June/July 2019
Vol. 05. No. 03
Truck 2019
Conference & Expo
TATA truck proves its worth
Mahindra showcases full product range at NAMPO
UNDERSTANDING THE LABEL WHAT’S IN AN OIL?
Innovative fuels and lubricants Fuelling cleaner, more efficient fleets
DESTINATION :
SMARTER FUELS
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Contents
INDUSTRY NEWS 4
Students develop Innovative designs for Isuzu
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The fight against rhino poaching continues
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What’s new from ORBCOMM for TruckX 2019
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RFA calls for urgent action to secure safety of the trucking industry and its people
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New Volkswagen Group packaging centre opens
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Mahindra showcases full product range at NAMPO
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How telematics can help you save money
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TATA truck proves its worth
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CCBSA launches new smart trucks to promote road safety
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Understanding the label - What’s in an oil?
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New FAW 6.130 FL freight carrier impresses careful carriers
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Value for money, service levels impresses PA Stemmet Vervoer
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NitraLife nitrogen tyre inflation helps Heymans Kole ‘keep its cool’
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The right insurance will keep you trucking Publisher:
Richard Lendrum
Editor: Enver Lawangi enver@thefuture.co.za Production:
Mabel Ramafoko
Sub-editor:
Peggy Lendrum
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ow in its sixth year, TruckX is one of South Africa’s all-encompassing, premier events for the commercial transport industry. Designed to inform as well as entertain through focused exhibitions, product activations and conference, TruckX 2019 covers myriad aspects of interest to the country’s trucking, transport and fleet industries. Sponsored by Shell Fleet Solutions, the one-day event opens at the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit, Midrand, on Wednesday, July 03 2019. The conference features high-powered speaker line-ups and topics pertinent to the transport industry, while product displays and interactive events associated with each of the exhibitions are open to visitors. While there is no charge to attend TruckX 2019, registration is mandatory. You’ll find a Register Now button on the TruckX home page to facilitate your entry as a visitor. If you would like to attend the TruckX or FleetX Conference, the cost of each per delegate is R950 ex VAT – and again, you’ll find details of how to register on the TruckX home page. We look forward to seeing you at Kyalami on July 03 2019 for the biggest, best and most informative TruckX yet conceived! – The Future Group Organising Team.
© Copyright. All copyright for material appearing in this magazine belongs to Future Trucking & Logistics. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without written consent of the publisher. The views and opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publishers. While precautions have been taken to ensure the accuracy of advice and information given to readers, neither the editor, proprietors, nor the publishers, can accept any responsibility for any errors or omissions, or any effect arising therefrom.
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Imran Sayed Imran@thefuture.co.za Cell: 071 879 7992
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Greg Surgeon greg@thefuture.co.za Cell: 083 449 6137
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www.futuretrucking.co.za
INDUSTRY NEWS >>
Students develop Innovative designs for Isuzu Finding innovative solutions in the manufacturing environment is one of the key objectives of Isuzu Motors South Africa’s sponsorship of the Nelson Mandela University (NMU) Chair in Mechatronics Projects are aligned to the work covered in the various subjects at undergraduate level and assigned in groups to third-year and final-year students. In final-year the projects are perfected over the period of a year, whereas the third-year students do a half year project. Gorlach said the programme offers students valuable practical experience by exposing them to real-life industry problems and professional expertise. “We are grateful to Isuzu for continuing to support our programme as it is in the best interest of our students to collaborate with industry. Interaction with industry is also required for our accreditation by the Engineering Council,” said Gorlach.
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he Chair in Mechatronics, headed by Professor Igor Gorlach, facilitates engineering projects between the NMU Mechatronics Department and Isuzu. Gorlach said it is important to expose Mechatronics students to the real industrial world, so that they can be better prepared for the finalyear project. The students are tasked to find real solutions that improve the manufacturing processes. One such example is the universal trolleys which are used in the new truck assembly line at Isuzu’s Struandale plant in Port Elizabeth, which were conceptually designed by senior Mechatronics students. The universal trolley project is one of six innovative projects that the Mechatronics students developed for Isuzu, over the past two years. Isuzu Corporate Communications Manager, Gishma Johnson said the company supports the Chair to ensure an enhanced skills base in the industry through research and the development of unique and innovative solutions. “As a solutions-driven company, we are conscious about giving young people the opportunity to invent, create and innovate,” Johnson said. At the beginning of each academic year, new projects are identified in consultation with the engineering and production departments of Isuzu.
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The collaboration between the Mechatronics Engineering students and Isuzu often result in the implementation of these projects in the factory, sometimes in a redesigned, modified or adapted format,” said Gorlach. Other student projects included the design of a device for loading fuel tanks at the Isuzu truck assembly line, the design of a torqueing station for automatic transmissions for Isuzu bakkies, as well as developing a method to handle truck chassis. Some of these projects are being tested at the plant for future consideration. Furthermore, the Isuzu Merit Awards Ceremony takes place every year where the best project, best assignment and top students in each academic year receive cash prizes and trophies. The Isuzu Merit Awards are also a valuable accolade to place on their curriculum vitae when the students are considered for employment, once they have graduated. “Our students are in high demand in the workplace - locally and overseas. The practical component of solving challenges in a production or engineering environment, really adds to the level of students who graduate,” said Gorlach. The Mechatronics programme at Nelson Mandela University is the first and only university type engineering degree (BEng) offered in the Eastern Cape.
A Daimler Brand
The Arocs. A new class in distribution. From timber collection to furniture delivery, off the beaten track or on tarred roads, the new Arocs will make any transportation task easy. With innovative features, low overall running costs and greater safety, the new Arocs delivers the goods and savings on the bottom line, no matter what. It’s clear, when it comes to distribution, the new Arocs is in a class of its own. Visit www.mercedes-benz.co.za/trucks for more information.
INDUSTRY NEWS >>
The fight against rhino poaching continues Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles continues to support Wilderness Foundation Africa in the ongoing fight against rhino poaching with the sponsored Volkswagen Amaroks having driven more than one million kilometres since the start of the partnership in 2011
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ince 2010, there have been a total of 7 720 rhinos poached in South Africa. Last year alone, an average of 2 rhinos were poached every day in South Africa and it is in light of these harrowing statistics that Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has renewed its sponsorship and support of the Wilderness Foundation Africa’s fight against rhino poaching. ‘’The rhino plays a key role in the ecosystem and is also pivotal for our country’s eco-tourism. South Africa has the biggest concentration of rhino in the world, which we want to protect and preserve for generations to come and it is this reason that Volkswagen Commercial made a decision back in 2011 to support Wilderness Foundation Africa’s antipoaching activities,” said Andile Dlamini, Head of Volkswagen Group South Africa Communications. The Forever Wild Rhino Initiative provides logistical and operational support for conservation and law enforcement agencies responsible for rhino management and security. It is also involved in raising public awareness of the rhino poaching crisis in South Africa, managing a rhino anti-poaching tip off hotline as well as managing and implementing a rhino horn demand reduction campaign in Vietnam. Additional key activities of the Forever Wild Rhino Initiative include vehicle support, rhino rescue support, dog support, air support, intelligence gathering and specialist support, rhino syndicate investigations and Eastern Cape Rhino DNA collection.
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In the last eight years, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has supported the initiative through the sponsorship of Amarok pick-ups. The Amaroks have operated in South Africa’s rhino population hot spots in Kwa-Zulu Natal, Mpumalanga, North West, Eastern Cape and Western Cape. The R 2 million annual sponsorship sees Amaroks being used for on-the-ground protection of rhino populations, rhino and wildlife crime syndicate investigation support, rhino DNA collection, air support for rhino security and rhino monitoring, supporting of K9 units, treating rhino that have survived poaching incidents, education and awareness of the rhino poaching crisis and education of the youth from communities surrounding game reserves. This year, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles will also be supporting Wilderness Foundation Africa’s Rhino Horn Demand Reduction Campaign. This campaign aims to reduce the demand for rhino horn in Vietnam, which is one of the largest end-markets of illegal rhino horn. Wilderness Foundation Africa has been working with the youth in Vietnam since 2014 and this year 14 Vietnamese youth will be travelling to South Africa to take part in wilderness trails and workshops in Mfolozi Game Reserve. ‘’We are proud that for the past eight years, the Amaroks have driven more than one million kilometres protecting South Africa’s rhino population and are proud to continue supporting the important cause,” concluded Dlamini.
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March 2019 / Future Trucking & Logistics
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INDUSTRY NEWS >>
What’s new from ORBCOMM for TruckX 2019 Imperial Logistics supplies medical kits to Mozambique and Venezuela Join ORBCOMM at TruckX Conference and Expo to discover the latest in telematics for smart trucks, trailers, heavy equipment and cold chain solutions ORBCOMM is a global leader and innovator in the industrial Internet of Things, providing solutions that connect businesses to their assets to deliver increased visibility and operational efficiency. It provides complete and integrated fleet monitoring solutions for transportation and logistics that enable real-time visibility and control of transport assets as they move across the supply chain. Its fleet management monitoring and telematics solutions for trucks, refrigerated and dry trailers and multimodal containers deliver improvements in profitability, productivity, safety and compliance. At TruckX 2019, in the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit, ORBCOMM will showcase recent innovations, including truck management and in-cab camera solutions, versatile fleet management and trailer tracking solutions and our HACCP-compliant temperature recorders for cold chain operations. Visit ORBCOMM at Booth 3 at TruckX Conference and Expo to find out more. Truck Management and Driver Behaviour Monitoring ORBCOMM’s truck management solution consists of a comprehensive reporting platform, a telematic device, an in-cab driver interface, in-cab video cameras as well as sensors and peripherals that enable complete visibility of truck fleets and drivers for improved fleet and driver safety, adherence to driving hours, improved fuel economy, fuel theft prevention and reduced liability from false claims resulting from vehicle crashes. Secure Cold Chain Compliance: Temperature Recorders ORBCOMM will showcase the latest developments in its temperature recorder and transport refrigeration monitoring systems for reefers and
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straight trucks, with the Euroscan X3 temperature recorder and the HACCP-compliant Euroscan MX2 communication module. Both devices are ideally suited for cold chain maintenance and reliable transport refrigeration monitoring. They are GAMP 5 certified and the MX2 also meets HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) requirements. Trailer and Vehicle Tracking ORBCOMM’s asset tracking solutions enable visibility of fleets used in oil and gas, mining and transportation and distribution for improved safety and operational efficiency. Along with a powerful reporting platform and cellular, satellite and dual mode (satellite-cellular) telematics devices, ORBCOMM’s vehicle and trailer tracking solution extends connectivity to drivers, vehicles and cargoes in some of the most remote regions of the world for improved security, better customer service and streamlined operations. GT 1020 The GT 1020 is a new compact all-in-one telematics device designed for use in real-time multipleasset tracking applications in mining, construction and other demanding environments. Equipped with integrated LTE 4G/3G/2G cellular and GPS antennas, the GT 1020 will withstand extreme weather and environmental conditions such as dust, water, shock and vibration for uninterrupted connections and constant operation. The device is available as part of ORBCOMM’s turnkey FleetEdge solution, with APIs and integration tools also available to facilitate integration with proprietary and third-party applications.
INDUSTRY NEWS >>
RFA calls for urgent action to secure safety of the trucking industry and its people The Road Freight Association (RFA) requests urgent intervention by the Minister of Police to secure the safety of our drivers, vehicles and premises
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ince March 2018, a targeted attack on the freight industry has been orchestrated by the All Truck Drivers Foundation (ATDF) and its allies, in the name of foreign drivers “stealing their jobs”. There are verified reports of blatant intimidation, bullying and the threatening of drivers and companies who do not meet the demands of the ATDF and its allies. These demands are the immediate firing of all or any foreign nationals employed in a company, the immediate employment of individuals supplied by the ATDF, payment to the ATDF of R350 per person per month for each individual supplied by the ATDF and control over who a company employs. Should companies not comply, they are threatened with retaliation and the burning of trucks. Recently, shots have been fired at trucks. This campaign has resulted in the damage or total destruction of 1 200 vehicles (from bakkies to large trucks), the loss of 213 lives (verification on whether solely based on this action or not is still in process) at a cost of close to R1.2 billion to the economy (lost income for drivers and their families, loss & damage of vehicles, loss and damage to cargo, damage to infrastructure (roads, offices, depots), as well as loss of income to businesses.
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Some businesses will be forced to close down due to losses. The RFA urges the Minister of Police to: • prevent any further incidents (by utilising intelligence capacity), • arrest all known leaders, • arrest all perpetrators, • re-iterate government’s view that this is economic sabotage and that criminals will be harshly dealt with, • create a national task team to combat this situation. Our employee’s lives, our businesses and our economy are at stake Should there be no satisfactory evidence that the above is being implemented; the RFA reserves its rights to take whatever action is necessary to get government to take action. Should such a situation present itself, we will require that EACH and EVERY transporter join us in solidarity, in whatever actions we then take to safeguard our employees, our businesses and the economic future of our country.
Your Way To Save Fuel Numbers don’t lie. Rising fuel costs are tightening margins. It’s tough to take your business where you need it to be. New Quester introduces ESCOT automated manual transmission, which builds on the current Quester’s excellent fuel economy. Automated gear shifting makes all drivers more efficient, contributing to better drivability and helping you make the break towards greater profitability. A smart move for your business
Go to udtrucks.co.za, to locate your nearest dealer. Call our 24-Hour Roadside Assistance 0800 008 800 (in breakdown situations) Product in photograph is for illustration purposes only and is subject to stock availability.
Going the Extra Mile
INDUSTRY NEWS >>
New Volkswagen Group packaging centre opens Imperial Logistics has formally opened the new Volkswagen Group packaging centre which it is managing and operating at JadeWeserPort, Wilhelmshaven (Germany). The 40,000 sq. m facility took 9 months to complete
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round 200 representatives of local and state government, senior management of Volkswagen Group and Imperial Logistics, along with service partners and others, attended the grand opening, which included a tour of the highly-automated facility. Astrid Lühring, a member of the management board of Volkswagen Group Logistics, told the audience: “With the integration of the packaging centre in Wilhelmshaven, we have optimised our supply network and so reduced logistics costs for the supply of our overseas plants. During the tender process, Imperial Logistics provided a convincing materials flow concept, among other things. The Imperial Logistics team have done a very good job both during the project phase and since the start of operations.” Thomas Zernechel, head of Volkswagen Group Logistics, added: “The choice of Wilhelmshaven as a location is of strategic importance for Volkswagen Group. JadeWeserPort is the only deep-water port in Germany. With the location of the packaging site we have a direct link to a port, through which our parts can be transported using the largest vessels in the world.” Beatrice Liedtke, site manager at Wilhelmshaven for Imperial Logistics International, told those present: “This packaging centre complements the supply network of the Volkswagen Group’s
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overseas plants and ensures an optimal supply. The responsibility associated with this motivates us daily. We regard automotive logistics as the king of all logistics, for good reason. In no other sector must the links in the supply chain mesh so precisely.” Imperial Logistics International chief executive officer, Hakan Bicil concluded: “The same wonderful teamwork, which meant that this new packaging centre was finished on time, will continue here in the JadeWeserPort for years to come. More than 500 of our employees will consolidate components of the different Volkswagen brands; and store them, pack them, load them into containers and send them all over the world.” The new packaging centre comprises four halls occupying an area of over 40,000 sq. m. It will receive around 7,000 different Audi, Volkswagen and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles parts lines from plants throughout Europe. These will then be stored, picked, packed and containerised for shipment. Outbound shipments will be dispatched to over 30 locations in 13 countries including Mexico, China and the United States. Annual output is expected to exceed 11,000 40’ high cube containers (22,000 TEU). Imperial Logistics also provides logistics support to Volkswagen Group at ten other locations in Germany, Poland, Hungary and South Africa, employing a combined workforce of 3,600.
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.
INDUSTRY NEWS >>
Mahindra showcases full product range at NAMPO • Range of automotive products - pickups and SUVs • Showcasing the new special edition Mahindra pick up S6 SC Kalahari • India’s most fuel efficient TLB and the versatile motor grader on display • The ultra-silent Mahindra Powerol diesel generator • The newly launched Mahindra range of tractors and implements
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ahindra South Africa showcased its full range of products, including its generators, pick-ups and SUVs, construction equipment and now - for the first time - its range of newly launched tractors and farming implements, to the public at the recent NAMPO Agricultural Trade Show in Bothaville, Free State. One of the largest drawcards was be Mahindra’s range of pick-ups and SUVs, including several special edition models that are on display for the first time in South Africa. Taking centre stage was the Pick Up S6 Kalahari, an eye-catching single cab special edition Mahindra Pick-Up with the choice of 4x2 or 4x4 transmission. The Kalahari is kitted with front and rear replacement bumpers from BTM and special custom off-road alloys from A Line fitted with 235R70 16” dualpurpose tyres. The S6 Kalahari also has a tonneau cover, a roll bar and side steps as standard and is fitted with a chrome accent grille, which is similar to that on the S10 Karoo and S11 Scorpio. A custom-designed S6 Kalahari decal set rounds off the visual additions. “With the Pik Up now locally manufactured, we are able to develop special edition models that fit our customers’ tastes, while still keeping our affordable prices. With that in mind, the S6 Kalahari is available at R279 999 for the 4x2 Single Cab and R322 999 for the 4x4 Single Cab,” says Rajesh Gupta, CEO of Mahindra South Africa. “It is very fitting to launch the S6 Kalahari at NAMPO, as it celebrates our first year of local Pik Up production. We have proudly built over 1 500 new Pik Up models in Durban since officially opening the plant in May last year.” Mahindra has also unveiled a special Farmer’s Kit. The kit, which can be fitted to a Pik Up,
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bundles several of the most popular optional extras requested by farmers into an affordable special kit. The kit includes cattle rails, a front wrap-around replacement bumper and a rear replacement bumper and a snorkel. Pricing for a Pik Up with Farmer’s Kit starts at R219 999 Rounding off the special edition Pik Ups on show is the S10 Karoo, a very popular flagship model launched earlier this year. The Pik Up range is joined by a new S11 Scorpio Adventure. It is the Scorpio Adventure’s first viewing at NAMPO and it boasts a Bundu Gear tow bar and nudge bar, a custom-designed roof rack, unique 17” alloy wheels and a rain visor set. Mahindra has also added special Dirtbuster carpets, for added off road functionality. The S11 Adventure is available at R329 999. Mahindra also unveiled several other special editions offered show specials on vehicles and equipment to NAMPO visitors. The Mahindra THAR boasted two different special editions at NAMPO. The first, the THAR Adventure, was unveiled recently and has sold very well, thanks to its inclusion of special offroad bumpers, a steel canopy, a snorkel and offroad rims and tyres.
The Adventure is joined by a Hun-Thar, which was created in response to enquiries from the hunting community and offers off-road alloy wheels and tyres, a snorkel and a hunting frame with gun rest. The Hun-Thar is available from R262 999. Alongside the range of vehicles, Mahindra had several sales and after-sales specials at NAMPO. The company first unveiled its range of tractors to the media at the start of May and will showcase the full range of tractors and implements at the show, which is specifically targeted at the agricultural community. Mahindra is world’s No 1 tractor manufacturer by volume and is parent to several well-known brands, including Mahindra, Erkunt and Mitsubishi tractors, Hisarlar implements and Sampo Rosenlew combine harvesters. All Mahindra tractor models feature very durable turbodiesel engines, and farmers can expect a heavy-duty cast iron chassis, the choice of twoand four-wheel drive, a two-speed power take-off system (PTO) and Mahindra’s proprietary Easy Shift synchromesh gearbox. All models are sold with a standard 2-year / 2 500hour drivetrain warranty and prices start at R432 995, including VAT, for the 6000 series model and R297 995, including VAT, for the 7500 model. “In regions such as India and North America, Mahindra has become a best seller because of its combination of durability, ease of use and ease of maintenance. In our real-world testing on South African farms, we found that local farmers expect the same qualities in their tractors, so we believe that they will be equally popular here,” says Gupta.
such as tillers, feeders, planters, mulchers and shredders. Later during the year, Mahindra plans to launch a range of Sampo Rosenlew Combine Harvesters. Sampo is a Finnish company that is worldrenowned for its modern harvesters. It is a market leader in both hot and cold climates. All the above will now be available to farmers through its agriculture retail partner, MB Plant South Africa. Mahindra’s tractors and other farming equipment represent its fourth distinct business in South Africa. Starting with its range of pick-ups and SUVs in 2004, Mahindra has since also launched its Powerol range of industrial power generators and its Mahindra Earth Master yellow metal construction vehicles, which include a highly efficient Tractor-Loader-Backhoe (TLB) and a Motor Grader. For Mahindra, the NAMPO Harvest Festival holds a special place in its almost 15-year history in South Africa. When it first launched in the country, it showed its range of pick-ups and SUVs at this show and it has since built a large customer base among farmers. “The farming community holds a very special place for us. Local farmers first supported us when we launched our vehicle range in 2004 and they remain one of our largest customer groups,” says Gupta.
While the range of Mahindra tractorstook centre stage at NAMPO, Mahindra also showcased many of its other implements and other farming products. These include Mahindra and Hisarlar implements
June/July 2019 / Future Trucking & Logistics
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INDUSTRY NEWS >>
How telematics can help you save money South African businesses are facing increasingly high demands on their budgets prompting businesses to save money wherever possible
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elematics is one tool that can help business fleets save in various ways. Estimates suggest that businesses can see cost-savings of up to 10% when making use of the benefits of technology. This is how telematics can help with cost-savings. Save on fuel International oil prices and the unpredictable Rand/ Dollar exchange rate could have resulted in a small decrease in the petrol price in June but Carbon Tax is due to be added this month. This means motorists will only see a 1c decrease in petrol and a 24c increase in diesel. The managing director of Legratron Electronics, Itumeleng Matshego, says consequently, the data from telematics can identify drivers who are not driving economically. “You can use this data to implement interventions, such as training or disciplinary procedures, to improve your drivers’ behaviour. Geo-fence technology can also assist in saving fuel by improving route planning or by diverting the nearest vehicle to customers for unexpected visits.” Save on the cost of crashes Even small bumper bashings can have serious consequences for your company. “Information provided by telematics can identify problematic drivers and decide how to improve this. By reducing the number of crashes in an organisation you save on the cost of damage to vehicle, injuries to employees and downtime from the crash. You can also potentially avoid the tragedy of serious accidents,” says Matshego.
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Save on maintenance Knowing when your drivers practice bad driving habits is not only important to save on fuel and prevent accidents, it can also reduce maintenance costs. “Harsh acceleration or braking, and incorrect clutch control all drive up maintenance costs. Fleet managers who do not obtain data on their fleet’s driving habits will be replacing brake pads, tyres and clutches much sooner and more often than necessary. “Conversely, if you identify these mistakes you take corrective measures and avoid costly maintenance repairs above the normal services and repairs. It can also help you avoid the cost of downtime when vehicles are out of commission,” says Matshego. Optimise utilisation of resources Telematics data provides accurate pictures of how and when your vehicles are being used. “You can reduce time wasted by drivers who take unnecessarily longer routes, use company vehicles and time for personal errands or use ineffective route planning. With a geo-fence boundary, you are immediately alerted when vehicles are being misused. “Geo-fence technology of telematics can also help you reduce the unnecessary wastage of resources and time when responding to unexpected customer requests. For example, if a customer requires an emergency visit, the technology can help you determine who is in the vicinity and can respond the fastest and without driving up and down. It can also indicate that even though driver A is nearest, driver B can arrive faster as there is less traffic on their route,” says Matshego.
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January 2018 / Future Trucking & Logistics
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INDUSTRY NEWS >>
TATA truck proves its worth With more than 1, 1-million kilometres on its odometer, a Tata 8 tonne dropside that’s used as a maximum-load workhorse is well into its second decade of delivering exceptional service for Meyerton-based animal feedstock manufacturer, HiPerformance Feeds
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hen Charles Waller and his father decided in 2007 to buy a Tata 1518 for their business, they didn’t believe that, more than a decade later, the vehicle would still be capable of hauling maximum eight-ton loads on a daily basis across Gauteng, the Free State and Mpumalanga. Sitting in the boardroom in an office complex at the family farm and animal feed factory near Meyerton – the walls adorned by an array of certificates which attest to his achievements as the local Chamber of Commerce’s Businessman of the Year – Waller says that buying the Tata was one of the best return-oninvestment decisions he and his dad have ever made. “Without the truck, we wouldn’t have been able to expand the operational capacity of Hi-Performance Feeds as effectively as we have,” he says. “The vehicle has played a vital part in the company’s growth – and, though it’s now covered more than 1,1-million kilometres, it’s still working as hard as it ever did.” On those grounds he and his father have decided that, with the business still expanding, they’ve got good reason to add a second Tata to their delivery fleet – the latest Tata 8 tonne dropside. “It’s an easy decision,” he says. “Before buying our first Tata, my dad and I had tried various brands. Despite being more expensive, none of the vehicles lived up to our expectations. The low cost of ownership and the latest 5 year/500 000km warranty ensured that we made the right decision. “When we told people, we had decided on a Tata many thought we were making a mistake. But we had done a lot of research, for us affordability was a key factor, but so was the brand’s reputation for reliability and efficiency. “We were looking for a truck that would prove robust and economical; that would be easy to manoeuvre in and out of tight spaces; that would be quick to load and off-load; that would carry eight tons of feed three or four times a day, five days a week, and not break down; that would cope with inner city routes as efficiently as it would with open road driving.
“In all the years that we’ve had it, the Tata 8 tonner has excelled in all of those areas. The engine is brilliant. It has never been opened – and neither has the diff.” “Major services and routine maintenance are left to the local dealer. We’ve been impressed by the high levels of dedication Tata Meyerton has shown – turnaround times are quick, which is vital to our business. In our promise to farmers we undertake to deliver feed within 24 hours of orders being received. We can’t afford to miss a deadline because the truck is stuck in a workshop.” For the most part, the Tata plies routes from Meyerton to Stilfontein, Klerksdorp, Magaliesberg, Hammanskraal and Kriel, and also delivers feedstock to retail outlets in Johannesburg and Pretoria. For 90 percent of its service life it has been piloted by only two drivers. “Each of them finds the truck comfortable,” says Waller, adding: “In that respect, they say it’s much better than any of the equivalent rival brands they have driven.” Though he and his father have decided to buy a new Tata, they have no intention of trading in or selling the original. “I’d like to have it repainted and the interior refurbished,” says Charles. “When we bought the vehicle, we had no idea that it would serve us so well for so long. If you’d asked me in 2007 whether I thought the truck would last for 12 years I probably would have said no – now I’m looking to at least a 20-year lifespan, perhaps even more. So, the plan is to have it repainted and branded with Hi-Performance Feeds’ new 3D logos and to spruce up the cabin.” He reiterates that the truck has played a pivotal role in growing the company. “It’s definitely contributed to our expansion – and it’s proved exceptionally cost effective to run and maintain. “It has served us incredibly well and continues to do so. I’ll tell anyone who asks – Tatas are great. In my experience, the brand’s reputation for delivering uptime is well justified. This truck proves it.”
June/July 2019 / Future Trucking & Logistics
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INDUSTRY NEWS >>
CCBSA launches new smart trucks to promote road safety Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa (CCBSA) today launches a five-year pilot project to run a 44-pallet performance-Based standard (PBS) trailer between Bloemfontein and Upington. The launch took place at Gutsche Plant, in Hamilton, Bloemfontein CCBSA and the Department of Transport are exploring a partnership aimed at designing, manufacturing and operating a number of projects to demonstrate the performance-based standards concept, and the positive impact it could have on South Africa’s logistics industry from multiple perspectives, especially safety and productivity.
CCBSA Logistics Director, Flora Jika speaking at the launch of the 44-pallet Performance-Based Standard (PBS) trailer
As part of this partnership, CCBSA has made available two of its state-of-the-art simulator trucks to the Department for one day a week for the purpose of training truck and bus drivers across the country. These simulator trucks are used by CCBSA to train its own drivers, including those who will be driving the new performance-based standards vehicles.
he PBS trailer is 27.9 metres long and can transport 44 pallets, as compared with the conventional 30-pallet trailer. This truck is expected to reduce road traffic and improve safety, while also enhancing productivity for CCBSA. It is projected to reduce the number of loads that will need to be transported along this route by 78%.
“CCBSA views safety as a non-negotiable in our business, which is why we are collaborating with the Department to test the performance-based standard vehicles and making our simulators available to a wider group than just our own drivers, and we are very excited by the potential of this project to redefine safety and productivity in the road-freight industry in this country,” Jika said
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“As CCBSA, this pilot project is part of an ongoing programme for us to continuously develop new ways of delivering to our customers while contributing towards managing the heavy traffic on South Africa’s road infrastructure - to minimise damage, improve safety and to reduce congestion,” said CCBSA Logistics Director, Flora Jika. According to Jika, this approach uses performance-based standards, which specify the performance required of a heavy vehicle on particular routes, bearing in mind both safety and the nature of the road infrastructure itself. “Performance-based standards provide greater leeway for vehicle designers to come up with innovative ideas Trucks and trailers designed in this way are often called “smart trucks”, Jika added.
20 Future Trucking & Logistics / June/July 2019
The PBS trailer is 27.9 metres long and can transport 44 pallets
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Understanding the label What’s in an oil? As the invisible partner enabling us on life’s journeys do we truly understand what the differences in the various oils are, what the labels on our oil cans mean, and what exactly they do for our engines?
O
il is undoubtedly the lifeblood of your car. If the wrong oil is used, the engine is at risk of increased wear and corrosion. Formation of blockages can also lead to engine seizure. However, by making use of Shell Helix oil in the engine, you can carry on motoring Anton Niemann with confidence and experience the feeling that your car has just been serviced – all for less than the cost of a tank of fuel. By cleaning the engine, oils are designed to clear away dirt, debris and deposits from engine components and to prevent blockages in important oil ways. The oil helps to lock up the dirt and render it harmless until it is removed at the next oil change. “By reducing friction and minimising wear – premium lubricants such as Shell Helix oils form a protective
22 Future Trucking & Logistics / June/July 2019
film over your engine components and have special additives that act between the moving surfaces to prevent contact and reduce drag,” explains Anton Niemann, General Manager Lubricants at Shell Downstream South Africa. “This helps your engine to operate as quietly and effectively as the designers intended.” Conventional mineral vs synthetic Innovation and research has evolved to include synthetic and fully-synthetic lubricants to the oil shelf that once only stocked conventional mineral type oils. Many would have heard the terms synthetic oil or conventional mineral oil, but do we understand the differences? While most new vehicles would require synthetic oils, older models would be able to make use of the conventional mineral and somewhat regular lubricant. In a synthetic form, the engine lubricant consists of a base oil, powder additives, and a carrier oil that enables the even distribution of the additives. And while both synthetic and conventional mineral oils are derived from highly refined crude oil, the differences lie in their level of refinement.
The refinement process allows for the scientists who create the oil the complete control over the lubricant’s molecular size as well as its purity. These factors are crucial in ensuring that they create a chemical which lowers friction, reduces engine sludge, and increases overall engine performance. Mineral motor oil is the fraction of naturally occurring crude oil with the right properties for lubricating engines. Synthetic oil is generally considered the premium blend oil. It is designed for performance. However, that same manufacturing process makes it more expensive.
to provide adequate lubrication; however at the same time, it must be thin enough to flow through the system.
“Shell Helix semi-synthetic or ‘synthetic technology’ oils make use of both synthetic and mineral base stocks to achieve higher performance levels than can be formulated from mineral oils alone,” adds Niemann. “Our revolutionary fully-synthetic motor oil is made from natural gas, not crude like other synthetics and designed to give you the ultimate performance.”
Apparent on the majority of credible multigrade engine oils, two sets of numbers are usually present. The first number is typically a 0, 5, 15, 20, or 25; followed by a W representing winter; while second number is for the viscosity in hot summer conditions and temperatures, and it may be represented by the numbers 20, 30, 40, 50 or 60.
“The technological advantages associated with synthetic lubricants are numerous. These include aspects such as the uniform molecular size of the lubricant means less friction; improved fuel consumption; greater function in cold and extreme weather conditions; and the additives boost overall protection as well as cleaning engine internals.” There is however a lot of confusion from the majority of the public as to which oil is the correct one for their vehicles and applications, and with a lot of numbers appearing on the bottle, do we really know the meaning behind these?
“For example, a common lubricant grade may be considered as a 5W-30, with the 5W showing a viscosity rating of 5 when the engine internals are cold,” he says. “This rating is considered rather thin when compared to others, and will begin to flow even before the engine has warmed up. The second number, in this case 30, is the viscosity rating once the engine is warm, with the 30 rating proving not too thin to provide adequate lubrication for the internal components of the engine.”
What do the numbers mean? While vehicle manufacturers will indicate the specific engine oil required for the correct operation of your vehicle, at times, the DIY mechanic may not be all too aware which lubricant to choose. It is essential to consider an engine oil that is endorsed by the American Petroleum Institute (API), and given a rating which would met the OEM quality standards. This said, the crucial factor to be aware of is the viscosity rating of the oil. The viscosity of a motor oil is determined by how thick it is. The oil must be thick enough to adhere to the components as it passes by
“An engine lubricant is given a viscosity grade based on how it operates within a variety of temperatures,” comments Niemann. “It is imperative that it operate as intended in both heat and cold environment. It is for this reason amongst others that many modern oils have viscosity index improver additives included to ensure that it maintains the correct thickness for hot and cold temperature.”
It is imperative to make use of the correct engine lubricant in order to avoid internal damage and to ensure that the internals of an engine ore lubricated and in correct operating order. The resultant factor is making use of the incorrect oil with an incorrect viscosity will shorted the life or an engine due to an increase of metal-to-metal friction. This in turn will result in serious damage to engine components, which will most definitely require costly repairs. “It is for this very reason that Shell has launched the Shell LubeMatch tool on its website which allows consumers the ability to research exactly which engine oil is the correct lubricant for their specific vehicle,” concludes Niemann.
June/July 2019 / Future Trucking & Logistics
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INDUSTRY NEWS >>
New FAW 6.130 FL freight carrier impresses careful carriers Leading South African Logistics Company, Careful Carriers, has been using a FAW 6.130 FL Freight Carrier truck since the latter part of 2018 to transport full and part loads across South Africa and into Botswana and Lesotho, racking up over 40 000 kilometres in the process “We have familiarity with this truck’s components, as we have various 8.140 models already in service, we also like the fact that the vehicle is assembled in South Africa. FAW South Africa is a proudly South African brand that creates hundreds of local job opportunities,” he motivates. In business for over 30 years, Careful Carriers operates a mixed fleet of 75 vehicles - from 1-tonners to 34-tonners - across South Africa and into SADC countries, Botswana and Lesotho.
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he FAW 6.130 FL is a brand new medium commercial vehicle from FAW South Africa. Like the successful FAW 8.140 range from which it is derived, the FAW 6.130 FL is also equipped with a Cummins ISF engine, although in this guise it has a reduced maximum payload of 4.6 tons. The truck was provided to Careful Carriers in Lanseria by FAW Isando, with dealer principle Johan du Plessis and sales executive, Christopher Naidoo, expertly handling the logistics and delivery of the test vehicle. “The FAW 6.130 FL has fit our needs perfectly, from full loads to a single pallet,” says Braam Lottering, operations director at Careful Carriers from the company’s Johannesburg head office. “The truck has no complicated fuel systems or electronics and when it’s had to be serviced, the jobs have each been completed within a working day, keeping downtime to a minimum.” With service intervals of 15 000km, the FAW 6.130 FL has been serviced twice so far - once at FAW Randburg and once at FAW in Spartan, Johannesburg. “We are achieving 8.5km/l in fuel consumption and the truck is comfortable to drive,” continues Lottering. “The other big plus is the fact that the engine is produced by Cummins,” he explains.
24 Future Trucking & Logistics / June/July 2019
While specialising in fragile loads shipping, it also provides supply chain management and warehousing services and counts leading corporates Coca-Cola, SAB and major South African retailers among its many clients. Careful Carriers is no stranger to the FAW brand, having happily operated FAW 8.140’s for some time already. “We are happy with how the FAW 8.140’s has performed and now we want to add FAW’s to our 4-ton fleet,” he confirms. Lottering says learning to drive the FAW 6.130 FL has also been a straightforward process for the company’s drivers, many of whom have been with Careful Carriers for 10 years or more, due to the similarity between the FAW 6.130 FL and the FAW 8.140 models. “We’ve had no complaints from our drivers at all; the vehicle is light on fuel and easy to drive and has enough power for our application. We consider the FAW 6.130 FL to be the new benchmark truck in this segment of the market.” Reflecting on the state of the transport industry in general, Lottering says the price of fuel is a huge issue and the addition of more fuel levies, as well as the Carbon Tax, are making it tougher than ever to thrive. “This makes the FAW 6.130 FL an even stronger buying proposition for us,” Lottering concludes.
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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.
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Value for money, service levels impresses PA Stemmet Vervoer Boksburg’s PA Stemmet Vervoer started out in 1996, focusing on hazardous goods transportation
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oday it provides transport services for all goods - except livestock and furniture - in and around the Gauteng, North West, Mpumalanga, Free state, Limpopo and Kwazulu-Natal provinces. The company operates a mixed fleet in excess of 20 trucks, the majority of which haul tautliner trailers across six of the country’s nine provinces. Typically completing a number of smaller deliveries in and around various towns in South Africa, the company’s trucks usually cover around 5 000km every month. The company has recently added three more Daewoo Maximus KL3TX truck tractors to its fleet, which brings to five the number of Daewoo’s in its daily operation. Owner of the company, Piet Stemmet, explains: “In 2018 I needed two new vehicles for my fleet, and, through prior knowledge of the Cummins ISX 475 engine and Eaton Ultrashift gearbox combination, I decided to purchase two Daewoo Maximus KL3TX truck tractors. I was 100% satisfied with the professional service I received, and the competitive transaction offered. As they say, the rest is history,” he adds. Daewoo Maximus trucks are powered by Cummins ISX 480 engines and feature either an 18-speed Eaton Ultrashift Plus AMT constant mesh transmission or 12-speed ZF Astronic AMT syncro mesh transmission. PA Stemmet makes use of the latter. The initial two Daewoo trucks the company bought are now a year old and have been performing well in terms of fuel economy, power, comfort and, most importantly, reliability and uptime. He adds that the Daewoo trucks are easy to drive, with comfortable airsuspended seats and above average ride quality. “We haven’t experienced any mechanical problems and, combined with all the above-mentioned attributes, I decided to increase my Daewoo fleet.
26 Future Trucking & Logistics / June/July 2019
The standard warranty of three years or 600 000km is a great comfort to me and shows the confidence Daewoo Trucks South Africa has in their product,” continues Mr Stemmet. “But what I appreciate most is the excellent Korean craftsmanship, combined with the fantastic drivetrain; a renowned power feature in the South African transport industry. We benefit from the high torque (2 509Nm) and horsepower (354kW) in these trucks, which means more revenue for my company and a happy driver behind the wheel,” he explains. Apart from great value for money, Mr Stemmet says he is delighted with the after sales support offered by Daewoo Trucks South Africa. Daewoo Assist, a 24/7 call centre is in place to assist with any issues that might arise on the road and parts are always available from the dedicated Daewoo parts facility. In fact, there are 91 touch points dedicated to serving the brand throughout the country. Mr Stemmet is also impressed with the fact that servicing of his Daewoo trucks can be done on a Saturday, if required. He believes that personal relationships in the transport business are vital to one’s success. “Willie Froneman (product sales manager at Daewoo Trucks South Africa) sorts out everything for us. I’ve known him for 10 years; he knows this product and he knows the transport industry well.” Mr Stemmet is a friendly, proud man and he’s equally proud of his trucks, which are kept spotlessly clean at all times. “It’s not easy to keep them clean but clean trucks help to secure more business for us. People phone us just to tell us how good our trucks look,” he enthuses. “Daewoo Maximus is definitely my truck of the future,” he concludes.
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NitraLife nitrogen tyre inflation helps Heymans Kole ‘keep its cool’ The world of commercial heavy transportation is highly competitive with new companies entering – and leaving – the industry constantly important to ‘keep your finger on the pulse at all times’,” he points out. The geographic footprint that Heymans Kole services is very extensive. This includes Gauteng, the North West Province, Kwa-Zulu Natal, Limpopo as well as Mozambique, Zimbabwe and right through to the north of Zambia. Koch explains that customer service is dependent upon absolute reliability. To ensure ‘on time, every time’ deliveries, Heymans Kole replaces vehicles in its fleet every four years or every 600,000 km travelled.
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he world of commercial heavy transportation is highly competitive with new companies entering – and leaving – the industry constantly. Heymans Kole, a transportation company based in Standerton, is one that has outlasted many. In fact, under the leadership of entrepreneur Gert Koch, this operation has grown and prospered. He explains that he did not found Heymans Kole, as it was established in the 1950’s by a Mr. Heymans. In 1981, Koch joined the company, working for the transportation company until 1996, when he acquired the company. Since then, the development of the company has been remarkable. “When I bought the business we had just 8 trucks. Today, we have three fully equipped branches, a depot in Durban and we operate a total of 150 modern trucks,” says Koch. Asked what factors have driven this remarkable growth, Koch explains that first and foremost, Heymans Kole is dedicated to serving its customers. “No matter the time of day, we are always here for our customers,” he advises, adding that another important factor is the unblemished integrity of the company. “It is also
28 Future Trucking & Logistics / June/July 2019
“Strict maintenance is a crucial and integral part of our operational ethos: trucks in our fleet are serviced every 40,000 km without fail. Annually, we send our trucks to the OEM for a major service,” he explains. However, when it comes to the maintenance of the company’s many trailers, this is handled in-house. At each of the company’s three branches situated in Standerton, Hectorspruit and Polokwane there are fully equipped workshops staffed by a total of 11 trained and experienced technicians. The company’s policy of renewing its truck fleet regularly also has benefits - in that the vehicles operate under warrantees on engines, gearboxes and drivetrains - and Heymans Kole does not have to do major overhauls. Part of the company’s maintenance policy involves sound ongoing care of the tyres on its vehicles. “The cost of tyres is second only to the cost of diesel, and so it makes sense for us to look after our rubber carefully,” Koch continues. For this reason, 10 years ago, Heymans Kole invested in its first nitrogen generator from the pioneers of nitrogen generation in South Africa, NitraLife. This
was installed at its Standerton branch. As the company expanded, additional nitrogen generators have been installed at its other branches. “In 2008, we started investigating ways in which to reduce our tyre costs and nitrogen tyre inflation was an obvious option. It was then that we contacted NitraLife,” he explains. The benefits for Heymans Kole are that its trucks are getting many more kilometres out of their new tyres because they are running cooler. This improved performance also extends to the re-tread tyres that the company uses. “With nitrogen inflation, the pressure in tyres remains more constant, as nitrogen leaks out through tyre walls much more slowly than oxygen. At Heymans Kole, the company places great emphasis on correct tyre pressures and no truck leaves one of its yards without being checked carefully first,” states NitraLife GM, Twayne Stewart. “Our drivers are all equipped with tyre pressure gauges, so when they are on the road they can check the tyre pressures regularly as well,” Koch adds, explaining that he has noticed that tyre failures have decreased notably since Heymans Kole started inflating its tyres with nitrogen.
“In our business, turnaround times are very important and having trouble-free tyres means consistently faster turnaround times,” he elaborates. “In addition, having our tyres inflated with nitrogen means greater peace of mind, as we can avoid downtime and the problems associated with having vehicles stuck next to the side of the road.” Asked about the service he has received from NitraLife, Koch comments: “In our 10 years of working with NitraLife, we found them to be very cooperative and of considerable assistance when we wanted nitrogen generators installed at our other branches. They were able to advise us on the correct choice and installation of nitrogen generators. And their after-sales service is also very good.” Commenting on behalf NitraLife, Managing Director Tom Sowry concludes: “We have been very proud over the past decade to be able to contribute to the growth of Heymans Kole. We look forward to the next 10 years of being able of making a further contribution to this progressive company’s future prosperity.”
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The right insurance will keep you trucking T
rucks are the lifeblood of South Africa, and truckers are the unsung heroes who spend hours behind the steering wheels of their vehicles delivering loads ranging from, farm produce to hazardous chemicals across the country, 365-days a year. While doing so, they face several hazards which are not necessarily only confined to road conditions or adverse weather.
• Failing to fully insure trailers and goods in transit and make provision for towing or alternative transport of the goods in transit could be more costly than anticipated. The cost of a breakdown on a long-haul route could include damage to goods in transit and penalties related to perishables expiring before they can be delivered. These factors should, therefore, be insured against.
Truck owners and drivers have to grapple with a number of challenges ranging from road accidents to crime-related incidents like hijacking and theft of goods, to unforeseen roadside emergencies. All these events make insuring a single commercial vehicle or fleet something that has to be carefully considered.
• Insuring a truck at retail value and not covering a potential financing shortfall in the case of a vehicle being written off, could result in a significant loss. It is also worth noting that the specific body type of the truck needs to be specified to ensure that the vehicle is covered for its full value. A truck that is insured for retail value based on the make and model provided to the insurer only relates to the chassis cab and the specific body type and other extras like cooling units or hydraulic lifts need to be specified. • Losing a load that is not insured can be enough of a catastrophe — finding out that the company is then also liable for clean-up costs and repairing damages caused to infrastructure by a vehicle, could be a financial knock-out punch.
The temptation for business owners who are operating in an industry where costs are high, competition is fierce, and margins are getting thinner, is to cut back on costs. More often than not, one of the first line items often to be targeted as a cost saving mechanism is insurance. This could solve an immediate cash flow crisis but could be disastrous in the long-term against the following scenarios: • The hijacking of a truck and its contents is still one of the most devastating risk facing South African truckers. With losses totalling close to R3 billion* a year, this is a risk no business owner would want to carry. Being underinsured or not insured at all, could put a small operator out of business. • A standard commercial insurance policy will not cover you when your driver doesn’t comply with the terms of the policy, even if it was without your knowledge. For example, driving under the influence of alcohol or driving with a fake licence. Taking Driver Dishonesty Cover will cover you against loss, damage, injury and liability that would otherwise have been excluded.
30 Future Trucking & Logistics / June/July 2019
The most important thing to consider is that a standard insurance package may be appealing because of its cost, but not all transport operations are the same. When you are in the trucking business, it is important that you ask, ‘what if?’, apply various scenarios to your operation and then get expert advice to tailor solutions that suit your business. Cutting back on insurance to increase profitability could provide short-term gains. At its worst, however, it could be a decision that places the company in an untenable financial position. Contact MiWay to help you find the right business insurance cover for your business.
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