Low freight rates remain one of the biggest challenges facing the groupage sector at present. The result of an overcapacity of shipping line space, it places pressure on local operators. But on the up side, said CFR Freight managing director Martin Keck, volumes are on the increase for both imports and exports. “This is a very positive trend we have picked up on and we are continuing to develop new trade lanes to support this.” These include new seafreight services from the United Arab Emirates, Pakistan and Mauritius as well as exports to Zambia and Italy. The company has also increased frequencies to Ghana and Kenya. “Airfreight has also recorded growth this year with a significant increase in exports – both into Africa and the rest of the world. We’re also seeing growing support for our import consolidations from Germany, China and the USA.” Investment in IT solutions is helping to support this growth, he added. Keck said the commoditisation of services through Internet platforms focusing solely on pricing remained a challenge. “We implicitly believe in service and the human factor and continue to develop our products around this – while at the same time ensuring that we remain a leader in terms of IT solutions. “External factors such as the global and local economy, politics and currency depreciation have become unpredictable and extremely volatile, significantly impacting business.” But, he said, with exports into Africa growing, being connected to powerful international networks and focusing on internal strengths, the company remains committed to expanding its portfolio and footprint and shifting its clients’ worlds. INSERT & CAPTION Commoditisation of services through Internet platforms focusing solely on pricing remains a challenge. – Martin Keck
