Express freight keeps production lines running

JOY ORLEK
FOR MASERU-based transport operator Interfreight, customer demand for the express option has been largely linked to textile industry exports. A major part of its business involves the movement of textiles to overseas markets under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa). “While the Agoa agreement was in place in 2003/4 there was a big demand for express freight to meet producers’ deadlines,” Interfreight’s Wicus van Dyk told FTW. “Large volumes needed to be airfreighted so that orders could be completed. “But uncertainty about the Agoa extension in 2004/5 saw airfreight volumes dropping as more time was spent planning orders which were then placed well in advance and ‘urgent’ cargo was sent by sea. But once the agreement was extended, the volume of air traffic once again increased by as much as 50%.” However there are other reasons for growing demand - an increasingly proactive stand by manufacturers for one. “They want to ensure that raw material is available when needed and ensure that production is not delayed – because this can be very costly.” And the intervention of third parties over which the operator has no control plays a key role. “Even when shipments are adequately planned, flight delays, customs stops, weather conditions and the like often call for urgent treatment.” Interfreight offers a daily service between Johannesburg and Lesotho moving cargo ranging from 1kg parcels to 20 ton loads. Growing customer demand will see the addition of three horse and trailer units to the existing fleet.