CFR’s airfreight division flies high

JOY ORLEK FOUR MONTHS since the restructuring of groupage major CFR Freight’s airfreight division, business is taking off according to director André van Rensburg. A veteran in the field – Van Rensburg spent 20 years with Cosmotrans before taking up the challenge at CFR – he has reported record-breaking volumes since joining the company to head up the airfreight department in November last year. “During the traditional November/December peak period volumes exceeded expectation, and the same has been true of the traditionally quiet January/February period,” he told FTW. “Since we are arguably the only totally neutral wholesaler, we are focusing on the freight forwarder market, with Europe, the Middle East and the US our strong areas of focus at present. “We’re looking at other areas of development, ensuring that a strong agency network is in place, and the opening of offices in Durban, Cape Town and Port Elizabeth is on the planning boards for the future,” said Van Rensburg. And while airfreight consolidations are the major focus, the division’s product portfolio is comprehensive. “We offer the full range of airfreight options from deferred services to the premium express product, also acting as wholesalers for non-consolidated cargo using our bulk discounts with airlines to pass on competitive rates.” The Jet Park-based company’s current business is export dominated, but Van Rensburg predicts that imports will be a strong future focus.