SDV set to expand perishable volumes

On-the-ground service is key to ensuring a client’s perishable cargo passes through a foreign country’s customs procedures without a hitch. “When we ship perishables into Tanzania the cargo has to be inspected first by the Health Ministry. They have the power to delay or even destroy a shipment. Getting the permits sorted out is also very important. Our office in Tanzania works with our client there to obtain permits. Once the permit is in hand, but not before, the shipment goes out of Johannesburg,” says Andre Dekker of SDV Sael. The firm ships SA perishables to the Malawian and Tanzanian stores of a major SA supermarket chain. For Malawi, cargo is fresh bread and milk. For Tanzania, it’s dairy products like yoghurt, sweet juice and butter. All perishables are airfreighted out of OR Tambo International. “It is cost-efficient to airfreight. We make use of the CVJ facilities in Jet Park, about five kilometres away from the airport. Their refrigerated trucks take the cargo from the cold room to the airline – SAA to Tanzania, Air Malawi to Malawi. We find the airport operations for perishables are efficient,” said Dekker, whose firm also operates out of Jet Park. 2011 volumes were about consistent with last year, and it’s been a “no news is good news” year. “We want to expand this year – see if we can find other fresh fruit and vegetable clients,” Dekker said, now that his firm’s foreign offices are proving adept at moving such time-sensitive cargo through sometimes Byzantine customs procedures.