Growing export volumes reflect weaker rand

There’s a steady increase in
export volumes into America,
according to Stephen Bishop,
airfreight general manager
of neutral consolidator CFR
Freight.
“It is an indication of the
weakness of the rand,” he told
FTW. “Imports, on the other
hand, have seen a lot more
competition from carriers
who are creating cheap
options out of the continent
with connections in Europe
and the Middle East.”
But, he warns, services
can take much longer and
therefore blocked space
agreements such as those
put in place by the company
are a far better option as the
priority is on moving cargo
on time.
CFR is currently
renegotiating its block space
agreements in the US. It is all
about being as competitive
as possible on this valuable
trade lane without the need
to sacrifice on service, he
says.
CFR managing director
Martin Keck has seen a
steady rise in seafreight
volumes as well.
“Our import and export
service to and from the
Americas keeps going from
strength to strength.”
He said FCLs and LCLs
were growing continuously,
something he attributes to
the advantages achieved
through technology.
“Thanks to our systems
we are able to quote within
minutes because we have
direct access to rates,
regardless of the time
difference,” he says.
Growth in South America
was not as extensive as that
being seen in the US, but it’s
a market about which the
company remains positive.
INSERT & CAPTION 1
We are able to quote
within minutes
because we have
direct access to
rates, regardless of
the time difference.
– Martin Keck
INSERT & CAPTION 2
It is all about being
as competitive as
possible without the
need to sacrifice on
service.
– Stephen Bishop