The GAC Group (GAC) recently launched GAC XPRESS, a comprehensive land transport service for the Middle East region that aims to help companies reduce lead times, save costs and increase reliability.
GAC XPRESS is a 'Less than Trailer Load' trucking service that uses GAC's dedicated fleet of vehicles to offer its customers depot-to-depot or door-to-door delivery options. Currently catering for major cities in Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, the next expansion phase will extend coverage to include Iraq, Iran and the Levant countries. GAC XPRESS is supported by a network covering the entire Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) area and the Levant, with operations managed by offices in Bahrain and Dubai.
Viable alternative
Recent improvements to regional road networks and the simplification of customs procedures between GCC states have led to increasingly efficient road transit times and cost-effective transportation solutions. As a result, more and more companies see road haulage as a viable alternative for the transportation of goods across Gulf countries, compared to sea or air freight.
David Scott, General Manager for GAC XPRESS, says the launch of this new service is in direct response to customer demand, particularly those who require consistent transit and delivery time, but are not prepared to pay premium rates. The transit time offered by GAC XPRESS for Dubai-Bahrain/Kuwait/Saudi Arabia ranges between 3 to 5 days.
The GAC XPRESS' fleet is one of the first to be equipped with the General Packet Radio Services (GPRS) tracking system, which provides controlled access to selected customers and custom authorities.
Strong growth
'We anticipate strong long-term growth in ground transportation. It is quicker and more flexible than sea freight, yet more economical than air freight,' he adds. 'In 2005, we have seen volume growth of 50% for this sector in the region. That is a clear sign that businesses across the Middle East are starting to see the benefits of road haulage as the answer to their transportation needs.
'Another benefit is that GAC XPRESS offers customers full control of their shipment, coupled with the characteristic precision delivery service for which GAC is known throughout the world.'
