Growing demand for less-than-container load (LCL) services in the Eastern Cape has seen neutral consolidator CFR Freight increase its direct import services into the region.According to Michelle Horner, operations manager in Port Elizabeth, the company now offers three direct LCL weekly services into the province from China and the Far East, two from India, two from the USA and two from Germany.LCL direct services are key to success, in her view.“And despite the country’s tough economic conditions, this has not dented demand.“We experienced other challenges in 2019 with port delays and equipment failures. Both ports in the Eastern Cape – the Port of Ngqura and the Port of Port Elizabeth – are, however, operating at a far more stable and effective level at present and that has instilled confidence in the industry.”