Röhlig-Grindrod pumps up airfreight portfolo

The airfreight division of Röhlig-Grindrod (R-G) is in the process of completing a route development project with its United States offices that replicates the multi-tiered model that the company recently successfully implemented on the north and southbound route between Germany and Johannesburg. “Our new French airfreight product that was recently introduced based on the same model also forms part of our comprehensive growth strategy,” Dave Graham, airfreight director in the company’s Johannesburg head office, told FTW. “These route development projects are just the start of a comprehensive growth strategy,” he said. “Our team at R-G is actively developing a competitive and comprehensive airfreight product portfolio, offering clients a customised solution to cater for their individual requirements,” he said. This could be direct premium services on a variety of chosen premium carriers to facilitate preferred delivery days, or an economy service with a committed blocked space agreement at competitive rates. “We are accredited to conduct our own security screening at the country of origin,” said Graham. But maintaining the balance between cost-saving, without compromising on reliability and consistency, and keeping the business profitable while maintaining and growing its client base is an ongoing challenge for Röhlig-Grindrod, he added. “For freight forwarders, one of the biggest challenges is the decline in airfreight volumes as most clients opt for the cheaper seafreight options. Sailing transit times are also becoming shorter with modern vessels offering large volume capacity.” INSERT & CAPTION For freight forwarders, one of the biggest challenges is the decline in airfreight volumes as most clients choose the cheaper seafreight options. – Dave Graham