Fixed rates and confirmed capacit the deal-makers

Increasing airfreight capacity has been the big focus on the Far East route, according to Stephen Bishop, airfreight general manager of neutral consolidator CFR Freight. “Confirmed capacity has been a big drive while ensuring our rates remain consistent,” he says. “The Far East is a very dynamic market with rates in a constant state of flux. Being able to fix rates for longer periods, with confirmed capacity, has certainly proven to be a strong selling point to our clients.” According to Bishop this has been achieved by signing additional Blocked Space Agreements (BSA) out of Beijing and Hong Kong. “It’s created more capacity and also gives us firm bookings and set transit times. This has been in conjunction with our Air Cargo Group (ACG) partner Shipco, ” he told FTW. He says growing airfreight volumes remains a priority in the New Year, particularly out of China where he sees major opportunity. “Our air import products from there have shown strong growth over the past 18 months and I expect this trend to continue.” Bishop said the market in China as a whole was a massive opportunity – especially since so many freight forwarding agents were looking for local partners. “We are bombarded on a day-to-day basis with requests to do business; it is just a matter of finding the right match for our clients within the ACG framework.” INSERT & CAPTION Additional blocked space agreements out of Beijing and Hong Kong. – Stephen Bishop