Customers tune into value-added benefits of new-look CRF

year since the CFR Group moved into custom-designed premises in Jet Park – with sea, air and warehousing all under one roof – customers are reaping the significant benefits, says CFR Freight managing director Martin Keck. “Having all operations under one roof strengthens our control while the proximity to the largely East Rand-based freight customer base makes sense for our customers and ourselves,” said Keck. The neutral groupage operator’s service menu now extends beyond its core role as a consolidator to include import degroup, export packing, transport and warehousing. “And it’s these value-added services that are entrenching us with our customers,” says CFR Group CEO Peter Schmidt-Löffler. ZacPak offers a daily road transport service for imports and exports on the Durban-Gauteng route. According to Willie Nel, managing director of the in-house customs-licensed depot operation, transit time for cargo from gate in at the Durban depot to availability for collection in Johannesburg is now less than three days. “Other operators generally average in the region of five to seven days so this is a huge time saving for our customers,” said Nel. It all comes back to the issue of single-company control, says Schmidt-Löffler. “No matter how good your relationship with a third-party operator, it doesn’t come near to the benefit of sole control.” With the Johannesburg ZacPak operation bedded down, the next step will be the launch of a virtual bond store, says Nel, which is due to open shortly. “This will put us in the unique position of being able to place cargo anywhere on the floor and it will be considered to be in virtual bond even though it may not be a bonded area. For the customer, that will translate into quicker cargo movement. “Once we ensure and can prove that our IT capability is up to par, we will enter into discussions with Sars and make application.” The company is however mindful of the possible implications of the new Customs Bill which could remove the status of City Deep as an inland port. “We are part of a committee with Saaff and are keeping our ears close to the ground so that we are fully prepared for whatever the outcome will be,” said Keck. In terms of its airfreight division, which is also based at the Jet Park facility, it has recorded phenomenal growth, says airfreight general manager, Stephen Bishop. “We’re Part 108 and RA3 accredited - and do all screening on site for outbound cargo. “We can collect and deliver cargo on behalf of our clients for imports and exports – and do the packing and repacking of all cargo types.” In February next year the local operation will be hosting the annual general meeting of its global agents, the Air Cargo Group. “It’s the first time the annual meeting has been held in South Africa – and it will see 50 representatives from around the globe converging on Johannesburg,” said Bishop. INSERT & CAPTION 1 No matter how good your relationship with a thirdparty operator, it doesn’t come near to the benefit of sole control. – Peter Schmidt-Löffler INSERT & CAPTION 2 We’ve moved beyond our core role as a consolidator to include import degroup, export packing, transport and warehousing. – Martin Keck