CFR Freight has doubled capacity on the Los Angeles- Johannesburg trade lane following the addition of a second weekly frequency on the route effective last Friday (October 19). “We have seen steady growth so far this year,” Manny Ruiz, Midwest regional airfreight development manager of Shipco Airfreight Inc, CFR’s partner in the Air Cargo Group, told FTW following a recent visit to South Africa. “And we know there is a lot potential for future growth. Our BSA (block space agreement) based service ex Los Angeles has been very successful, and we are looking to duplicate that model out of the Midwest and the East Coast,” he said. In contrast to many other markets worldwide, the company has over the past few months experienced space issues to South Africa, and is expecting an early peak season this year, he added. “To accommodate growing demand, we have also added capacity out of the west coast. Aside from the second BSA out of Los Angeles, which will give us more capacity and also more frequency, we have launched a midweek frequency out of Atlanta and secured extra capacity out of Chicago and New York as well.” While this was Ruiz’s first visit to South Africa, representatives from Shipco visit regularly to touch base with local clients as well as CFR colleagues. “It’s an important element in improving our volumes on this very important trade lane,” said Ruiz. “Typically we will get leads from a client in the States who advises that the agent in SA makes most of the decisions. Through our strong relationship with CFR we work on both ends to secure additional business. “Being 100% neutral has been a big selling point for both CFR and Shipco, and has allowed us to gain business from forwarders who know they can trust our neutrality.” CAPTION Manny Ruiz ... 'steady growth'
