Neutral NVOCC CFR
Freight has grown
its presence in
Africa with a strong
network of local partners and
technological innovation that
is enabling its freight
forwarder clients to
expand their own
networks on the
continent.
“Demands
have increased
on the basis of
our increased
buying power
with the
carriers,
our
network in Africa and the
ease of use of our rates
management platform,”
CFR Freight airfreight
general manager Stephen
Bishop said.
The firm’s new
WebCargoNet rates
management
platform, which
allows clients to
maintain their
rates, to quote,
use an airline
maps tool, track
and trace and
view airline
schedules, has
enhanced
its
competitive edge,
according to Bishop.
“We often say that
qualified service
providers who can offer
a professional quote in
the fastest
time put
themselves
in the best
position to
secure the
traffic – and
this tool
enables them
to do just
this,” he said.
“The
market has
become
increasingly
competitive
and more
clients are “shopping
around for the lowest
price,” he added, but it
was important to balance
price with the quality of
products and services
offered.
“We service mostly small
to medium sized airfreight
forwarders and have 85%
of Africa covered – with
the ability to offer DAP
services into most major
African
cities and
surrounding
areas,” Bishop
said.
“Our
investment
in internal
and external
IT systems
will remain
a key focus
to remain
competitive,”
CFR Freight’s
group IT
manager,
James Britz, told FTW.
From a West Africa
perspective, the company
concentrates on direct LCL
services to Apapa, Luanda
and Abidjan and offers a
weekly service to Tema.
Freight to these areas
comprises mainly earth
moving machinery, medical
equipment, spare parts and
personal effects.
“The demand for earth
moving equipment into
West Africa has increased
as there seem to be a lot of
projects on the go. Abidjan
is a new service we have
introduced over the last
year and the volumes are
steadily increasing,” CFR’s
ocean freight general
manager, Lee Viljoen,
added.
“There is major growth
potential in West Africa
and together with our
agents we are working to
grow the trade. This way we
could ultimately offer more
sailings per month. We also
service the rest of Africa by
sea and road, covering the
East, Central and southern
regions with direct services
and North Africa through
our European hubs.”
Abidjan is a new
service we have
introduced over the
last year and the
volumes are steadily
increasing.
– Lee Viljoen
