Direct China sailings tap into market needs

Against a background of
tough economic conditions,
neutral groupage operator
International Liner Agencies
(ILA) has focused its efforts
on increasing its market share
– and has achieved positive
results, according to sales
director Kevin Taylor.
“The Far East is a major
market for us,” said Taylor. “In
conjunction with our exclusive
Asian partner Vanguard
Logistics Services (VLS), we
cover the region as a whole.
When it comes to imports from
China we offer no less than five
direct sailings, including Hong
Kong, Shanghai, Shenzhen,
Qingdao and Ningbo.
“From Shanghai and Ningbo
we offer two sailings a week
into Durban which has proven
to be really successful.”
A big factor in the company’s
success on the route is control,
in Taylor’s view. “Vanguard
has invested in opening its
own offices around China
allowing control of cargo flow,
pricing and most importantly
centralised communication
which ensures the same high
standards are applied to all
shipments regardless of origin.”
For 2016, ILA would be
adding some new strategic
service offerings that would
ultimately reduce lead time,
improve profitability and add
another degree of flexibility, he
added.
“We are fully aware
of the challenges
affecting the
market but remain
optimistic about
the future.”
INSERT & CAPTION
When it comes to
imports from China
we offer no less than
five direct sailings.
– Kevin Taylor