Effective hubs bolster growth for CFR Airfreight

A determined focus on pockets of growth and potential growth in a generally sombre global economic environment is paying dividends for independent consolidator CFR Freight. The airfreight division has recorded a positive start to the year, with the Cape Town office in particular performing well ahead of expectation, says Johannesburg branch manager, Stephen Bishop. “Our recently appointed airfreight manager, Chilton Corrigall, has injected new energy into the Cape Town airfreight branch – and the results speak for themselves,” says CFR managing director, Martin Keck. “We’ve seen unprecedented growth with no sign of a slowdown.” In terms of CFR’s import product, the biggest focus at present is the US, says Bishop. “In mid-April we launched a block space agreement out of Chicago based on Etihad, departing on the weekend and arriving on a Tuesday. During a recent visit to the US we found a lot of interest from the Midwest region and that justified the BSA. “We now have extremely effective hubs out of Los Angeles, Chicago and New York which allow us to compete very favourably with traditional players on these routes. And these are premium products based on quality carriers – not deferred services.” CFR has also seen massive growth out of China, says Bishop. “Our premium offerings out of Shanghai and Hong Kong give all forwarders additional capacity options out of the Far East based on premier carriers at competitive rates. The strength of our partner in the Air Cargo Group, Shipco, brings significant value-added benefits.” The company has however identified exports as a key focus for 2013. “We are able to offer attractive rates into London and most European cities, with current promotions based on a premier carrier. And Africa, as always, remains a key market. INSERT & CAPTION Offering forwarders additional capacity options out of the Far East based on premier carriers at competitive rates. – Stephen Bishop