Clinton Holcroft, MD of Serco, with one of Serco's state-of-the-art reefers which optimize payload, fuel efficiency and long term reliability. This is achieved by the  benefits offered by Domex type light mass steel, super singles, lifting axles and more.

Most of the established body and trailer builders operating in the refrigerated transport arena have secured sufficient orders to maintain their staff levels and pay their bills. However, as mentioned elsewhere in this report, few have managed to turn a profit. The increase in material, labour and energy costs have proved too much to recover in the short term. 

Flowing from its reputation for good workmanship, quality materials and reliable after sales service and its expanding client base, Elite Fibre is a good example of a successful body and insulated box builder. Managing director Mark Watters confirms it has been a difficult year in terms of cost recovery. “When this is so”, says Mark, “it damages and retards the business”. 

Known for its innovative approach to resolving operational problems, Elite Fibre has developed an easy-touse, trouble free movable bulkhead that operates on rails to facilitate ease of handling when changes to compartment size are desired. It is also a practical solution to storing the partition when not in use. 

An example of Elite Fibre's insulated volume van that is progressively used by a growing number of national fleets.                        A trouble-free, easy-touse movable bulkhead designed and produced by Elite Fibre operates on rails making it easy to adjust compartment size and stow away the partition.

Clinton Holcroft, MD at Serco, says volumes have been acceptable but it has been a tough year. He too is mindful of customers who are under enormous pressure to control costs under the strain of high energy prices and interest rates. 

Serco is aware of the large increase in the number of used reefers flowing into the market following the downsizing of fleets and sale of businesses. This, while good for those who welcome the opportunity to acquire more affordable equipment, is at the same time creating a level of over-capacity and in some cases, with questionable and no longer suitable equipment required to maintain the cold chain. 

It is interesting to note that Serco reports increased interest in state-of-the-art reefers that optimise payload, fuel-efficiency and long term reliability. This they achieve by capitalising on the benefits offered by Domex type light mass steel, super singles, lifting axles and more. 

The higher price tag now takes second place in favour of transport efficiency best achieved with quality products. 

Inyoni Boerdery Vervoer transports fresh produce from the Lowveld to outlets countrywide with its Trailord-built reefers which ensure correct temperature all the way.

Trailord, the Bloemfontein-based trailer builder, is a successful builder of ultra-lite Domex trailer chassis. Rob da Silva says Trailord specialise in a 15,2 metre long trailer chassis that has proved its durability and reliability. A number of special features such as the unique top flange, the method of bolting the box and the ultra low neck (between 70 and 80mm) are all features of its product. 

Trailord supply a number of transporters with conventional and skeletal chassis to haul hi-cube containers. Da Silva draws attention to the fifth-wheel height, the key to avoiding prosecution when hauling hi-cube containers. Trailord are also experienced in fitting generator sets and fuel tanks (either above or below floor level) for transporters that carry refrigerated containers during the season and general freight at other times. This is likely to become an important market niche. 

This is a typical dock shelter which includes a Richard Wilcox Insulated Sectional polyurethane door, the Kelley foamside truck shelter system for truck sealing to cold room facilities and the Kelley Dock Leveller which is a loading levelling device utilized for warehousing and manufacturing facitlies.

Fridge Units
When it comes to the actual fridge units, the established suppliers had a reasonable year up to August when there was a slow-down in South Africa. Transfrig’s Peter Solomon reports an improvement in unit sales over 2007 mainly in smaller units particularly for small operators. 

Fridge units for 26 and 28 pallet Reefers are now expensive items due largely to the strong Euro, especially against the Rand. It pays transporters and fleet owners to spec their requirements very carefully as there are significant price differences between the various makes on offer. This applies also to the well-known European marques. 

When it comes to fuel-efficiency, operators can ask their supplier to obtain the ATP (Cemafroid) international test results that measure fuel consumption and engine performance under controlled conditions. These reports are available for all mobile fridge units currently marketed anywhere in the world. 

Relative newcomer Kingtec is upbeat about the market’s early acceptance of its service facilities and products. Kingtec claims it offers a high standard of after sales service and backup. In addition, refurbished fridge units are offered to keep its clients going prior to the introduction of the Kingtec trailer unit that is presently undergoing tests and further developments to meet local standards. 

Introduced in 2007, Kingtec has garnered a number of impressive operators on to its client base. These include Pick ‘n Pay, Kempston Truck Hire, Junior Smith, Freshmark, Unitrans, Digistics and Midway Chicks.

Relative newcomer Kingtec claims to offer a high standard of after sales service and backup. In addition, Kingtec offers refurbished fridge units to keep its clients going prior to the introduction of the Kingtec trailer unit that is presently undergoing tests and further developments to meet local standards.