Freight across the cargo spectrum is resulting in a new trend for importers eager to absorb the impact of economic constraints exacerbated by the coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak, Namibian forwarder Transworld Cargo says.According to logistics manager Martin Gillman, importers are increasingly opting for smaller quantities more frequently rather than full container loads.It was all aimed at cutting costs related to warehousing and exchange rate fluctuations, he said.In addition, “importers want to benefit from more f lexible, reliable and cost-efficient transport solutions in order to react to market cha nge s”.The trend is evident in Transworld’s freight figures.Gillman told FTW their “cargo volumes are steadily increasing in our consolidation services of about 38% per annum”.He estimated that volume for the sector on average could be up by 15 to 20%.Lee Viljoen, ocean freight director at independent groupage operator CFR Freight, said it was important that markets got back to normal after the delays experienced at the beginning of the year.She said shipments had become less frequent with consolidations and volume also decreasing.Her colleague, air freight director, Stephen Bishop, said the impact of Covid-19 should be seen against the larger backdrop of concern at the beginning of the year.“We were cautiously optimistic in what was likely to be a tough year, but with the current pandemic already impacting all avenues of the business, we are very concerned for the year ahead.“The outlook will depend on how long it takes to contain this virus.”
INSERT: The outlook will depend on how long it takes to contain this virus.– Stephen Bishop