FPT detects and rectifies load-related problems before fruit reaches port

Dedicated person handles risk management of grapes RAY SMUTS UPGRADED TECHNOLOGY will make life in the workplace considerably easier for the Fresh Produce Terminals’ complement in Cape Town when the first vessel arrives later this month - Week 48 to be precise - to load the first of a total 78000 pallets of Northern Cape grapes for European markets. Michael Paulse, FPT’s general manager: marketing, is convinced the recent major upgrade of the organisation’s Paltrack system will certainly impact positively during the upcoming season. Among its features are a warehouse functionality enabling specific pallets to be automatically reserved in the portside coldstore to await a certain vessel or container. No longer is the forklift operator allowed to “follow his own mind” as best practice is built into the planning of the entire operation. Says Paulse: “Specification control can now take place at the intake point, allowing for a more effectively planned store and improved load out, while the impact of late changes to loading specifications can be better managed to impact less on operations.” The terminal is now able to detect and rectify any load-related and registration problems while fruit is still en route to the port, resulting in improved truck turnaround time and hence improved vessel turnaround. “We have a dedicated person in the Orange River region who handles the logistical risk management of grapes destined for the port, co-ordinating and monitoring all aspects including arrival time, volumes to be expected and so forth, which enables our terminal in the Mother City to improve on productivity and ensure protocol adherence.” Operating from berths B, C and D in the port, FPT offers its customers cooling capacity for 6 500 pallets. The terminal is able to handle 140 x 12m reefer containers at the container stack plug-in point area and offer stuffing in order to extend service to customers, whether they choose to ship via the conventional or containerised mode. As part of FPT’s ongoing effort to exceed customer expectations, the terminal generates a bi-monthly report, produced by an independent consultant, to keep the team abreast of customer needs and requirements. “This becomes a powerful tool in staying ahead of the pack.”