High fuel levies pose exporters’ biggest challenge

ANTICIPATED higher fuel levies that hover like
a cloud of uncertainty over the transportation
of perishables can be countered with transport
solutions tailor-made to perishable shippers.
“The biggest challenge to our customers at this
stage is the high fuel levies which directly impact on
their sales and margins," says Jaco Vlok, director of
Skyservices. "A continued weakening of the rand has
helped reduce the full effect of the fuel levy – but
any further increases or firming of the rand could
have a marked influence on future business,” he said.
“The perishables market can be difficult. But we
believe that being part of a bigger group extensively
involved in agriculture throughout southern Africa
gives us a better perspective and understanding of
shipper requirements and the current problems faced
by perishable exporters,” said Vlok.
Eight year-old Skyservices is a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Intertrading Limited, the JSE-listed
agricultural commodity exporters.
“We have an excellent team at Skyservices who
have many years experience in handling perishables
and consistently implement the high service
standard required 24 hours a day, seven days a
week,” said Vlok.
Skyservices operates its own dedicated
refrigerated terminal comprising 1900m2 with
700m2 cold room space – able to run four different
temperature regimes. This terminal is situated in the
Acsa Perishable Cargo Triangle and has airside access
to ensure the most efficient perishable handling 24
hours, seven days a week at O R Tambo
International Airport.
The Cape Town branch is situated in Airport
Industria – the 2500 m2 facility includes 650m2 cold
room space and roll-on-roll-off capability for
airline units.