Safcor Panalpina to open 10 000-m² de-group facility
ALAN PEAT
THE IDEA of airfreight into Gauteng has evolved
in recent years, according to Guy Hancock,
GM imports Gauteng of Safcor Panalpina, with
agents now having to work smarter to meet the
demands of the market.
The urgent need of the moment is for sheer
speed – but governed by sharper security.
“The dynamics of importing into Gauteng
by airfreight is more than just loading a parcel
at origin and delivering it in Gauteng,” Hancock
said.
Larger shipments needing multiple deliveries
and heightened security by all the parties
involved – allied with the need for speed – are
all challenges that today’s airfreight agents must
be able to cope with.
“We’ve certainly found that the market is
growing with greater logistics complexity,”
Hancock told FTW.
“We have a market with more-and-more
shipments, many of these larger in volume
rather than lots of smaller consignments. This
presents us with house waybills demanding
multiple deliveries – and the need to do them
safely and securely.”
Looking at security, the Airport Company of
SA (Acsa) is now placing more responsibility
on the airlines, handling agents and agents
– claiming that their function is to provide an
airport within a secure perimeter.
“Security at OR Tambo Airport is a major
focus,” Hancock said, “but is more so for us as
service providers.
“Clients expect us to reduce the risk to their
cargo, and want us to do it cost effectively,
encouraging us to get smarter and more innovative.
“We have to put security measures into place,
and at the same time ensure that dwell-time is
as short as possible. The turn-around time for
cargo is critical, and we must move it as soon as
possible after the aircraft’s wheels touchdown.”
Safcor also has its own freighter service. This
has five aircraft, with a cargo capacity of about
100-tons per flight, delivering airfreight five
times a week from Luxembourg in Europe. Safcor
Panalpina, in line with market demands, has
made a large investment to ensure the security
of this offering.
As another part of its “working smarter”
philosophy, the company is also opening up a
10 000m2 de-group facility on Acsa ground
adjacent to the runway at OR Tambo.
“This will enhance the security and efficiency
of receiving and distributing cargo,” said
Hancock.
