Global cargo forwarding company DHL Global Forwarding has won the Africa’s International Freight Forwarder of the Year for the third time in the recently concluded STAT Times Awards held in Johannesburg.
The logistics company which has been operating in Africa for over 35 years trounced opponents to win the prize for its role in air cargo handling. STAT (Shipping, Transport, Aviation and Tourism) Times magazine has been conducting an online poll every year where users of global carriers vote for the best in class. The 2015 edition of the awards which is part of Air Cargo Africa, saw several entries in various categories of aviation and global logistics.
Receiving the award, DHL’s Global Forwarding Sub Saharan Africa CEO Roger Olsson attributed the success to the experience in the market for over 35 years in Africa. “DHL has been supporting the business in Africa for more than 35 years now but what’s most important is that we have continued to anticipate, adapt and create services that clearly meet Africa’s fast evolving business needs and help fulfil its vast potential,” said Olson. “To be named number one by STAT Times corroborates our commitment to excellence in international freight forwarding.”
According to the 2014 year-end report by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), trade activity across the African region remained positive despite major economies Nigeria and South Africa underperforming for parts of 2014. Regional growth supported demand for air freight and capacity rose just 0.9% for the year as a whole, helping to strengthen load factors. African carriers’ freight tonne kilometers (FTKs) grew by 12.2% in December and 6.7% for the year as a whole. Globally, the air cargo business is growing again after several years of stagnation with demand growth up 4.5% compared to 2013 measured by freight FTKs.
DHL Global Forwarding saw significant volume growth in Africa in both its regular and charter operations connecting all regions with Africa for the Oil and Gas and the Mining sectors. In addition, the growing trade bonds of the India-Africa and China-Africa lanes, driven mainly by the life sciences, pharmaceutical and high tech sectors boosted DHL’s activities in Africa.
