April/May 2019
Vol. 05. No. 02
Carrying plus expands the range
FAW’s new 6.130 FL commercial vehicle, built with South African pride
EXCEPTIONAL TOTAL COST OF OWNERSHIP GIVES TATA ULTRA CLASSLEADING CREDENTIALS
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Contents COVER STORY 18
Exceptional total cost of ownership gives Tata Ultra
class-leading credentials In South Africa’s truck market, the Tata brand is perceived to punch well above its weight – and no model more so than the recently launched Ultra, which competes in the 4,5- to 5,5-ton segment.
What drives a man to participate in every single IRONMAN competition ever hosted in Port Elizabeth?
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t is the need to stay active and fit explains Dr. Franzt Struwig, an expert in Occupational Medicine based at Isuzu Motors South Africa’s medical centre. Struwig, who has just returned from the Two Oceans marathon in Cape Town, completed his 15th full IRONMAN triathlon endurance event two weeks ago. Over 15 years he has amassed 3 393 kilometres, covering a distance longer than the South African coastline. “My goal is to take part and enjoy the events and not so much about how long it takes or in what position I finish. The interaction and camaraderie amongst the athletes are also very special,” said Struwig. This modest doctor has been the resident physician at Isuzu since 1993, in addition to providing a service to other companies in Nelson Mandela Bay - looking after the health and wellbeing of employees in industry.
NEWS 6
Hino continues to dominate Data Track truck survey
Serco Builds Egg Transporter for Zambia
INDUSTRY 4
Making customer service the heart of your
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Imperial Logistics supplies medical kits to
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Ctrack Iris a game changer in video monitoring and
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Lack of road maintenance in SA will cost billions
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FAW’s new 6.130 FL commercial vehicle, built with
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business’s philosophy, operations and ideas Mozambique and Venezuela telematics
Serco helps further driver training at Coca-Cola South African pride
18
Exceptional total cost of ownership gives Tata Ultra
20
Introducing the limited edition Isuzu D-MAX Arctic
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Carrying Plus expands the range
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class-leading credentials Truck
FUSO takes a progressive step with warranty
We need to take better care of our truck drivers
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Logistics runs on like-minded, time-focussed
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Peering into the fleet crystal ball
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partnerships
So how does Dr Struwig maintain a balance between work and exercise? “I do not have a vigorous training schedule but I aim to train every day or as much as what my schedule allows. If I miss a day’s training due to work commitments, I accept it and do not stress about it. I try to stick to a training schedule that works for me, alternating between the different triathlon disciplines,” said Struwig. “I think it’s fantastic that Isuzu supports IRONMAN, as well as our local rugby team. It sends a strong message that we support and encourage sport and the participation thereof. IRONMAN fits in with the Isuzu brand and what it stands for,” said Struwig. What is next on the doctor’s athletic event schedule? Later in the year he plans to tackle the Comrades Marathon, Transbaviaans and Karoo-to-Coast mountain bike events.
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My truck driver ‘braaied’ the truck battery Publisher:
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Editor: Enver Lawangi enver@thefuture.co.za
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A true inspiration and a good example to his patients, Struwig demonstrates the numerous health benefits of exercise for both body and mind. “It brings you into contact with wonderful people and opens the door to the enjoyment of nature and our environment. I managed to involve my whole family in sport. They are all partaking in the different IRONMAN and other events, and in so doing there has been no shortage of training partners. We have spent many memorable hours together as a family, training and taking part in the different events,” he said.
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INDUSTRY NEWS >>
Making customer service the heart of your business’s philosophy, operations and ideas Customer-centric Bidvest Panalpina Logistics shares expert insight
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oday’s consumers are more informed and discerning than ever before, and this puts them more firmly in the driver’s seat than ever before. Customer service is one of the four most important things young consumers look for in a retail experience (along with quality, sustainability and omnichannel), according to a 2018 report on retailing trends by global management consulting firm Deloitte.
In the logistics sector, as in other industries, there’s a discernible – and unsurprising – link between customer service and bottom-line profitability. It’s why, at local logistics firm Bidvest Panalpina Logistics (BPL), operational proficiency is balanced by the efficacy of an informed, willing and skilled workforce that ensures that targets are not only met but exceeded. Regional general manager Debbie Beadle says, “We have an excellent quality management system in place at BPL which immediately alerts management to non-conformance issues in customer service, allowing us to address and resolve them within the shortest possible time frame.” Owned by services, trading and distribution powerhouse Bidvest, and the local partner of Swiss-owned Panalpina Group, BPL has witnessed remarkable growth over the last 30 years – growth attributable at least in part to the emphasis it places on solid customer service. This has a lot to do with listening to what customers have to say about their experiences with the company, and keeping current where both personnel development and technology are concerned. “We regularly send out surveys, to our internal workforce and our client base, encouraging ongoing feedback,” says regional general manager Petrus Gerber. “We also hold regular key performance indicator meetings with our staff, encouraging continuous improvement both in terms of people skills and as far as our technology is concerned.” And where the company’s people are concerned, client feedback is rigorously followed up and appropriate action taken. “If a customer complains, corrective action is immediately taken to mitigate further frustration or damage,” notes Beadle. That swift response is also applied in a positive situation too. If a customer has shared a compliment, the staff member involved will be appraised and encouraged to uphold their great attitude and service. BPL’s
popular and well-oiled staff-rewards programme that recognises excellence plays a significant role in upholding a positive, nurturing staff culture – a vital ingredient in delivering exceptional customer service, Beadle believes. Acknowledgement within the wider industry is also important as a yardstick of customer-service delivery, and it’s not by chance that BPL walked away with the PMR Diamond award for this second year running this year. These awards, curated by consultancy and research company PMR.africa, and intended to set industry benchmarks and enhance excellence, ask exporters and importers to score entrants on, among other things, proactive communication, risk management and value-added solutions – and BPL came out tops. Maria du Preez, new business development director at BPL, regards established awards like these “as an opportunity for any entrant to seriously evaluate the customer service aspect” of their company. “For us, it’s an important barometer,” she says. Studies and statistics have shown time and again that unhappy customers act quickly and decisively, wasting no time in taking their business elsewhere if they’re unhappy with the service they get. The opposite is also true: happy customers are loyal customers. And, from a bottom-line perspective, improving repeat business from existing clientele is often easier and more profitable, as businesses save on time, cost and effort to find new customers. Tellingly, BPL’s client list includes customers they’ve been servicing for up to 15 years. For Gerber, the reason for this is simple: customer service is built into the culture and value of the organisation. And Beadle concurs: “A company is only as good as its reputation, and that reputation should be built on solid customer service,” she says.
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INDUSTRY NEWS >>
Serco Builds Egg Transporter for Zambia Serco has yet another highly satisfied customer – Golden Lay Ltd in Zambia countries. Founded in 2005, the company sells products through large retailers and wholesalers to formal and informal markets.
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erco fitted insulated bodies on two Tata chassis as well as facilitated vehicle branding on the vehicles. All this was accomplished within a week! It was new business for Serco and if the “happy client” feedback is anything to go by, will be the start of a long term relationship into the future. Golden Lay produces, supplies and distributes table eggs throughout Zambia and into neighbouring
Managing Director of Golden Lay, South African born Gys White, said “I had previous dealings with Serco when I was in the Cape and was thus aware of their excellent workmanship and outstanding efficiency,” said White. “So when Golden Lay decided to replace two of its old steel body vehicles I knew we need look no further than Serco to get the job done properly. And we are very pleased with the work Serco has done for us,” he said. The insulated bodies will keep the eggs at constant room temperature while being transported. Serco sales executive Steve Davenport said work started on fitting the pre-assembled bodies on the chassis on a Monday and by the Friday the job was done and dusted - including the sign writing – and the vehicles were on their way back to Zambia.
Hino continues to dominate Data Track truck survey H
ino South Africa continues to be the dominant top performer in the quarterly Data Track comparative truck study, taking top spot in the Ccmbined score for the third successive quarter, as well as scoring highest in two of the three categories – Service and Parts.
with fleet operators regarding truck manufacturers and importers in terms of service levels in sales, technical service, and parts, since 1989. The methodology has been adjusted over the years to ensure ongoing relevance for this credible benchmark for the truck industry.
Hino’s scores for the first quarter of 2019 were all over 99% – combined: 99.27%; sales: 99.10%; service: 99.88%; and parts: 98.82%.
“Hino South Africa and our dealer network take great pride in our achievements in these Data Track surveys and use this detailed data to continually improve our service levels,” said Ernie Trautmann, Vice President of Hino SA. “Our ongoing high scores are also a tribute to the benefits we enjoy from applying the international Hino Total Support strategy, which involves building strong relationships between our parent company in Japan, our head office staff, dealers and suppliers to become a trusted partner of the customers.”
Hino is particularly strong in terms of technical service, having come out top in this segment in each of the last four quarters, while in parts it has been number one for the past three quarters. Data Track has been conducting these independent quarterly surveys, compiled from customer interviews
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6335 MBSA Arocs Print GENERIC (297x210) FA A Daimler Brand
The Arocs. A new era of trucking is here. There isn’t a challenge that the highly capable new Arocs can’t handle and it is now available in South Africa. With robust construction, unmatched safety features, low overall running costs and a new efficient engine, the Arocs is able to take on any task with ease. The Arocs also comes in a variety of configurations, making it the perfect fit for any job. Welcome to a new era of trucking. Visit www.mercedes-benz.co.za/trucks for more information.
March 2019 / Future Trucking & Logistics
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INDUSTRY NEWS >>
A helping hand Imperial Logistics supplies medical kits to Mozambique and Venezuela
Imres keeps Interagency Emergency Health Kits permanently in stock to ensure the quickest possible response to humanitarian disasters
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nternational aid organisations, amongst others, once again placed their trust in Imperial Logistics’ sourcing and procurement business, Imres, to get critically needed medical kits to areas affected by Cyclone Idai in southern Africa and to crisis-torn Venezuela. Between 11 and 18 March, Cyclone Idai unleashed torrential rain, severe flooding, and strong winds on the central parts of Mozambique, eastern Zimbabwe, and southern Malawi. The natural disaster has resulted in hundreds of thousands of people homeless and displaced, while the death toll continues to rise. “International aid organisations operating in the area immediately approached Imres for interagency emergency health kits (IEHKs) and pre-defined reproductive and cholera kits, which we directed to Maputo in Mozambique. Those kits are serving about 300,000 people and requests for more kits are being received on a continuous basis,” says Johan Truter, CEO of Imperial Logistics’ African Regions division. “Imres keeps IEHKs ready for emergencies to ensure that the necessary medicines and medical equipment get to the affected areas as swiftly as possible.” An interagency emergency health kit, or IEHK, is a prepacked kit designed to fill the gap when supplies and medical services are disrupted. One kit is designed to meet the basic health needs of 10,000 people for approximately three months.
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Freight packed and ready to be loaded at the airport
In Venezuela, the evolving crisis of the past few years has led to the deterioration of the healthcare system and people are becoming increasingly dependent on international aid. “Imres has been supplying IEHKs, non-communicable disease (NCD), midwifery, and anti-diarrhoea kits at the behest of international aid organisations for a few months now, serving at least 1.4 million people,” says Truter.“Despite the challenges involved in responding to two very different disasters in two faraway places, we were proud to help the people in Venezuela and those affected by Cyclone Idai,” Truter comments.
INDUSTRY NEWS >>
Ctrack Iris a game changer in video monitoring and telematics L
eading vehicle telematics and tracking services provider Ctrack, has introduced Ctrack Iris, a high-quality, customisable video monitoring solution ideal for rental vehicles, light deliveries, fleet vehicles, heavy commercials, general machinery and buses. With Ctrack Iris, fleet owners can reduce the number of insurance claims they submit and settle the claims they do submit much faster. Iris can also be used to lower fuel consumption and improve vehicle maintenance through better driving, while also reducing diesel and goods-in-transit theft. By monitoring crew activities, it is possible to improve and enforce company processes and procedures and reduce theft, pilferage and stock damage. Furthermore, the new video solution combined with a tracking device can improve vehicle route optimisation, increase load frequency and hasten turnaround times.
Apart from the cameras, the solution is further equipped with rear door triggers, a lockable video device, two-way communication system, fatigue and ADAS monitoring and an onboard/reverse screen. GPS, wi-fi, 3G and accelerometer modules can also be included.
The number of side or back cameras (IP69) used can be specified by individual customers. Video footage can be recorded in eight quality settings, from CIF to 1080p. Live, real-time video streaming can be viewed on mobile devices.
Ctrack Iris is supported by web-based desktop software and a password-protected mobile application. These platforms provide Geofence/ Point-of-Interest information, live tracking and video and dashboard event management.
April/May 2019 / Future Trucking & Logistics
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INDUSTRY NEWS >>
Lack of road maintenance in SA will cost billions T
he 4th of April was International Road Maintenance Day with countries internationally focused on road maintenance as a fundamental action to protect the environment while contributing to socioeconomic development. Saied Solomons, President of the South African Road Federation (SARF)
“Our focus was geared towards the economic and social imperatives of proper road maintenance, of which the environment is an important part,” says Solomons. “Roads are a vital public asset and can deliver a higher economic return on investment than any other single type of infrastructure. But SA’s physical road network is likely to require billions of Rands to restore if maintenance is not taken seriously.” The real cost of not maintaining roads is difficult to quantify because poor roads are dangerous and affect road safety, lead to higher transportation costs and bottlenecks on busy routes, prevent people from accessing goods and essential services, increase vehicle operating costs due to frequent repairs and require more fuel use, and increase CO2 emissions. Maintenance extends the structural life of a road but when this does not take place on time, the road deteriorates rapidly and instead of road maintenance, road rehabilitation is required and the costs soar. Solomons urges all South African road authorities to prioritise road maintenance. “A proper Pavement Management System should be used to identify areas where maintenance is required, in order to prioritise and action projects,” he says. “This will preserve the road network and extend the life of a road.” The design life of a road is anything from 15 to 20 years and besides resurfacing, road maintenance is unlikely to be necessary before 15 years. However, roads must be consistently monitored so that issues are picked up and appropriate maintenance quickly initiated.
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Road maintenance in progress - South African Road Federation
“While some of our road authorities may have a challenge of competency and skills, upskilling and training can far more easily be dealt with than declining roads,” says Solomons. “We have a rich pool of experienced road and transport experts in South Africa that are supporting the transport sector.” Recently, SARF conducted a training programme for the Department of Public Works in the North West province ahead of a major gravel roads maintenance and construction programme. South Africa boasts the world’s 10th longest road network and 18th longest paved road network. The country has an estimated road network length of 750,000 kilometres (2015), which consists of 158,124 kilometres of paved roads and 591,876 kilometres of gravel roads (National Department of Transport, 2016). In 2014, the value of SA’s road network was estimated at around R2 trillion. “Dealing with road maintenance across our 750,000-kilometre network will help avoid a debt burden on future generations,” says Solomons.
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INDUSTRY NEWS >>
Serco helps further driver training at Coca-Cola
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erco played a significant role in helping to further the safety of truck drivers at Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa (CCBSA) by building two specialised Protec steel trailers to house vehicle simulators. CCBSA invests heavily in the safety of their drivers as well as road users in general and conducts training at a variety of sites around South Africa. The idea was to create mobile training centres prompting the order being awarded to Serco for the custom-built trailers. Serco built the two high-tech Protec steel trailers at its Johannesburg factory to house the mobile training centres and simulator equipment as well as provide capacity to add additional features or accessories as required by the customer. The trailer interiors were configured to provide space for the simulators, computer rooms, air conditioning units, aluminium access steps with hand rails, and tail lifts. Although the mobile centres will be used specifically for the training of truck drivers, there is potential –
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using different simulators – to train bakkie and forklift drivers in any area in South Africa. Riaan Harmse, National Fleet Logistics Controller at CCBSA, said his company was impressed with the final Serco product. The driver simulators are a valuable addition to the hands-on training by experienced, in-cab instructors. There are no real safety concerns for drivers and equipment while undergoing training nor any wear and tear or fuel used on the actual trucks during training activities. Harmse said once fully operational, drivers would be trained in the units and after successfully completing the course, they would receive a certificate of competence to drive CCBSA vehicles. “Road safety is a critical component for any logistics company, particularly when lives are at stake and the significant impact accidents can have on the bottom line,” said Clinton Holcroft, Managing Director of Serco. “Serco is proud to have been chosen to build the vehicle bodies for CCBSA’s new training simulators.”
INDUSTRY NEWS >>
FAW’s new 6.130 FL commercial vehicle, built with South African pride FAW Vehicle Manufacturers SA (Pty) Ltd has launched the FAW 6.130 FL medium truck, specifically configured for the local market and built right here on South African soil for southern and central African markets A new player in the 4-ton market FAW Vehicle Manufacturers SA took a strategic decision to reconfigure the FAW 8.140 range to cater to a new market while being perfectly suited to local medium truck demands. The FAW team paid special attention to cost efficiency combined with the best possible payload and the best turnaround time, without forgetting FAW’s quality build standards for durability and reliability.
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he new FAW 6.130 medium truck range follows in the footsteps of the popular and equally successful FAW 8.140 heavy truck range. In fact, the FAW 6.130 is based on the popular FAW 8.140, albeit reconfigured with a 2.8-litre Cummins ISF engine, shortened chassis and 3.5-ton payload, and shares a number of components with it, including the cab. The FAW 6.130 medium truck range is another excellent value-for-money offering from FAW South Africa, backed up by excellent parts availability. Many components are shared with the FAW 8.140 range and the newcomer also benefits from the same technical workshop knowledge.
“The new FAW 6.130 FL carries all the hallmarks that FAW trucks are renowned for, namely strength, reliability, easy operation, and most importantly, delivering on the promise of a ‘truck built for Africa, in Africa’” Hao says. Strength from top to bottom, built by South Africans Imported from parent plants as SKD kits, the cab, chassis, axles and other sub-assembly components, together with the imported Cummins ISF engine, are all neatly assembled in FAW South Africa’s world-class Coega-based plant. Since its opening in 2014, this plant has employed over 100 new employees, all of whom have been freshly trained and up-skilled for the FAW 6.130 FL production.
Jianyu Hao, CEO of FAW Vehicle Manufacturers SA, explains the rationale behind the introduction of the new, precision-designed, FAW 6.130 medium truck range.
As demand for the new range and the existing heavy and extra-heavy FAW trucks increases, new job opportunities will be created. The total capacity of the plant is 5 000 units per annum.
“Our decision to introduce this truck was based on customer demand and market opportunity. Our market analysis confirmed the need for a vehicle as durable and rugged as our heavy and extra-heavy trucks but reconfigured with a smaller engine and reduced payload compared to the highly successful FAW 8.140 range.
The FAW 6.130 medium duty truck will be available from FAW dealers in a number of body derivatives – a drop-side, a tautliner option, a van body, a tipper and a rollback and a dry-freight insulated body. Customers may choose to buy the chassis cab and fit their own truck bodies to suit many other applications, up to a GCM of 10 tons.
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Exceptionally strong chassis and well-appointed cab The parallel chassis frame and smooth top flange chassis construction has a distinct low-weight advantage, especially when mounting a steel subframe cargo body. The locally built chassis passes through a special paint station to enhance the chassis’ dust and dirt endurance and longevity – a unique South African addition. The suspension is of the straight ladder-type with semi-elliptical leaf springs, together with front double acting shock absorbers up front. Semi-elliptical leaf springs are fitted at the rear. The axles, graded for a permissible 2.5 ton in front and 4.5 ton at the back, provide ample carrying capacity. The new FAW cab is a forward 45° tilt, cab-over engine design. It is based on ergonomic principles and provides easy servicing access. The digital instrumentation panel and all controls are placed well within reach of the average-sized South African driver. Materials used are durable and smooth, yet comfortable and sturdy. The 2-metre wide cab allows for a three-person-seat, with a foldable middle section. Radio and USB connection are standard fitments. The FAW 6.130 FL is fitted with power steering for comfort and driveability. The front windscreen, as well as slanted side windows, offers an exceptional scope of sight, while mirrors are neatly positioned and of ample size to provide a good view to the side and rear of the vehicle, all enhancing driveability and safety. A drivetrain to match load and speed In a business environment where total cost of ownership is always top of mind, it has become imperative that the most cost-effective combination drivetrain be engineered to deliver the best levels of efficiency and durability. Adding to its international pedigree the FAW 6.130 FL is fitted with the Euro 3 Cummins ISF 2.8-litre engine. This high-pressure, common rail 4-cylinder in-line diesel engine is one of the latest from Cummins’ reputable engine range and is ideally suited to the medium-weight truck category. This engine, fitted with a turbocharger, is water-cooled and intercooled. Benefits of this particular powerplant include exceptional performance, low operating costs, low weight, low noise and low emissions capabilities.
The 6-speed synchromesh manual transmission is a great match, taking full advantage of the Cummins powerhouse while adding easy driveability and full driver control. Torque is a healthy 310 Nm between 1 600 and 2 700 r/min, while a solid output of 96 kW is on tap at 3 200 r/min. These performance levels make the new Cummins engine and transmission ideal for weight sensitive and space-constrained drivetrains. Advanced thermal engineering has made the ISF engine capable of running at higher operating temperatures, reducing the size and cost of the vehicle’s cooling package. The modular architecture of the engine allows for easy access and single side servicing, reducing operating costs. A waste-gated turbocharger provides excellent performance across the whole r/min range, as well as good response through higher low-end torque. A truck suited to many applications The FAW 6.130 FL is an impressive truck offering a wide range of different applications, depending on the body configuration. With the FAW drop-side body this exceptional workhorse can take the punch in general cargo on any metropolitan distribution hub. It promises to ‘thunder ahead of the pack’ with ample turnaround and speed times. As a van-bodied vehicle the FAW 6.130 FL will provide a stable and safe conveyor of protected cargo, be it in express deliveries, general distribution or for dry weight cargo like bakeries. Running as a tautliner unit the FAW has the manoeuvrability to work in tandem with any application handling palletised loads. As a roll back this truck is ideal to pick up and carefully transport a passenger car to its destination. When matched with a dry freight or an insulated body, the new FAW truck is a perfect fit for operators such as bakeries and other sensitive goods transportation. This range has the scope and possibility of satisfying a broad range of customer needs. Aftermarket service and warranty The FAW 6.130 FL enjoys a 2-year/unlimited kilometre warranty and the full extent of sales and/ or service from 36 local representative outlets across South Africa, Namibia, and Botswana.
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INDUSTRY NEWS >>
Other countries are also drawing on FAW in South Africa, some taking advantage of the better proximity presented through the SADC region and AU affiliation, such as Zimbabwe, Kenya, Tanzania, and Zambia. The Spartan-based facility is a dedicated national parts distribution centre, supported by the branches in Durban and Cape Town, which act as hubs to support all FAW representatives and selfservice operators. Since the FAW 6.130 FL shares many components with the FAW 8.140 FL, parts availability is assured, and adequate stockholding is in place. An impressive pedigree Building on their impressive number of milestones, the introduction of the FAW 6.130 FL in South Africa once again sets the bar ever-higher with respect to affordable, durable and market-suitable products from FAW. Jianyu Hao explains: “One of the reasons for our success has been successful partnerships with so many other world class regions and organisations. We take our partnerships very seriously and we see our business relationship within Africa as one of the most important of these partnerships. “Our fundamental vision for this region, using South Africa as a base, is ensuring that the FAW brand becomes a household name across the length and breadth of this great continent, and in so doing we hope to significantly contribute to job creation and the general stimulation of the local and African economies. “The FAW 6.130 FL is a ‘true-blood South African’, built locally and uniquely engineered for the African environment. “At a price of R245 000 (excluding VAT) for our new FAW 6.130 FL chassis cab is just what our customers need,” affirms Hao. “With the launch of the FAW 6.130 FL, FAW has set the bar higher yet again. Following a growing number of ‘firsts’ FAW has literally ‘thrown down the gauntlet’, as we continue on our Africa journey to create a proud legacy for FAW Vehicle Manufacturers SA,” concludes Hao.
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FAW 6.130 FL Freight Carrier
Locally built, internationally engineered Features and Benefits • Priced from R245 000 (excluding VAT) • 4.6-ton Body and Payload Allowance • 7-ton Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) • 10-ton Gross Combination Mass (GCM) • Geared road speed of 100km/h as per SA Legislation Engine and Transmission provides power where needed most • Renowned Cummins ISF 2.8 litre, 4-cylinder diesel engine • Euro 3 emissions pedigree • Turbocharged and intercooled (96 kW / 310 Nm) • Reliable 6-speed synchromesh manual transmission • 110L Aluminium fuel tank A Braking System aimed at Safety • Hydraulic dual-circuit brakes • ABS – Anti-lock Braking System Cab designed for Driver and Passenger Comfort • Forward-tilt day cab with aircon • Seating for driver + 2 Passengers • Power Steering • Radio with USB Chassis built with quality, keeping durability in mind • Straight Ladder-Type Riveted Chassis • No bolts on Chassis Flanges • Semi-elliptical leaf springs at the rear • 200mm Ground Clearance Tyres and Rims keep the load on the road • Dual tubeless, 16-inch Radial Tyres Warranty in-line with the Best Aftermarket Service • 2-year/unlimited kilometre warranty Issued by Wilken Communication Management Tel: 012-4604448 On behalf of FAW Vehicle Manufacturers SA
Reliable Freight
PaRtneRs
Freight Carriers
6.130 FL 3.5 ton
8.140 FL 5 ton
LSO OW A
N
IN
N O T 3.5
15.180 FL 8 ton
16.240 FL 6 ton
28.330 FL 14 ton
transport operators continue to choose the FaW brand for their low capital input, reliability and minimal operating costs. Because FAW prioritises minimal expense, through affordable capital and low running costs, owners get precisely what they need. Keeping total cost of ownership at an all-time low, is a hallmark of all FaW freight carrier trucks. With FaW, transporters benefit from industry-leading value-for-money, high-quality local manufacture and uncomplicated design. The net result of this is reliable and easy to maintain vehicles, combined with low fuel consumption for maximum affordability. FaW’s dealer network, which is spread throughout the country, means further peace of mind.
www.faw.co.za | 087 700 2810 January 2018 / Future Trucking & Logistics
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INDUSTRY NEWS >>
Exceptional total cost of ownership gives Tata Ultra class-leading credentials In South Africa’s truck market, the Tata brand is perceived to punch well above its weight – and no model more so than the recently launched Ultra, which competes in the 4,5- to 5,5-ton segment
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escribed by Harneet Luther, CEO of Tata Automobile Company South Africa, as the rational choice for discerning truck owners, the Ultra line-up consists of well-chosen business utility vehicles, following extensive local trials that lasted for more than a year with some South African transport operators.
While the wide cabin and chassis facilitates an equally wide cargo deck – helping to extend volumetric capacity by up to 20% – it offers other benefits, too, including higher load-bearing capability over the vehicle’s front axle, a lower centre of gravity and, since cab and load body line up, smoother airflow along the flanks.
Assembled at Rosslyn, near Pretoria, from knockeddown kits imported from its parent company in India, derivatives in the Ultra range are billed as efficient and economical utilities that have been fashioned to drive profitability for their owners. Test builds were done over the last year to ensure optimum manufacturing quality.
Stylish and elegant, the cabin – which accommodates three people – has been crafted for comfort. Multi-way, adjustable seats boast mechanical suspension; the gear lever is dashboard-mounted to reduce driver fatigue; the tilt-adjustable steering column can also be varied for reach; air-conditioning and an audio system are standard features; and the wide, panoramic windscreen offers excellent front visibility and better line of sight.
“They are versatile and comfortable, featuring aerodynamic styling that not only makes them look great, but which reinforces the view that they are ultra-modern and ultra-competitive,” said Luther. ULTRA STYLE Among the Ultra’s attributes is a walk-through cab – styled by Italian design studio Bertone – that, with a width of 2,2 metres, sets the benchmark for the class.
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Other important features include an information display in the instrument cluster that incorporates driver aids such as fuel efficiency and optimal gear shift indicators as well as a trip computer, and large outer mirrors styled to improve rearward vision.
Mounted on hydraulic lifts, the cab itself can be tilted forwards to allow quick and easy access to the engine during service or maintenance procedures.
shafts, while the sturdy front axle boasts a higher load rating than those of most rivals – making Ultra derivatives suitable for adaptation as Reefers.
ULTRA SAFETY In developing the Ultra, Tata spared no effort in ensuring that the truck meets Europe’s top safety norms. The state-of-the-art, full airbrake system includes ABS, helping to shorten braking distance – especially in the wet – and increasing the driver’s ability to control the vehicle in emergency stops.
ULTRA PERFORMANCE Each of the vehicles is powered by Tata’s next generation, 3,0-litre common rail diesel plant – a unit which is lighter and more compact than its predecessor, and far more fuel efficient, too. Producing 104kW and 390Nm, the engine has been designed for reliability and durability, ensuring maximum uptime and reducing maintenance costs.
Fatigue-reducing power steering has been honed for precision as well as nimble responsiveness, while the new generation headlights not only provide better illumination at night but also help to make the truck more visible on the road – a feature emulated at the rear, where integrated, high-intensity LED tail lamps make the back of the vehicle 40% more discernible. The battery cut-off switch has been mounted inside the cab rather than outside, while the battery box is protected by a lockable casing to deter theft. ULTRA ENGINEERING Vehicles are built on a straight frame chassis which has been designed to balance the weight of load and truck. Milled from high-strength, micro alloy which has been multi-layered for corrosion resistance, the chassis has proved to be tough and durable, adept at withstanding bad roads and varying load conditions. Suspension on each of the derivatives consists of low friction, parabolic leaf springs with a Henkel coating for better corrosion protection and reliability; supplemented by heavy-duty shock absorbers which have been tuned for a firm but compliant ride. An anti-roll bar is incorporated at the front axle, while use of rubber bushes across the underpinnings has eliminated the need for repeated greasing, thus reducing maintenance costs. A banjo-type rear axle incorporates lube-for-life propshaft joints with long-lasting, serrated flange
The engine is coupled to Tata’s G550-OD transmission, a state-of-the-art, six-speed, manual-shift gearbox which provides fast, easy and smooth cog-swapping aided by pneumatic power assistance to reduce clutch pedal effort for the driver. The gearbox has been designed to offer torque capacity of 550Nm and utilises a cable shift mechanism with a view to increasing longevity. The Ultra is available in two configurations to suit various business needs. The Ultra 814 offers a body length of 5 to 5.5 metres, while the Ultra 1014 – its wheelbase stretched by 610mm to 4 530mm – offers a body length of 6,0 metres. ULTRA VALUE Each of the models is sold with a two-year unlimited warranty, 24/7 roadside assistance and, unique in the sector, a two-year, 120,000km service plan – which means free servicing in the first years of ownership. On this point, minor services are scheduled at 20,000km intervals, while major services occur every 40,000km. With 91 touch points established in Southern Africa to provide aftersales support the brand is on the march locally. Value-adds include a full driver training programme; technical training for owneremployed technicians; and the speedy availability of parts thanks to the restructuring of the company’s pick and distribution systems. “Our main theme is that we’re all about uptime,” says Luther. “Our vision is of customer centricity. We have been in South Africa for more than 20 years and we understand the local market.”
April/May 2019 / Future Trucking & Logistics
19
INDUSTRY NEWS >>
Iceland Comes to Africa Introducing the limited edition Isuzu D-MAX Arctic Truck The Isuzu D-MAX range has an exciting and very exclusive new limited-edition flagship, and it is a derivative which takes off-road prowess to new heights – both literally and figuratively!
S
et for local launch in May, the Isuzu D-MAX Arctic AT 35 is based on the 300 4x4 Double Cab LX Auto and was developed in close collaboration with Arctic Trucks, the Icelandic company famed for its high-riding, all-conquering bakkies. “The Isuzu D-MAX is respected for its fit-forpurpose design, outstanding reliability and proven durability,” says Dominic Rimmer, Executive, Technical Services at Isuzu Motors South Africa (IMSA). “The very exclusive Isuzu D-MAX Arctic AT 35 is aimed at the customer who wants an extremely capable but thoroughly unique bakkie that certainly stands out from the crowd, but demands a properly engineered solution,” Rimmer adds. “Whether driven in arduous off-road conditions or used on the road, this is a rugged and characterfilled bakkie certainly commands attention.” Engineered and built in South Africa, the Isuzu D-MAX Arctic has undergone full local validation with Isuzu’s engineering team playing a hands-on role to ensure the D-MAX strengths of reliability and durability are not compromised.
20 Future Trucking & Logistics / April/May 2019
The Isuzu D-MAX Arctic’s distinctive look is totally functional, and is sure to turn heads with an unashamedly muscular presence befitting such a vehicle. The flared wheel arches add a substantial 180mm to the overall width while ride height is 48mm up on a standard D-MAX for additional ground clearance. Those lucky enough to snap up one of the eyecatching limited edition that will be available in South Africa will enjoy full factory warranty and dealer back-up. They can also rest assured that it is designed to handle South Africa’s toughest conditions with unprecedented capability and confidence. The Isuzu D-MAX Arctic AT 35 will be available from May at a recommended retail price of R785,000. The Isuzu D-MAX range comes standard with Isuzu Complete Care, comprising a five-year/120,000km bumper-to-bumper warranty and Isuzu Roadside Assistance, a five-year/unlimited km anti-corrosion warranty and a five-year/90,000km Service Plan. Service intervals are every 15,000km/12 months. Extended cover can be purchased for Roadside Assistance, Service Plans and Maintenance Plans.
CONNECTING TRANSPORTATION
Get the Complete Picture. Get optimal fleet utilisation, enhanced safety and security, improved driver productivity, significant fuel savings and more. ORBCOMM provides the most complete, end-to-end transportation telematics solutions in the industry, from refrigerated assets to dry vans to vehicle camera surveillance. Our advanced communication systems deliver the complete picture of all your transportation assets. Track, monitor and control: Our fleet management and trailer tracking solutions deliver cost-effective visibility and operating efficiency in even the harshest and most remote environments. Our cold-chain telematics solutions enable two-way monitoring and control of refrigerated transportation to reduce spoilage and control fuel costs. ORBCOMM is a global leader in the industrial IoT, with a dedicated team of experts in Africa to enable businesses to monitor fixed and mobile assets and remote conditions. Learn more about ORBCOMM’s transportation solutions at www.orbcomm.com/africa or call us for a demo at +27-12-682-1600.
CONNECTING THE WORLD’S ASSETS
Truck 2019
Fleet 2019
3rd July 2019
Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit
INDUSTRY NEWS >>
Carrying Plus expands the range J
MC has moved up a weight division with the addition of a 4-tonne version of the Carrying – called the Plus - to the range. With a price of under R300 000 in dropside configuration including the security of a 3-year/90 000 km service plan and a 5-year/150 000 km warranty, the newcomer is poised to add a much-needed element of affordability to the class. Key updates • Enlarged, safer cab • Efficient aerodynamics • Available in dropside, tipper and box van configurations • Two wheelbase options – 2 800mm and 3 360mm • Two cabin widths – 1 880mm and 2 050mm Design Longer, larger and safer than the Carrying, the Carrying Plus sits on a 2 800 mm or 3 360mm wheelbase and has a dual-tyre rear axle, enabling it to comfortably manage a four-tonne payload. Two cabin widths are available: the standard 1 880mm version or 2 050mm.
22 Future Trucking & Logistics / April/May 2019
With a forward-control layout the cabin is nonetheless designed to be aerodynamic and safe. Large, elegant headlights are stacked alongside the grille, above which there’s a wide, curved windscreen, giving the driver excellent forward visibility. The same approach has been taken with the side glass: the windowline slants dramatically downward to ensure front threequarter and side visibility. Large exterior mirrors stand wide of the cab, maximising rear visibility. Testing mileage exceeded two million kilometres, in every conceivable condition, to ensure that all possible scenarios have been investigated. Mechanical downtime is the thief of productivity in the commercial vehicle market and with this in mind the engineers at JMC have worked closely with top automotive suppliers to ensure the Carrying Plus is rugged and reliable. Features & Comfort The needs of the driver and up to two passengers has been high on the priority list: features such as power steering with height adjustment, and - on Lux versions - air conditioning and electric windows, all help to minimise human downtime.
Well-padded, ergonomically-designed seats (from Lear Corporation) ensure that driver fatigue will not be an issue while hard-wearing materials and quality plastics are designed with long life in mind. Standard features include a radio, reverse warning alarm, front foglamps, dual sunvisors and generous cabin oddment space. All this in a cabin now with additional high-strength steel in key places to increase rigidity and enhance not only safety but improve refinement. Drivetrain Powered by a proven Isuzu-derived 2,8-litre turbodiesel mustering 84kW and 210Nm, the all-new JMC Carrying Plus is primarily designed with long days and short nights in mind: an 83-litre fuel tank maximises operating range. A heavy-duty braking system includes ABS and an exhaust brake and drive is to the rear wheels via a fivespeed manual gearbox and 16-inch wheels are fitted, with heavy duty tyres. It is obvious the Plus is a real workaholic. Configurations & payload The Carrying Plus has a tare weight of 2 480 kilograms
and has a gross vehicle mass of 6 500 for a payload of 4 020 kilograms thanks to the dual tyre rear axle. It can be ordered in three configurations: dropside, box van or tipper and all are built in Nanchang, China When fitted with a dropside body the extended wheelbase (3 360mm) Carrying Plus boasts a cargo area of 4 155mm by 1 940mm, with a depth of 380mm. The latter number increases to or 2 050mm in wide-cabin guise. With a box body, dimensions are 4 080mm by 1 910mm/2 050mm (normal and widebody respectively) and a height of 1 930 or 2 050mm. Conclusion Partnering with global suppliers has results in a rugged and reliable vehicle which can handle tough operating conditions without complaint. Because these suppliers are household brands in the motor industry, it also means parts are both affordable and readily available from JMC’s network of 25 service outlets. The Carrying Plus moves the brand into a new area of the commercial vehicle market. With solid foundations already set by its smaller siblings, Jiangling Motors Corporation South Africa is ready to change up a gear.
April/May 2019 / Future Trucking & Logistics
23
INDUSTRY NEWS >>
FUSO takes a progressive step with warranty Leading truck manufacturer offers exceptional extended warranty
A
s from 01 April 2019 the entire FUSO range of Canter vehicles, with the exception of the Canter FG 4X4, will enjoy an extended 4-year/240 000km warranty, which is exceptional for the transport industry. This bold move speaks to the confidence the company, Daimler Trucks and Buses Southern Africa, has in the FUSO brand and specifically the bread and butter hero model Canter range; and the importance with which customer input is regarded by the FUSO team. Ziyad Gaba, Manager, FUSO Trucks and Buses said: “We at FUSO took note of what our customers were saying to us when they indicated that their preference is a warranty with an extended time period. After sharpening our pencil we identified selected Canter models and a number of key participating franchised dealers to support the new warranty on Canter. We will constantly review any trends we experience with the new parametres.” Previously the warranty was 2 years/unlimited kilometres. With this new extended warranty FUSO continues to offer bumper to bumper coverage, except for the usual wear and tear items. “Peace of mind is what our Canter range gives customers. They are simply better trucks,” said Gaba.
24 Future Trucking & Logistics / April/May 2019
INSTALLATION HAS NEVER BEEN QUICKER. Nestar is the first fleet management solutions company to offer global OEM-approved wireless add-on accessories that make installation quicker, less intrusive, and easier to scale up. Whether you want to identify drivers and monitor their driving behaviour, or keep an eye on cargo & passenger doors – Netstar can have an essential system installed and running in no time! Other available features include the ability to remotely immobilise vehicles, know the temperature inside cargo areas, and implement a variety of controls through pressure & input sensors. The result is a solution that’s less disruptive to your operation, and that can easily be re-configured at any time. 0860 12 24 36 | fleetleads@netstar.co.za | www.netstar.co.za THERE WHEN IT MATTERS
INDUSTRY NEWS >>
We need to take better care of our truck drivers I
n 2017, the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) reported 1270 fatalities linked to trucks. Despite making up just 0.36% of registered vehicles in SA, trucks account for 11% of road crash fatalities. Why? A road safety awareness event run by Santam and the RTMC in November 2018 points to fatigue as causality number one. This should prompt some serious ripple reactions for relevant business owners, in the interest of looking after their drivers and vehicle fleets. At the event, 80 trucks were inspected, and their respective drivers were interviewed and given free medical examinations by the National Bargaining Council for the Road Freight and Logistics Industry (NBCRFLI). Sibusiso (pseudonym) – who has been working behind the wheel for 15 years – was one of many drivers to pinpoint pressure as a compounding factor, “In the truck industry, it is normal for a driver to drive for 18 hours a day, but we cannot make people sit in the office for that long. I earn less than R10 000 and I am away from my family for one to four weeks at times.” 92% of the participating drivers attributed fatigue as the major cause of truck accidents. 97% had families with children. Time away from family can also exacerbate feelings of loneliness and fatigue. Interestingly, over 77% of drivers were under 45 years of age and 34% had been driving for under five years. This suggests a worryingly high turnover, with the industry seemingly failing to retain high-performing older talent. What can business owners do to improve driver wellness? Truck drivers work under uniquely physically demanding con¬ditions, putting them at increased risk of a range of chronic health conditions, including diabetes and hypertension. Prioritising the health and wellness of truck drivers is not a nice-to-have but a business necessity. Your team is invaluable. And your trucks can total anything up to R2.5-million to replace, and that’s without cargo costs factored in. Here are some suggestions on how to improve employee wellness:
26 Future Trucking & Logistics / April/May 2019
1. Make it a top-down commitment. Leaders
need to cascade the importance of wellness – physical and mental – throughout the company. Implement a health and wellbeing policy that includes fatigue management. This means enforcing strict driving hours and consequences for shifts that stretch beyond these hours.
2. Introduce flexible work hours. Build in
time for driving breaks, meal breaks and exercise.
3. Nominate team members to lead wellness
programmes. Let them spread the message and values among the other drivers.
4. Conduct health checks on new team
members. Offer regular check-ups to all staff. Additionally, check in with your team to assess their general happiness and to address any challenges they feel they’re facing.
5. Have frequent workshops on wellness and
safety briefings. Discuss important things like the impact of sleep deprivation. Bring in experts who can lead meditation and mindfulness sessions or stretching and aerobic exercises.
6. Monitor how long drivers have been away
from their families. Try and rotate long shifts to minimise the time each person must spend away from loved ones.
7. Tap into smart technologies. There are
existing technologies you can use that monitors how long a vehicle has been driving on the road without stopping for a break, to coach drivers on behaviour and fatigue related patterns of driving and highrisk times.
INDUSTRY NEWS >>
Logistics runs on like-minded, timefocused partnerships T
hat’s the word from Brent Cramer, Director of TruSeal (Pty) Ltd, who says tamper-evident security seals help secure moveable goods in a way that meets time-based targets. Although resilient, this pivotal sector that channels trade throughout South Africa and the world is currently being hit by an increasing reliance on road transport which comes with greater costs and the threat posed by criminals and the ever-present danger of protests. “Tamper evident security seals can reduce the turnaround time in moving goods from A to B and thereby prove to be a valuable time saver in an industry that runs on efficiently managing the precious resources that are hours, minutes and seconds,” says Mr Cramer. Mr Cramer outlined five ways the security seal industry contributes to saving those valuable minutes: -TruSeal security seals are highly tamper evident, so quick inspection will alert if theft or tampering has occurred. - Barcoded security seal numbers are easily scanned into a database system rather than manual recording saving time and eliminating human error.
business owner who have ever had to do this under pressure.
- TruSeal security seals can be customized according to a range of colours and print options to fit client branding requirements. Barcodes can also be added for electronic capturing.
TruSeal’s Johannesburg-based plant stocks a full range of sealing solutions for each type of trucking application, including tankers, cold storage, warehousing, delivery vehicles, tipper trucks and cashin-transit.
- Local printing facilities ensure TruSeal products can be customised for our unique commercial and industrial environment while also always being available to the logistics industry at short notice. - Security seals from TruSeal create an entire accountability system. This enhances efficiency and timesaving throughout the entire process of transporting goods. - Finally, the advantages of being able to identify theft and tampering quickly by using numbered security seals is obvious for any driver, warehouse worker or
The TruSeal security seal system - which incorporates PVC bags - creates collective responsibility around moveable items like cash, cargo, fast-moving consumer goods, high-value electronic products, other valuable commodities and transported goods. The system identifies each individual in the custodial chain and creates a sense of ownership while unique numbers and identifying marks also create an audit trail that prevents theft & tampering. The TruSeal product range includes tamper-evident security seals, security bags, key wallets, pouches, security envelopes and heavy-duty bulk cash sacks.
April/May 2019 / Future Trucking & Logistics
27
INDUSTRY NEWS >>
Peering into the fleet crystal ball Usha Lad, Shell Lubricant’s Project Leader Heavy Duty Diesel Engine Oil, discusses Shell’s understanding of how the future of lubricants is set to evolve, and in turn, shaping the future of the freight industry
a number of goods from clothing to electronics, furniture, food and more. As a result, there is a drive for greater customer service, and in turn, timely freight deliveries. “With the world’s population on the rise, a wider array of fuels are required to continue on the road to net-zero carbon emissions, while meeting the rising energy demand,” says Usha Lad, Project Leader Heavy Duty Diesel Engine Oil at Shell. “As such, high quality lubricants will be essential to allow engines and vehicles to run under the considerable stresses these new technologies will place on them, while at the same time reducing fuel consumption.” With the increased number of heavy-duty vehicles entering the road systems, this will undoubtedly increase calls for lower emissions and greater efficiencies in the industry. These calls will drive the need for collaboration, and will see unprecedented partnerships from across the fleet and transport sectors – from those involved in the research dictating policy, to those involved in the design and manufacture of new vehicle technologies. As this increases, industry collaboration will rise to the next level, with the aggregation of a range of fleet services and offerings.
T
This change is giving rise to the development of a range of alternative energies, engines and powertrain technologies to meet the growing demand for transport with lower emissions. A global ‘mosaic’ of alternative fuels and energies will co-exist as a result, based on different types of transport, journeys and local economic factors.
With the evolution in shopping for example, the demand in freight and logistics will increase significantly, with statistics showing that over 22% of the world’s population now shop online, purchasing
“Heavy-duty trucks will remain reliant on liquid fuels in the long-term, given the energy density needed from a fuel,” says Lad. “And while petrol and diesel remain the primary fuel for heavy-duty trucks, we are working to squeeze the most out of each drop, by providing high quality lubricants that have been developed in collaboration with our industry partners.”
he freight and transport industries are in a state of evolution, with the key marker being the need to develop means to offer greater efficiency and cleaner transport solutions. As such, third party suppliers such as Shell, are collaborating with various OEMs in order to present innovations that will lead the industry of the future.
28 Future Trucking & Logistics / April/May 2019
Additionally, biofuels in particular are important alternatives to consider, and while some segments of the transport sector will likely electrify more quickly, liquid fuels will continue to play a role in freight and long distance transport for some time to come and will continue to be important in the longer term to decarbonise these sectors. McDonald’s, for example, is one company that has initiated a project to help reduce the company’s carbon footprint in India by recycling the used cooking oil from their kitchens into biodiesel, which they use to fuel more than half of their delivery trucks. “For our part, Shell is involved in a joint venture with Brazilian company Cosan, called Raízen, which is the world’s largest producer of sugar-cane ethanol. We are also bringing our innovation and commercialisation capabilities to develop and scale-up third party technologies,” says Lad. Further, Shell gas-to-liquids (GTL) fuel is another type of alternative fuel for use in existing diesel engines without modifications, which can lower local emissions with no infrastructure investment required. ”We recently conducted an intensive nine-month trial in the UK with 50 new DAF LF 230 fridge trucks fuelled with Shell GTL fuel. The trucks belong to Brakes, a leading supplier to the foodservice sector, that has delivered significant air quality improvements,
including a 47% reduction in NOX emissions,” says Lad. “Shell GTL fuel is also already in daily use with commercial fleets in Germany and the Netherlands.” Meanwhile, liquefied natural gas (LNG) is emerging as a cost-competitive cleaner fuel to power heavyduty transport. LNG as goods transport fuel offers advantages such as higher energy density and – if used in dedicated applications, such as corridors – easier distribution; that means only a limited number of retail stations in particular in the highway networks would be required to supply heavy-duty vehicle fleets with sufficient LNG fuel. In the long run, Lad hints that LNG could be supplemented either with gas from biomass (CBG or LBG) or Power-to-Gas fuels. This can be achieved by directly using biogas/PtG, or using LNG from the natural gas grid into which biogas or some syngas has been fed previously. When working towards more efficient, cleaner fuel, vehicle and lubricant options for future freight and transport, collaboration will be key for success. Overall with the ever changing environment of freight, new innovations will arise and it is up to the industry parties involved to adapt with these and thrive in the long run.
April/May 2019 / Future Trucking & Logistics
29
INDUSTRY NEWS >>
My truck driver ‘braaied’ the truck battery M
y driver called me and advised that the truck’s battery was badly burnt. He sent photos and I couldn’t understand how a battery could be so badly damaged that the casing and cables had all melted. In my anger of course I said, “You had better have been braaiing some good steak!” Seriously, though, it’s important for customers to be aware that looking after the battery is a critical responsibility which falls to them. In this article I would like to point out a few things that can help customers avoid similar occurrences, albeit not as disastrous as ‘braaiing the battery’. Fire hazard Imagine a truck driver who has gone to collect a load at a mine, a significant distance away from everything. The driver may stop for a rest period and light a fire before retiring for the night. There is always a chance that the fire is close enough to transfer enough heat to melt the plastic casings and cables. Seldom will your driver admit to having lit a fire and will always blame the battery. Most trucks have their batteries exposed on the sides and are not covered. Drivers must avoid parking close to the veld where there is a fire risk. There should a significant amount of gravel around the truck to prevent flames from reaching it and any workshop or warehouse in which batteries are stored should be fireproofed. When using grinding or cutting discs in workshops, batteries should be stored safely away from flying
30 Future Trucking & Logistics / April/May 2019
sparks which could land on the battery and ignite the highly-flammable polypropylene. A battery in good condition normally breaks down water into hydrogen and oxygen gas but exists in equilibrium to allow a recombination reversible reaction to occur, forming water again. A faulty battery, however, is continuously releasing hydrogen gas and oxygen through the vents of the battery. If for any reason flames comes into contact with the hydrogen gas that is released, an explosion of the battery could potentially occur, and the customer can lose the battery completely. Checking levels Increased resistance in a battery which could be caused by low levels of acid coupled with increased concentration and viscosity of the electrolyte may also generate heat in a battery. It is imperative for those batteries that are not maintenance free, the correct acid levels are checked and maintained, and the specific gravity of the electrolyte is in line with that of a normal-functioning and charged battery (refer to supplier specifications). A very unfortunate incident would be to throw a lit cigarette on the battery by mistake which could end up lighting the cables and the battery. Conclusion The secret to long battery life is education. The bottom line is batteries that are burnt due to customer negligence will not be covered by the supplier warranty policy. So, remember, due care saves a dollar.
Truck 2019
Fleet 2019
3rd July 2019
Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit Sponsored by
For more info contact: Enver Lawangi – Email: enver@thefuture.co.za / Mobile: +27 (0)83 300 6003
www.truckx.co.za
www.shell.co.za