The fast-changing nature of global trade is driving demand for less-than-container-load (LCL) shipping, pushing groupage operators to constantly up their game. According to Nic von Flemming, key accounts sales and servicing consultant for neutral consolidator CFR Freight, it is not just the move towards smaller volumes that has led to growth in the LCL market, but also the need for minimal handling and expedited transit times. “This has necessitated our direct Vietnam service,” he told FTW. “This weekly direct sailing complements a lot of retail contracts used by forwarders in a traditionally full container load (FCL) market offering.” Response to the new service, said Von Flemming, had been remarkably strong. He told FTW that the acquisition of a Bangladeshi office by WorldWide Alliance partner Team Global had facilitated the launch of a weekly Bangladesh service. “This offering is still in its infancy, but it offers huge potential to the burgeoning retail LCL needs of an expanding Bangladeshi market.” He said while the Durban port was currently facing some of the challenges that had been predicted during its infrastructure upgrade, it remained a cornerstone of the company’s service offering to the local market and would remain a focus of growth for the business. According to Willie Nel, managing director of ZacPak, the warehousing side of the business was also on a growth trajectory. “We have grown the crossdock segment of our business year on year,” he said, “and have also brought on additional materials handling equipment in Durban.” This, said Nel, was to speed up turnaround, particularly in view of port delays in the past couple of months. We have grown the crossdock segment of our business year on year. – Willie Nel
