ILA doubles Shanghai frequency

JOY ORLEK
GROUPAGE SPECIALIST International Liner Agency has doubled its frequency out of Shanghai to offer a mid week and weekend option on this growing trade lane. “A lot of freight forwarders are moving time-sensitive cargo that needs flexibility,” says national sales and marketing director Raymond Cutts. “For our weekend sailing the cut-off could be Wednesday, so for cargo that can’t wait we’ve introduced the additional flexibility of a midweek option.” “As we move into the peak season we believe that this flexibility is more important than ever.” Developing the Hong Kong and Chinese markets is high priority for ILA, and in South Africa last week to touch base with major clients was the company’s Far East agent Edward Cheung from FCC Logistics. “An important aspect of ILA’s strategy is to understand customer requirements region by region and to adapt our service offering in line with that philosophy. Our national roadshow with our agent is part of that.” Cheung visits South Africa at least once a year to develop the service and cement ties with key customers, and has been doing so for the past 10 years. “Our service is based on the most direct options available with transit time a key ingredient. We are developing additional services out of certain areas in China and our roadshow will help to establish where the demand is greatest,” said Cutts.