CFR Freight has embarked on an ambitious drive to grow its road freight volumes – for both full and part loads. Drawing on the strategy that has gained traction in the seafreight sector, the neutral consolidator has re-launched it road freight product with named-day consolidation services offering time-specific cutoff and despatch dates to Zimbabwe, Zambia and Malawi. Newly appointed roadfreight manager Hilton Tait is driving the change, capitalising on the company’s reputation as a neutral wholesaler in the ocean and airfreight industries and selling its services to the same client base. While it may take time for volumes to build up, the company has committed to running its services on the advertised dates irrespective of the volume of available cargo. “CFR is determined to create a service that the clearing and forwarding industry needs,” said Tait. “In addition to the overborder consolidation services, the company is setting itself up as a onestop solution for all over-border business – whether it be in the BLNS or SADC – through co-operation with specialist express operators,” said Tait. The premium daily overborder express road freight service from Johannesburg into the BLNS countries (Botswana, Namibia, Lesotho and Swaziland) is complemented by a deferred option with a 48-72-hour service at a lower rate. “Since re-launching the product, feedback from agents has been very positive,” said Tait, with buy-in from both small and large companies. All service providers were re-assessed to ensure they met minimum standards with regard to the quality of their fleet, roadworthiness, driver training, GIT cover and back-up service plans in case of breakdowns en route, said Tait. “We believe we are selling a premium service at reasonable rates, giving the industry enough room to add their margin to the end customer.” Also new to the division is roadfreight supervisor, Michael van der Merwe.
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We are offering timespecific cut-off and despatch dates to Zimbabwe, Zambia and Malawi. – Hilton Tait
