New GM brings depth of US expertise

Independent consolidator CFR Freight is upbeat about prospects on the US route, particularly on the airfreight front. This follows last month’s appointment of US specialist Dave Graham to the newly created position of general manager – airfreight. “Airfreight is one of our major target markets – we see huge potential for growth in and out of the US because it’s an area we haven’t exploited to the full until now,” managing director, Martin Keck told FTW. Graham, who joined CFR after seven years with UTi, the last year and a half based in Chicago, has a very good understanding of the market. “I know the trade lane backwards and have a longterm relationship with the airlines on both sides, which translates into strong buying power.” The company’s main US stations include Los Angeles, Chicago, New York, Miami and Atlanta. “For airfreight cargo there are real challenges in doing business with the US,” says Graham, “particularly on inbound – the whole known/ unknown shipper concept, whether your customer is an independent air carrier and so on. It’s unlike any other origin or destination in the world, mainly because of all the TSA requirements, and not a lot of people here fully understand the intricacies involved.” “CFR’s US agent Shipco also provides competitive edge,” says director Peter Schmidt-Löffler. “As one of the leading agents, they have a very good knowledge and understanding of the market.” CFR is in the process of being accredited in terms of Part 108, while Shipco has initiated a programme to undertake its own screening in the US. On the seafreight side, all exports are hubbed through New York, while regular import consolidations are offered through Chicago, New York, Atlanta and Charleston. As business increases the company will consider introducing a service from the west coast as well.