Skyservices gears up for busy citrus season

CLIVE EMDON
SPECIALIST PERISHABLE operator Skyservices Durban is rearing to go as the busy citrus season approaches. Its export markets include Europe, the Far East, the Middle East, Japan and Canada. “We are looking forward to the new season and basic planning with customers and cold stores has already been finalised,” says Durban branch manager Liz van Rensburg. “We are a small team here, but pride ourselves on being experts in our field of handling citrus exports with all their specific steri (temperature regime) and documentation requirements.” The company handles some 30 000 to 40 000 pallets (more than 2-million cartons) of citrus a year on reefer vessels. One of its specialities is the handling of cross-border in-transit cargo from Zimbabwe. “We are part of a bigger group extensively involved in agriculture throughout southern Africa. This gives us a better perspective and understanding of shipper requirements and the current problems faced by perishable exporters.” Skyservices is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Intertrading Limited, the JSE-listed agricultural commodity exporters. In Johannesburg it operates its own dedicated refrigerated terminal comprising 1900m2 with 700m2 coldroom space – able to run four different temperature regimes. This terminal is situated in the ACSA Perishable Cargo Triangle and has airside access to ensure efficient perishable handling 24 hours-a-day and seven-days-a-week at Johannesburg International airport. Its Cape Town branch comprises an airfreight and seafreight office situated in Airport Industria. The 2500m2 facility includes 650m2 coldroom space and roll-on roll-off capability for airline units. This office also handles bookings and documentation for seafreight shipments.