New perishable logistics company opens its doors

A new perishable supply chain specialist has emerged in the Cape Town marketplace with TSC Thusano Supply Chain opening its doors in the Mother City, with branches in Port Elizabeth and Durban. The company shareholding is held by Mario Tito (as MD), Margot van de Vyver and Yazid McDonald as directors – all three formerly with Maersk Logistics. Some 90% of the new operation’s business is in perishable exports, Tito told FTW. “We’ve got some of the biggest perishable exporters as clients,” he said, “including Goede Hoop Vrugte and Betko. “And for them, we’re basically managing the whole supply chain, from the farm all the way to the supermarket shelves overseas – a complete cold chain from source to destination.” It’s basically a forwarding and clearing task, Tito added, with the specialist add-ons of being able to arrange clearances from the Perishable Products Export Control Board (PPECB) – an imperative prior to the export of goods – and deliver containers direct to the farmyard for packing. “We also compile all the necessary documentation needed to move the consignments from their source into the hands of the overseas receiving forwarders,” he said. “And, to facilitate this last landside leg to the shops’ sales counters we ensure that all the appropriate documentation is also sent to the overseas forwarder.” The next focus, according to Tito, is to grow the company business through PE and Durban. “These branch offices are already up and running,” he said, “and our aim now is to expand these other two markets.” Although the core business for TSC will remain perishables, the movement of dry cargoes is also on the company roster. “And again, although our primary transport mode is seafreight, we offer full airfreight services as well,” Tito said.