The continuous introduction of new direct imports and export services as well as warehousing solutions into the Western Cape – all exclusively for forwarding and clearing agents – is helping to make groupage operator CFR Cape Town a bigger competitor in the market. According to CT branch manager Sean Petzer, the volumes in and out of the Cape are on the up. With the recent introduction of Zacpak in Durban, CFR aims to provide smoother operations for any cargo that still needs to be shipped via Durban. However, with consistent focus on doing things better, CFR Cape Town could provide solutions that may make it a favourable alternative to Durban in certain instances. “In this regard we are working hard at CFR to introduce a number of new direct services for both imports and exports to and from areas in the Far East, South America and even Africa,” he said. “At the same time we are offering more customised services for the forwarding and clearing agents based on their specific requirements. These projects can be short- or long-term and are really based on whatever the client requires.” Working hand-in-hand with its warehousing partner Zacpak, CFR in Cape Town can customise its service to forwarding and clearing agents, said Petzer. Wind remains a regular challenge for the industry in the Western Cape, he said, and has been a major factor over the past four months. “The delays in the port have caused a lot of pressure as we try to get access to containers in an effort to unpack cargo in time for clients’ deadlines,” said Petzer. “In conjunction with Zacpak we are looking at finding ways of addressing this issue that for the most part really is out of our hands.”
