stronger currency, but in order to maintain alliances with their SA manufactures they’re moving a lot more LCL loads.
“All these factors, combined with our service delivery, have helped us to grow our client base and post the record figures recorded in recent months,”
said Nel.