U-Freight: Innovative thinking is key to keep supply chains moving

Hong Kong-based freight forwarder U-Freight has said that “innovative thinking” is crucial in dealing with the difficulties faced by supply chains during the coronavirus pandemic.

U-Freight also informed that it is running its global operations “as normally as possible” as it seeks innovative solutions to help it overcome the challenges that have arisen as a result of the outbreak.

The freight forwarder explained that although there is a capacity shortage due to significantly low demand in passenger flights as a result of Covid-19, freighter and passenger airline capacity is adjusting to the new market reality.

U-Freight has said it is encouraged by the strong likelihood of China getting close to full production by the end of March. It has also seen an increase in the number of freighter flights in the market, which are helping to ease the outbound China capacity strain.

Simon Wong, chief executive of U-Freight Group, commented: “All of our global offices are acting in accordance with advice being provided by their respective local authorities, with an increasing number of staff operating from home within the scope of our business continuity plans.

“Given the fact that the regional restrictions and freight capacity are out of our control, now is the time for the innovative thinking that has characterised U-Freight’s 50 year history.

“We were the first freight forwarder to offer track and trace via the internet; one of first overseas foreign freight and logistics companies to gain an A-class operator’s licence in China. We were also one of the first to spot the opportunities stemming from the e-commerce revolution and are now a logistics partner of choice for the growing number of online channels and platforms which entrepreneurs are using to sell their own designs and products, including global eCommerce shipping platforms such as Easyship. We are also heavily involved in the Fulfillment by Amazon programme in several countries.

“Just last week we saw an example of that innovation. When air cargo capacity fell dramatically, we immediately arranged a charter flight on one of our most important trade lanes from Hong Kong to Manila, accommodating urgent shipments for our important customers, which arrived in Manila before the city went into lockdown.

“Customers who have specific questions in regards to the management of their cargo flows should contact their usual U-Freight representative, who will keep them informed of our specific plans in terms of operational continuity and ad hoc capacities being deployed to cater for the changing requirements.”