Rail as an alternative

Hamburg / Düsseldorf. The media are reporting on the current attacks in the Red Sea, and also on the fact that most shipping companies are avoiding the danger zone and routing their container ships from or to China via the Cape of Good Hope, South Africa. This means significantly longer transit times and, especially for imports from China, drastically higher prices. We asked Dirk Bukowski, Director Sales, how the customers of the German M&M air sea cargo GmbH are dealing with the situation.

“We keep our customers constantly informed about the latest developments, and of course this is a point of discussion with our customers,” is the answer. “However, as all shipping companies are following suit, there is nothing we can do about it. The other issue is the longer delivery times. We are noticing that the order rhythms are shifting: Those who would otherwise have ordered at the end of February are already ordering today.” However, there is concrete help with regard to the long delivery time until the container can be unloaded thanks to the rail freight service to and from China.

We spoke to Michael Spitzlei, Düsseldorf, about this. “There have already been inquiries and initial bookings,” says the Head of Rail. In terms of time, rail transport definitely offers a considerable advantage: “Sea freight from China to Germany usually takes six weeks; now, with the new detour, the container takes eight weeks. Rail freight, for example Hamburg – Shanghai, takes 28 to 30 days. Rail freight is therefore normally ten days faster on average.”

We also ask what the prices are like.  “Rail is still more expensive than sea, even with the new sea freight rates. The Chinese railroads have quickly caught up. Switching to rail pays off for customers who are interested in shorter delivery times.”

We are always available to answer any questions you may have. In addition to your known local M&M contacts, our specialised departments can be reached as follows:

Sea Freight Hamburg: Phone +49 40 236111 61, e-mail: ham.oceanrequests@mumnet.com
Team Rail: Phone +49 211 437 186 12, e-mail: sales.rail-germany@mumnet.com

Militzer & Münch intensifies presence in Africa

Militzer & Münch has been operating successfully in the markets of Morocco, Tunisia and Algeria for many years. In view of the impressive economic growth in some burgeoning markets south of the Maghreb, the company sees further potential and is therefore strengthening its commitment on the African continent. In this context, several M&M country units, including M&M Germany, recently joined the Airfreight Logistics Network for Africa (ALNA), a powerful network dedicated to airfreight to and from the African continent.

Holger Seehusen, Managing Director of M&M air sea cargo GmbH, Germany, and responsible for the global development of air and sea freight within the M&M Group Management, attended the 4th ALNA annual meeting held in Nairobi, Kenya, from October 8 to 11, 2023. It was the most successful meeting in ALNA’s history, with 180 participants from all over the world, including 60 from African countries.

“With ALNA, we have access to a secure and reliable network of companies in many African countries,” Holger Seehusen says. “This allows us to increase our turnover and further develop our Africa business. We also have the opportunity to receive shipments from the network and thus increase our volume.”

For the German M&M entity, Irene Pinkrah is to promote activities on the African continent; she was appointed Trade Lane Manager Africa (excluding Maghreb) on January 1, 2024. Born and raised in Ghana, Irene Pinkrah worked for renowned logistics companies in Germany and the USA before joining Militzer & Münch Frankfurt 15 years ago; she has extensive experience in air and sea freight.

Both the expansion of the network and the appointment of Irene Pinkrah underline Militzer & Münch’s commitment to sustainable development in Africa, and mark an important step towards strengthening the company’s presence on the African continent.