Wine exports keep CFR’s spirits high

ALAN PEAT
THERE HAS been a steady increase in the number of less than container load (LCL) exports from Cape Town in recent times, according to Sean Menzies, branch manager of CFR Freight.
“And a substantial amount of this has been wine exports,” he said, “despite the strength of the rand.”
This increase has given CFR the opportunities to put direct boxes into what he terms “non-traditional hubs” - such as Canada, Buenos Aires in Brazil, the Indian Ocean island of Reunion and Le Havre in France.
“We hope that the shorter transit times enjoyed by these direct boxes will stimulate further support,” said Menzies, “which in turn would increase the frequency of our service
to these areas.”
Security and international environmental controls are also now adding to the necessary alertness of groupage operators, he added.
“With the heightened alertness to world wide security, disease control and the like there is an ever-increasing obligation to become vigilant about any restricted items, additional documentation requirements, endorsements and so on.”
And they are issues which CFR Freight takes seriously, he added.
“Non conformity with these requirements can cause unnecessary delays in transhipment or at the destination of the consignments.”
Adding to the awareness campaign, Menzies pointed out that two CFR staff members had also completed and passed an IMO Dangerous Goods by Sea course.
“This ensures our compliance with regard to dangerous goods regulations.”
On the import side of things, CFR has been working together with its agents to broaden its spectrum of direct boxes into Cape Town, Menzies told FTW.
“The evidence of this commitment to jointly develop these prospects can be seen by the number of our agents coming to Cape Town in the next couple of months.”