Pomona-based neutral airfreight wholesaler Groupair has launched a new express product branded Online Express. According to cargo sales executive Jacques Viljoen, trials started in mid-May with a handful of test customers. “The implementation process had to cover all eventualities and the billing processes and the interface from three service providers needed to be tested prior to the launch into Groupair’s client base,” he said. Viljoen told FTW that the product had gained significant traction in two months. This, he said, was because Online Express, in addition to the company’s traditional airfreight forwarding services, filled the gap for smaller doorto-door shipments which generally attracted high minimum charges at the destination. “We are offering a worldwide export express service utilising Fedex, DHL and TNT. Each service provider has its strengths which our customers now have access to through an easy-touse online system,” said Viljoen. “Entering shipment details into our system instantly gives access to three quotes in ZAR. You can then choose your provider of choice based on rate and service and book the cargo online. The service provider will then collect your cargo from anywhere in South Africa and deliver worldwide. All shipper and consignee details are saved in the system for future use and quotes are saved too.” Viljoen said tracking of shipments could also be done on the system for any of the three service providers. “Each customer is allocated one login and additional users can be added or removed as required. With our current rollout, our customers have seen the value of having multiple service providers with the rates and service options varying between the providers.” Viljoen said plans were in place to extend the service in 2020 to include imports. Online Express fills the gap for smaller door-to-door shipments which generally attracted high minimum charges at the destination. – Jacques Viljoen
