Express courier business defies downturn

The express courier option is proving to be the solution to business not holding onto stock in the current economic times. And even though faster does mean more expensive it is going a long way to building consumer relationships and increasing productivity. That’s according to Jonathan Clark, general manager, Southern and Western Africa for Lufthansa Cargo, who says the economic crisis has resulted in many companies – especially in the automotive industry – not holding too much stock in factories locally or overseas. “Due to the cutbacks in manufacturing people are ordering later and therefore need it quicker, which is where the express service comes in and makes all the difference.” He said while most aspects of the business were facing major downtime, express courier services were increasing. “We can have a product available to the customer within three hours of a plane landing from Frankfurt, which is a very quick turnaround time. That cargo could have also been delivered only two hours before departure.” Lufthansa Cargo’s express priority product td.Flash, which was recently upgraded, is given the highest priority, has the latest possible acceptance times, is placed closest to the aircraft door to allow for quicker turn-around time on the ground, and is tracked at the highest level. Clark says with its electronic booking channels and guaranteed capacity the product remains a winner. “It is especially important for highly-urgent as well as high value shipments and carries no weight limit. The rates are also extremely competitive.”