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.