The last lemons from Argentina are on their way to Rotterdam. This fruit currently finds itself at sea. Neele-Vat Logistics arranged this transportation. This is a company that provides logistical services. It is based in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. It is the first time Neele-Vat Logistics has done fruit transport. And the company likes the feel of it.
“A lot of investment was needed before we could focus on this new sector," says Priscilla van der Sluijs. She is Neele-Vat Logistics' Business Development Manager. Priscilla has years of experience with reefer containers. She also knows the fruit and vegetable sector.
These attributes made her the perfect person to spearhead this project. "It was a nice challenge," says Priscilla. Neele-Vat Logistics already has extensive experience with transporting perishable goods. For example, the company has been exporting fruit and vegetables from the Netherlands for some time.
Investment
First of all, the different official institutions' formalities had to be taken into consideration. These are places such as customs and the Dutch Quality Bureau. "To import fruit, you have to meet certain standards. There are certifications, location codes, and so on. In short, a whole mountain of paperwork," she explains.
"Then, our storage warehouses have to always be accessible to any inspections by these organizations. We invested in extra personnel. They do the customs clearance for us in the Netherlands. We also handle our own customs at the harbor."
"This is in addition to our existing employees, buildings, and necessary paperwork. We do not hesitate to invest in our new clients. We can meet their wishes," Priscilla says.
Getting the necessary documents and facilities set up is one thing. But you also need clients. "In my line of work, it is important to, for example, go to trade fairs. You must show your face everywhere."
“Via-via we came into contact with the clients for whom we are now organizing transport. This transportation involved hundreds of containers. This year, we processed between 200 and 250 containers. This concerns citrus from Argentina," continues the Manager.
Service
The fruit and vegetable sector sometimes demands a different approach from the logistics sector. "Speed is not the only important factor. The products' quality is also of importance. Every time the product is handled, it may become damaged. We must have policy to deal with that."
"For the rest, Neele-Vat Logistics offers insurance on the reefer containers, traceability, and storage in our warehouse. This enables clients to import full containers. They can then have the contents delivered per box to their clients throughout Europe. In the future, we want to be able to offer product packing and loading to our clients too," Priscilla goes on to say.
...and further
Next season, Neele-Vat Logistics wants to expand its services in the fruit and vegetable sector further. "Next year, we want to go even bigger. We want to do nuts and blueberries too. This is beside the citrus. We are also busy setting up a reefer consolidation service in Cyprus and the Middle East. This service will be for fruit and vegetables. This is a first for this sector," Priscilla concludes.
For more information:
Neele-Vat Logistics B.V.
Priscilla van der Sluijs
2-14 Marco Polo Street
3165 AL Rotterdam, NL
Tel: +31 (0) 889 96 46 82
Priscilla.vanderSluijs@neelevat.com
www.neelevat.com