Logistics major expands services to China

Röhlig-Grindrod can now offer South African clients airfreight services to and from China, with contracted capacity on a scheduled named day service basis. The company offers the service from three points in the region: Shanghai, Beijing and Hong Kong. “We tried to avoid just securing the cheapest possible service,” Dave Graham, airfreight director at Röhlig- Grindrod, told FTW. “As with our other airfreight products, we have focused on providing a reliable, competitive service that ensures uplift through both peak and off-peak periods. Our goal is to provide a multi-tiered product with core partner carriers on all major routes. We have secured contracted capacity, which means we are not subject to peak season capacity shortages.” Peak season in China typically means an increase in rates, Wilfred Gentle, airfreight forwarding manager at Röhlig-Grindrod, said. However, Röhlig-Grindrod customers will not be subjected to this practice. “We have fixed negotiated rates with extended validities, making our China services predictable and consistent in every aspect,” he added. Because Röhlig-Grindrod negotiated capacity contracts with the premium carriers it has partnered with, “there is no limit when it comes to cargo from China,” Debby Gray, forwarding supervisor at Röhlig-Grindrod, noted. “We are able to move the cargo in a timely manner, with a good service on premium carriers into both Johannesburg and Cape Town,” she said, adding that consignments destined for Durban and Port Elizabeth are directed through the Johannesburg import hub. The China service came about as a result of customers’ requests, Tommy Reddy, Johannesburg branch manager for airfreight at Röhlig-Grindrod, said. Setting up the service did not come without its challenges, Gray added. “The biggest initial challenge was ensuring the necessary focus on the South African route,” she said. “But now that we are this far, the service is running without issues. We are working hand-in-hand with our partners, and so far we’ve had no delivery issues.” Graham added that South Africa is a relatively small market for China, compared to the US and Europe. “But Röhlig-Grindrod is an important contributor to the worldwide Rohlig organisation and that has certainly helped with our China project.” Graham said further routes are planned for development, and he expects the group to expand their service offering to/from the UK next year, with other possibilities to follow in South America. CAPTION Debbie Gray, Wilfed Gentle, Dave Graham and Tommy Reddy.