CFR expands presence in Mozambique

Despite congestion and other problems, Durban is still a major transit hub for Africa-bound cargo – and it is possible to consolidate and tranship Africa-bound cargo “within days” of it landing in the port, says Peter Schmidt-Löffler, director of CFR Freight SA.The company is expanding its presence in Mozambique to meet the growing demand for cargo from the country and its neighbours. “Mozambique has been a very good market, and we expect rapid growth. It is a gateway to eastern, central and southern Africa,” he says. MOZ STAR acts on behalf of CFR Freight in Mozambique, “purely for the destuffing of containers and release of cargo. “We are able to offer a door-to-door service in Mozambique through MOZ STAR due to their set up in customs clearance and transport within the country,” he says. CFR Freight has had regular consolidations to Maputo for the last seven years, as well as “ad hoc” containers to Beira. “Presently we have regular direct consolidations to Maputo, Dar es Salaam, Mombasa, Walvis Bay, Luanda, Lagos and Tema and also offer road transport consolidation to the neighbouring countries of South Africa. “Mauritius is also one of our strong destinations with weekly services to and from Port Louis. “We have plans to expand in Africa, and Mozambique is definitely top of the list. “This will go hand in hand with our ZACPAK warehousing operation in Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg where clients, on a more regular basis, consolidate their cargo for Africa and also send full container loads,” he said. CAPTION Peter Schmidt-Löffler … ‘Regular consolidations to Maputo for the last seven years.’