Range of new airfreight options launched on German route

Logistics major Röhlig- Grindrod has launched a diversified airfreight product – both north- and southbound – between South Africa and Germany, providing a competitive, multi-tiered offering that caters for every level of urgency and every budget, says newly appointed airfreight director Dave Graham. It’s the first step in an aggressive drive to grow the company’s airfreight business, and Germany – being one of the biggest trade lanes – was the logical launch pad. “It’s taken us the past three months to create a multi-tiered product,” Graham told FTW. “We canvassed our clients’ needs – some are rate-driven, some are transit-time driven and some want a direct service – and created several different options.” At the upper end of the spectrum there’s a direct premium service using the German flag carrier, as well as a premium option on a variety of high-end carriers, all timed to arrive in order to facilitate preferred delivery days. The third option is an economy service based on a premium carrier on which the company has committed to a blocked space agreement (BSA). “The service runs once a week and offers firm contracted capacity at extremely competitive rates,” says Graham. “The product is based on scheduled named-day consolidations and has really taken off.” Air exports from South Africa to Germany move on a hub to hub basis, going into the Frankfurt gateway for distribution to any destination in the country. “An important benefit in terms of imports from Germany is our on-site screening facilities in Frankfurt,” says Graham. “On April 26, new EU screening laws came into effect. Thanks to Röhlig Germany’s on-site facilities we can tender fully screened cargo to the carriers.” The launch of the new German product is the start of a comprehensive growth strategy for the company’s global airfreight product. “We plan to replicate the model in other markets – with the USA and Far East next on the planning boards,” he said. CAPTION Dave Graham … ‘model will be replicated in other markets.’